60 by 60 — Adventure 11: Getting Back to the Mat at MOVI
I had every intention of returning to yoga in January after eating my way through the Christmas holidays.
But a stubborn cold virus stopped me in my tracks late in the month, so I focused on healing and showing myself a little grace, something I wrote about in my last 60 by 60 adventure.
This week, when my energy began to return, I decided it was time to get back to my mat. Back to MOVI Yoga and Pilates in Moncton’s north end.
Mat and water bottle in hand, I walked into the studio Monday, welcomed warmly by staff, including owner Simi Chacko, pictured above. The reception area had a different configuration since my last visit, but the change room was still in the same spot, so off I went.
With no one else in the room at that moment, I ditched my coat and snapped a blurry selfie, mainly to remind myself later that despite the 10 or so pounds added to my frame since my last visit, I had made that all-important first step. Grace was important in this moment, too. I found myself thinking about one of my favourite quotes by Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön: “Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves.”
A walk down the short hall led me to the spacious studio, where several folks were already stretched out on mats. The room was dimly lit, faux candles creating a relaxing vibe. I’d describe the temperature as toasty but not stifling, perfect for my achy bones that cold morning. I quietly set up my mat, trying not to disturb others who were doing their own warm-up stretches or just relaxing in corpse pose.
As I lay on my own mat, I pondered my years as an on-again, off-again yogi wannabe.
It’s not that I don’t wholeheartedly believe in yoga or the wisdom of being a regular at MOVI. Since it opened in 2016, I’ve taken many classes at the popular studio and always recommend it to others wanting to do heated yoga, Pilates, strength-based classes, private sessions and more.
But every time I get into my yoga groove, life seems to intervene and sidetrack my efforts. That inevitably leads me to pause or cancel my membership. The more time that elapses, the harder it seems to start again.
That doesn’t matter, I reminded myself Monday. What matters is that I return.
Fusion Flow: Strength Without Overheating
Instructor Nova Boucher soon appeared and eased a group of 12 women, me included, into Fusion Flow, a 60-minute class built around gentle movement. Light weights are incorporated to strengthen joints and build stability, alongside pranayama (breathwork) and a blissful Savasana (relaxation pose) at the end.
I listened to my body throughout the class, conscious of the fact that it went through a lot with the recent cold bug. I followed along with most of Boucher’s movements, modifying when necessary, and glancing up at her when I lost track.
I was surprised by how quickly the hour went by and almost disappointed when it was time to stretch out for the final Savasana.
Rather than feeling exhausted as I’d feared, I left the room slightly sweaty but otherwise great, glad I hadn’t pushed myself too hard.
Sleep came easy that night.
Chakra Yoga: Slowing Down to Rebalance
The next day, I returned for Chakra Yoga — a slower, more inward-focused practice rooted in energetic alignment. The class moved through postures connected to the body’s chakra system, guided by breath and awareness. (Chakras refer to seven energy centres along the spine, each associated with specific physical, emotional and spiritual functions.)
Instructor Danika Doucet led a small group through a series of yoga postures chosen to correspond with specific chakras, such as core-strengthening poses for the solar plexus, the third chakra.
Though I’m still a novice when it comes to understanding this ancient chakra framework, the class felt incredibly grounding. My breath slowed and deepened. My shoulders softened. The outside world quieted.
That evening, I chatted with my husband about the two classes I’d taken so far, excitedly explaining how different — better — I already felt.
Calmer. Looser. More present.
It was like I’d come home to myself again.
Warm Flow + Meditation + Showing Up
Today, I returned again — this time for MOVI’s Warm Flow + Meditation with Cambria Olding. We moved continuously through a sequence of poses, linking breath to movement. There were lunges, planks, warriors and, for me, plenty of wobbles in between. The final 15 minutes were dedicated to a lovely meditation, a quiet invitation to lie on our mats as our instructor guided our awareness through different parts of the body.
During class, Olding shared something that resonated deeply: yoga isn’t just about meditation, philosophy, or executing postures “perfectly.” Sometimes, she said, it’s simply about getting to the mat.
Yup, I could relate.
I later chatted with Olding about how yoga can feel intimidating for many, as the practice is often portrayed as something reserved for people of a certain size or flexibility. But that’s not what I saw in the room this week. I saw real bodies. Different ages. Different shapes. Different abilities.
Yoga isn’t about fitting into a mould. It’s about meeting yourself exactly where you are.
More Than a Studio
On my way home, I flicked on the radio, swiftly taken out of my Zen mood and dumped back into the messy reality of the world. This week was a difficult one in our country.
I know from experience that the tension of challenging events can find its way into our nervous systems.
Stepping back into MOVI this week reminded me that yoga strengthens far more than my body. Sure, I want to work on better posture, balance, mobility and a body that supports me as I head into my 60th year. I know that yoga can help with all of those goals.
But I also love how the practice supports my mental health, especially in the depths of winter. And I am a huge proponent of community, which, as far as I’m concerned, can be just as healing as movement itself.
I recalled my brief chat today with a longtime MOVI member who described the studio as her “second home.” She shared how grateful she feels to be able to invest in her health, explaining how essential the facility and its caring staff have become to her overall well-being.
Listening to her, I couldn’t help but think that there are few investments wiser than the ones we make in our own health and sense of belonging.
And so, for the umpteenth time, I’m back — back to my body, my breath, and to movement. It may not be perfect, but I know I’m worth the effort. And so are you.
60 by 60 is a series chronicling 60 adventures in the lead-up to my 60th birthday in September. I’m doing this to nudge myself (and maybe you!) to try new things and stay curious in midlife.
Have an idea for a 60 by 60 adventure I should consider, in Canada or beyond? I’d love to hear it! Email me at cathykdonaldson@outlook.com.
Read Adventure 1 from the series here: 👉 https://www.cathydonaldson.ca/midlife-report/60-by-60-lets-go