At the very first Yoga with Adriene meet-up in New York City on April 13, 2014, Adriene said, “I wanted everyone to get their money’s worth with REBOOT, so we made a little Facebook group to add to the package. We weren’t expecting anything. Certainly not this.”
Who would have thought that a little Facebook group would have turned into this kula?
KULA. (Sanskrit). A troop, a family residence, a gang (rock and roll!), a flock, a clan, herd, body, race, tribe, house, guild, a soul family, the embodied cosmos flowing from one body to another, community.
YOGA. (Sanskrit): To join, to unite, connection, unity.
Yoga is unity.
Kula is community.
CommUNITY.
Kula is yoga.
(Cue: “Finkle is Einhorn! Einhorn is Finkle!”)
The kula started in January 2014 with the first launch of REBOOT and the few less-shy folks began posting:
“Just finished day 1 and I loved it. Perfect mix of challenge and ease... Roll on the next 28 days! I look forward to sharing this experience with you all!” - Laura
I remember feeling indifferent to the Facebook group. Back then, the kula was named, “REBOOT,” and for about a week or two, I didn’t post at all. I did not care about a Facebook group of people who probably didn’t care about my life. I didn’t make a peep. I did my practice. I felt the healing happening. I learned to nurture myself. I didn’t say a word.
...BUT,
Everyday during that freezing cold January in 2014, I laid out my yoga mat, I read the daily emails, I did my practice, and I read what members of the kula would post daily. Photos, quick messages of love, of frustration, of inquiry everyday. Slowly, we began to connect. Names became familiar. Faces became recognizable.
“I’m happy I joined this group. I don’t know why, but I feel supported.” - Lisa
We were all at different places in our practice. Some began yoga with REBOOT and with the kula. Some were seasoned yogis looking to get back into a stable home practice. Others wanted accountability in order to keep their New Year’s Resolutions. We began to learn about each other. We were from many different countries, with many walks of life. Different cultures, religions, ideas, all in one spirit, connecting on social media. I began to care deeply about these people, whom I had never met. Soon, we were a thriving small group, encouraging one another, checking in daily. It felt like home.
We started to grow together. Every new member added, every new greeting and introduction, every new photo posted, every new announcement, every new “My crow has flown,” every new post begging for healing love and energy... ALL of it was a new shoot in the kula’s garden. And so with no future in mind, we were left to grow organically.
We are now many shoots in a pretty, lovely garden.
Many of us have connected outside of the group, in private messages and on skype. Many have shared their art, music, and crafts with each other. We have sent each other cards, notes, and gifts. We have supported each other’s businesses, writings, blogs, ideas, and some have even met in person. What a blessing it is to be apart of something so real.
“This group and everyone and everything is beautiful.” - Sarah
We have lived our lives together. We have become mothers and fathers. We have loved and fallen out of love. We have married, we have separated. We have lost loved ones. We have moved across countries. We have quit jobs. We have started new careers. We have graduated school. We have grieved our pets and adopted new pets. We have been frustrated, angry, hurt, and bitter. We have been joyful, peaceful, blessed and at ease. We have thought negative thoughts about ourselves. We have judged ourselves. We have shared our wisdom. We have shared intimate thoughts. We have broken a sweat. We have engaged our muscles. We have lost our balance. We have watched seasons come and go. We have gotten older. Our hearts have played many beats. We have breathed. In and out.
In and out.
Together.
This is kula.
This is yoga.
Jennifer with Adriene after the Find What Feels Good 2015 Roadshow in NYC.
Hello, Adriene and Jennifer(!!)
My worlds are getting even deeper intertwined and I could not be happier about it! Adriene, who has been my teacher since October 2013, and Jennifer, who has been my kula friend and dear friend since early 2014, both together. I can't think of a better person to share the stories of the kula than Jennifer. She is such a sweet and genuine spirit! I look forward to more stories from Jennifer!! Much love to you both!!! ❤️❤️
"Is this real life??" Oh Sarah! FRIENDS!!! Seriously. I could not be happier or more honored to welcome Jennifer as a guest blogger here. So pleased and honored!!!!
Let's keeping goingggg.
Loveee.
