After touring four yoga studios in Santa Barbara, I selected Sol Seek for membership. Conveniently located downtown, this studio combines the perfect blend of top-notch instructors with a well-designed and peaceful environment. I have quickly grown to love my time spent here and I’m excited to share my Santa Barbara yoga experience with you.
What follows is an interview with yoga instructor Annie Hasselmann who kindly sat with me after our Wednesday morning class.
CJ: Thank you for your time.
Annie: Absolutely!
CJ: What are some of the positive impacts teaching yoga has had on your life?
Annie: I was initially drawn to the physical practice and healing benefits of yoga. I was on the women’s volleyball team at UCSB and had my second knee surgery as a freshman. My roommate offered me a free month of yoga and I said yes without knowing how much it would hook and draw me in. About a month in I had that cliché ah-ha moment while in Half Pigeon pose, where I realized I had a deep sense of self that I was not yet connected to. That’s when I began to comprehend the practice as much more than just physical shapes and breath. I found in yoga a place that was separate from my outside life and felt like a safe space to come into.
CJ: Wonderful. What advice would you give to someone who wants to do yoga while on vacation in Santa Barbara?
Annie: Some studios in Santa Barbara have Travel Passes that allow unlimited yoga for a week for about the price of two classes. If you plan on a longer stay, I recommend exploring the different styles of yoga our town has to offer. There are many different eclectic teachers that offer amazing gifts and unique approaches to the practice.
CJ: Fun fact about Yoga most beginners don’t know?
Annie: I promise nobody is looking at you as much as you think they are!
CJ: Haha, great answer. You once mentioned after a class that yoga gave you a feeling of coming home to your body, what did you mean by that?
Annie: For a while I was disconnected from my heart body connection. My thinking mind was constantly on the go and very critical. I found stillness and peace in my yoga classes, and I call that experience coming home. Coming home has allowed me to release an immense amount of shame I felt about my body. The metaphor gives me a reminder to tend to my body as a sacred home that we only have for so long.
CJ: Favorite yoga pose?
Annie: Lately Savasana, haha. I also really love Birds of Paradise and its funky arm bind.
CJ: Why that one?
Annie: I’m always seeking an edge and a new growth challenge. It is also a heart-opener which I love! And you’re in a pretzel shape, it’s fun!
CJ: What sets Sol Seek apart?
Annie: There is a deep connection within the community at Sol Seek. We are so blessed by the students who walk through our doors. They see someone new and immediately reach out and ask them their name. It is easy to make new friends at Sol Seek.
CJ: Any appreciation or shoutouts you would like to give?
Annie: Oh gosh, I feel like if I say one, I have to say them all. One of my teachers and Sol Seek owner Justin inspires me every time I sit with him in class. He is the heart and soul of the studio along with his husband Greg. They are the most thoughtful studio owners I have ever worked for. I say to them, thank you for the vision you hold in helping our community and the world at large.
CJ: Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge today. I look forward to your next class!
Annie: Thank you as well!
Sol Seek features two studios, a spacious Sun Room and a cozy Moon Room. It is located at 25 E. De La Guerra Street near State Street and offers a decent variety of classes. One highlight is Mitsuko’s Sound and Restore class which is a perfect way to wrap up your busy week. Instructors Annie, Sierra, and Luke have provided me with solid guidance on developing my yoga practice. If you’re on vacation or a local Santa Barbarian, come to Sol Seek and experience coming home to your body. I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Sol Seek Website: https://solseekyoga.com/
Sol Seek Schedule of Classes: https://solseekyoga.com/schedule
Article by Jack Neenan
