A time for change & new beginnings

Dear Yoga Friends

After 8 phenomenal years running one of the most wonderful yoga studios in Christchurch, both at Kilmore Street prior to the earthquakes and then at our new home, we will be sadly closing our doors on March 31, 2016.

For me, this studio has not just been "my job", it has been my home, my heart, my blood, my sweat, my tears, it has in many ways been an extension of me & my energy. 
But, due to a variety of contributing factors we've decided to let go of our Carlton Mews home, and close our doors, which has been a heartbreaking choice, the truth is, this has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and essentially it is my heart that has cast the final vote. In September last year while overseas in France, I suffered a viral attack on my heart called myocarditis, which caused me to have a moderate heart attack. My Cardiologist explained that there was nothing I could have done to prevent this happening, it comes down to genetics, being extremely unlucky, and I am very lucky to still be here today.

Looking back to when I bought the studio in 2008, I never imagined what the journey would have in store… All the people who have ever worked and taught here have been a valued part of my learning and out of them I have made some wonderful friends. The community that was built, the lives that were touched, changed, & transformed within the walls of Bikram Yoga Christchurch, I will carry forever.

We tried our best to explore options to prevent closing the studio, but have not yet been successful. No one ever wishes to disappoint or let-down the people we care for, and it is with a heavy heart, I acknowledge the depth of this decision and who is effected, not only for you but for our lovely teachers who have shared their love and passion with you, and who have supported me with our studio, for which I am truly grateful. 

During this transition time, I invite you to come in and join us on the mat, tick off your concession cards and enjoy our time together until the end of March. We will be offering a great rate for our concession card from now until March, in addition to a super-special workshop at the end of February with Rowena Jayne.

I am so grateful to all the people who have joined us at Bikram Yoga Christchurch over the years who took a chance on me, and supported our studio, teachers and community over the years. Thank you for believing in me, trusting me, & always supporting me, you have all made a huge impact on my life. And I am truly grateful beyond measure.

Now, it is time for change. Sometimes life closes doors because it’s time to move forward. And that’s a good thing because we often won’t move unless circumstances force us to. I do know I have endless passion for this style of yoga, for teaching and helping people with their search in creating a life that is well and good. This has not changed. 

Now, for myself personally, I am simply stepping away from running Bikram Yoga Christchurch, so I can explore, learn, and take time to heal allowing myself space to create a new way to share and express my passion and love for the contemporary evolution of yoga and fitness consciousness, melding my two worlds of intuitive design, with educated training in yoga, fitness, wellness and nutrition to bloom into something new, and already, some new and exciting things are on the horizon. I hope to see you on the mat soon.

With my love and gratitude always.
Kate Lillian Burford xo