❤️ yes, let's keep going, dear friends!!! I feel so luckily to have you both in my life. I WILL meet you both one day in person. Until then xoxo!! ❤️
This community has become so dear to my heart. I never expected any of it. The first time I did a yoga practice, I followed a sequence on a phone app. I didn't understand it. I shut it off a few times because it was confusing. If I knew what that little practice wouldve led to: being apart of a loving online community, blogging, making friends all over the world, working on a yoga teacher certification... It's all changed my life. I'm so honored and grateful. This blog was a love letter. <3 Sarah, I dearly love you. My friend, my teacher, and yoga sister.
It has been life changing, hasn't it? And in so many amazing ways!! I never expected this either. I am so very grateful!! I love you too, Jennifer! 🙂
So good to read you Jennifer. It always is, you are literally a joy to read (and in some many other ways).
I love Kula too. I might have said not so much today because I'm in a bit of a lull, but today I have been genuinely touched by it once again. My passion for it comes and goes to be honest, as does my passion for life. That's my normal, I accept that. But it's a very rare day that I don't check in and have a look. Some days I might even show off a little (really!).
This is a precious community. It is love and support. I have learned to be supportive here in a way I didn't think was possible. I just tried it and people didn't ridicule me. It works. And I have been supported in turn. And almost every day I am uplifted by it in some way.
I have reached out and met a number of Kula members now. So far they all live in Europe and I'm in Australia so regular contact is difficult, but it's a thrill and I intend to make a habit of it. If you want to find some nice people in the world this is a good place to start looking. I have a lot of love for a lot of people in here. Who knew ! Pretty sure I even found a brand new me along the way.
I hope we get to do a great big bear hug one day Mark. I can imagine it now!
It seems crazy - how can a group of online folks be supportive, inclusive, loving, honest, positive, negative without being hurtful? It doesn't seem possible, but we've all overcome that stereotype. I think it shows some of the best qualities of humanity. It blesses me daily. I am different right now than I was when I began my first practice, and different than when I did my first Reboot practice on Jan 2, 2014. <3 I'm honored to know you and call you my friend.
Jennifer, this is just beautiful and my heart is full to bursting!
Caroline x
My heart was so full writing it. I read it over so many times, making sure I truly captured my feelings for the kula. <3 Love you!
Loved reading your 'blog' Jennifer. You described the kula perfectly. The kula is definitely a safe haven. Some days I feel very uplifted and others saddened by the troubles many are experiencing. Life is definitely a journey and I feel honoured to be sharing it with such a diverse group of people that definitely have each other's back as our dear Adriene says.
I love walking this life journey with the kula! It's such an honor and blessing. <3
Wonderfully written, Jennifer. You definitely have a way with words.
I loved reading about the beginning of it all. I'm kind of envious I didn't join until the beginning of 2015, but so excited and grateful to be a part of it now ^_^.
My anniversary with YWA is coming up. December 7th 2014 is the day I found the channel and subscribed to it and it has been a fabulous year. Looking forward to another one.
Yay! <3
You are as much apart of the kula as those who started on Jan 2, 2014. We are all so blessed to have you apart of the community. Happy YwA Anniversary! It seems there are many new, exciting things to come for the channel and the kula!
I joined Kula not sure what to expect. You see, I have nearly crippling social anxiety and have yet to go to a single studio yoga class because of it. And Kula terrified me at first.
But not anymore. I feel like it's a safe place, with no expectations, where a novice can turn for advice, support, and nurturing as we enhance our practices and meet our edges.
No regrets. Kula is now a vital part of my life.
I was once petrified of public classes, reaching out to others, and leaving home. I was sick for a long time and the anxiety coupled with being sick really inhibited me. Growing with this community certainly had an affect on my confidence. Practicing often, reaching out to the kula, and finally stepping out to my first public class (the Yoga with Adriene meetup in NYC in 2014), certainly has helped me overcome. I don't have to remind you that you are welcome here, you are safe. I pray you will develop your confidence. Perhaps someday we will practice in confidence with each other!
Jennifer!! This is amazing. Thank you for writing. By the time I reached the end, I was smiling so big and tears were welling up in my eyes. I have only been a member of this wonderful Kula since June, but it was immediately comfortable and welcoming to me.
Looking forward to reading more of your blogs and thoughts. Wishing you days filled with love and happiness....and calm breath! 🙂
My heart is overwhelmed with emotion thinking about the kula. You are so welcome in this community! Be so blessed!
