Yoga instructor delivers paradise of mind on beach
Kimberly York is up before dawn every Sunday and on Fort Myers Beach in time to still see the stars, before catching the majestic sunrises as she begins her regular beach cleanup.
The rising of the sun is the prelude to her yoga session on the beach, which she instructs from 7:15 to 8:15 in the morning at Lynn Hall Memorial Park. Her dedicated yoga students bring their mats onto the sand as they do exercises, stretch, enjoy hot tea and take a “sound bath” on the beach.
York describes the session as a “gentle yoga class.” York will play crystal bowls for the sound bath, which is meant to “bring in a state of balance into the body,” York said. “It gives you that peace and calm into the body.”
A certified yoga instructor, York started her class on the beach a year and a half ago. York has been teaching yoga for longer than a decade, having previously taught at the Yoga Bird Studio, and the Sacred Nature Studio at the former Royal Palm Square shopping center in Fort Myers.
“I love teaching the gift of yoga and sharing the breath to give the gift of mindfulness and invite balance and growth is priceless,” York said.
All levels of yoga experience are welcome at her sunrise yoga sessions. There is a suggested donation of $20. Those wanting to drink York’s tea, should bring a mug.
“I invite warrior poses. I invite strengthening, grounding. I tailor to the class in front of me,” York said.
The yoga exercises are all done within view of where the old Pierside Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar long stood before Hurricane Ian knocked it down. York’s father Martin was the longtime owner of the restaurant, which sat right near the Fort Myers Beach Pier. Now, both sites sit in ruins. Construction on the pier could potentially begin in the next month or two.
York said she was influenced to start picking up litter around the beach by her dad, who used to also selflessly pick up litter.
When she is not teaching yoga, she is homeschooling her two young children.
“It’s a blessing. I am way lucky,” York said. “Everyone deserves that opportunity to practice yoga.”