Yoga, The Power, The Proof — Coco’s 2 Cents

Left Coco & Renee, Right Coco

Below is our spirited Colleen who Gina met about 4 years ago

 on Fort Myers Beach, encouraging her to teach at Fusion

As we almost wrap up our 2 Cents Summer Share Series, here’s Coco’s. You may recognize her as she’s full of soulful and colorful spirit. Also coveting the back row! Please take the time…wait for it…Here's her two cents:

I had no idea my life was about to transform when I decided to check out beach yoga one day. I believe in the power of yoga as share this story. Quite frankly it is taking me way out of my comfort. My fearless Fusion leaders, Natalie & Gina, gave me the love nudge and courage needed to do just that.

I had been holed up in my condo on Fort Myers Beach way too long when I impulsively decided to see what beach yoga at Lovers Key State Park was all about. The world was still recovering and reemerging from the pandemic, but it was outside and close by so I could simply walk to class. I ended up jogging over because I was running late, anxious and frazzled by the time I arrived. The yoga instructor (and now dear friend) Colleen, welcomed me with a huge smile and open loving arms. She was a positive bright beam of light and I needed more…so I kept showing up.

What I haven’t mentioned is that I’ve struggled with addiction for most of my life. When the pandemic hit I spiraled into mass destruction. I was having seizures regularly and my physical and mental health was in absolute shambles. I knew the time was now to get clean and sober but I had no idea how, or if I even could. 

 One day after a hot, sweaty beach session, I turned to my friend for help. I told Renee I was struggling with some issues and could use counseling. She didn’t hesitate for a second and had her already fully booked, not accepting new patients therapist call me. Turned out one of her specialties was counseling on addiction!in absolute shambles. I knew the time was now to get clean and sober but I had no idea how, or if I even could. 

One day after a hot, sweaty beach session, I turned to my friend for help. I told Renee I was struggling with some issues and could use counseling. She didn’t hesitate for a second and had her already fully booked, not accepting new patients therapist call me. Turned out one of her specialties was counseling on addiction!  I’ve seen her every week for the past 2 years and I’m proud to report I’ve been clean and sober now for a little over a year for the first time in my life!!!

Renee & I found Fusion by following our favorite yoga teachers there and fell in love with the loving, compassionate, community-focused environment. Little did we know we were about to embark on a profound healing journey together. 

Experiencing the benefits of this yoga business, together we took the leap of faith signing up for Fusion’s Yoga Teacher Training. Best decision I ever made! I met the most amazing group of people who have helped me heal in immeasurable ways. 

I learned that the physical aspect of yoga is only a part to this much greater whole, and through regular practice it started to calm the fluctuations of my restless mind. I am happy, healthy and hopeful. But there’s more....

From Hurricane Ian blowing into my condo, losing everything, being displaced since, losing one of my best friends to addiction, to Renee’s cancer diagnosis, through it all I’ve been able to stay sober. So thank you yoga, I owe you my life!

p.s. Thank you beloved Fusion community for supporting Renee & I in raising money for breast cancer! With your help and support, I am currently walking 60 miles in Boston for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. I am so grateful to you all.

I am so happy Coco and Renee found us, and for Colleen (beach and Fusion yoga teacher) who cared for them. Colleen also lost entire condo contents and unable to occupy so is in Chicago until they can return. There IS strength and healing as a community, a Kula. 

Coco walks for Breast Cancer research and treatments. She walks this final 20 of 60 today. Let’s help her exceed her fundraising goal!

 Heartfelt love and hope,

Gina

Fusion Owner, Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, R.N