3 /5 Liana Toric: I really appreciate what this space is trying to offer—it’s beautiful and rooted in healing, and I was genuinely excited to find a sober, supportive community. That said, I’ve had a few experiences that left me feeling a little out of place. The first time I came was for a yoga class, and there wasn’t time for an orientation, which I understand. But because of that, I didn’t know the rules going in. A few visits later, my friend and I were using yoga mats in the workout space downstairs and were told to put our shoes on, which we understood once it was explained. We were then told we could move to the studio upstairs, so we did—and while meditating up there, someone came in and told us it was closed in a pretty firm tone. We explained we were staying for the meeting that started 30 minutes later, and although they acknowledged that, it still didn’t feel like we were welcomed. We kept trying to respect the space and bounce between rooms, but there was a repeated feeling of being monitored or corrected, and it felt more like we were being seen as rule-breakers than new members trying to find our way. I think warmer guidance for new visitors would go a long way and help people feel safe coming back. I’m still grateful for this space and hopeful to keep coming back, but I wanted to share this in case others have felt similarly. A little more warmth and clarity could really help the experience match the beautiful intention behind it.