At times like this, I can almost feel how beautiful this group is that Adriene created. And I'm almost sure it's because your intentions are so pure and good. I love it. Jennifer, this is amazing. x
I love YWA! I had done yoga a few years ago and wanted to get back. Life can take, take, take from the body and soul (if we choose that) but yoga gives back and nurtures the body and soul. Thank you for this fun way to make yoga a lifestyle!! Xoxo.
PS Adriene, l love the silly things you say/infuse into the practice like "I just scratched my upper lip" or some other chill thing, followed my "shut up Adriene". Or , just when I have this crabby look on my face and I'm thinking when will this be over, and you say "SMILE", I just laugh out loud. Love you, Adriene! You are one amazing lady!!
Beautifully written, Jennifer! This strikes right at the heart of me because when I first joined the Kula, I felt the same way - that I didn't much care, but that I also didn't know how to interact with a Facebook group. Now, the more I am involved, the more I WANT to be involved and get to know everyone and lend support and share my worries - it's a magical, beautiful thing to feel connected to so many incredible people from so many incredible places, to know that even in disagreement, we support each other and have each others backs. I look forward every morning to checking in and seeing what everyone is up to - it really has become a concrete part of life. I'm so grateful for you, for Adriene and for every beautiful soul in this magnificent group. Amazing post, Jennifer - I CANNOT WAIT to see more!
This was a wonderful, uplifting read, Jennifer. You are a remarkable lady! For many reasons, I recently disconnected Facebook...the kula and the people...I miss, but reading your words felt like coming home. My YWA journey is a little over a year old, and has brought much to my life. Namaste.
I have been a kula member for almost a year and I'm still that person that reads others thoughts/concerns/happiness/sadness over writing my own, but I connect with everyone and find such support from YWA and the kula! It's refreshing to see such openness and unwavering support between people all over the world. Thank you, Adriene, for creating this awesome community! And thank you, Jennifer! You inspire me to engage more often with the kula community.
Much love.
I finally sat down to read your blog post, Jennifer, and I am so glad I did. It truly expresses what a gift we all have with our Kula. I find I read less and less of the other things on FB, but I always look forward to reading posts on our page. It is a magical space, filled with kindness, compassion, support and love.
I'm so happy to be a part of the kula. It is the single most positive place on the Internet, I'm sure of it! Thank you for inspiring me and allowing me to expand my network of positivity!
Hi! I would like to join the kula to find some love and support from my fellow yogis, but I can't seem to figure out how/where. Can someone help me please?
Hi Addrienne, I love FWFG the 30 day challenge was my introduction. Recommend by an acquaintance. It was an eye opener. You make it accessible, fun and therefore habit forming, that's how you got me. An answer for all my excuses. No fancy gear, no probs, no time? Home practice, 10-15 mins everyone has that! Not flexible, well starting from foundations up, a little a day... So basically you help me find what feels good. Thank you
I too want to be part of the kula, and I guess I am, since I am posting on the daily videos already:) but if there is a fb group, can I be part of it too? Well, I'll just go and find out:)
Greetings from Finland!
I have been following your videos on Youtube and I am feeling alive. I would love to meet you if you ever visit India
I found YWA in September 2016 as I wanted to do yoga at home as there were no classes near me at the time. I didn't want at dvd as it gets boring doing the same thing all the time.
YWA was the first one on the search engine and straight away I loved Adriene, she fun, the amount of times she says something went I'm concentrating and I just burst out laughing.
I did yoga camp in October and looked forward to doing the new 30 day challenge in January (it didn't disappoint). I enjoyed reading people comments, being part of something that happened to everyone in a close timescale, everything new and fresh.
I even made a few comment myself.
Thank you Jennifer for explaining kula x
Probably not the platform to post technical difficulties (sorry!) but I have attempted to join FWFG Kula twice in the last couple of months (online "Request to Join"), with no results or responses. I am not sure what, if anything, I needed to do differently. I thoughtfully filled in the requested information (on a phone, too!) and submitted successfully. Nothing in my Junk folders, either. Just wondering if my request is being denied...if so, moving along I will! Thanks in advance...Charmaine
Hello Charmaine, I got your request to join the FWFG Kula and sent you an invite to join us. Send a message to Support at fwfg dot com so that we can connect easier and I can get you in there.
I downloaded KULA app but does not give me option to make an account so I cannot log in . Can you help?