After experiencing homelessness and incarceration throughout his teen years, Peace Coleman has made incredible changes in his life to overcome the odds. Now the Director of Community Engagement at I Grow Chicago, he shares how his past has brought him to where he is today—and how yoga helps drive him forward.
lara-hedin
Thank you, for believing in us.
Thank you for spotting us, and for showing us new ways to do a lift, and use modifications appropriate for each of us.
Thanks for not taking our weight, for letting us work hard, for believing that we can, and letting us prove that to ourselves.

Thank you for “seeing” us. For not ignoring us due to lack of skill, or passing us over, because we stink that day, that month, or that year.
Thank you for showing up everyday, for opening the doors, turning the lights on, writing the workouts, being on time, being present, non-judgemental and ready to help.
Thank you for not comparing us to each other.
Thank you for standing nearby, sometimes staying quiet, sometimes offering a word of encouragement or modification. Usually just knowing you’re there helps us correct our form, and push a little harder.

Thank you for using our names, especially when we’re suffering. It helps us remember we exist separate from the pain of the moment. And, all pain is temporary.
Thank you for pointing out small things, to move more efficiently and breathe more sustainably.
Thank you for creating intuitive warm ups that intelligently prep us for what the workout entails.

Thank you for the years you put into our training, all the times we didn’t listen the first time, for explaining movements over and over, and for allowing us to fail trying to get it right.
Thank you for the fist bumps after workouts, for the constant support.
Thank you for leading by example.

Thank you for being authentically you, quieting your ego, and being humble.
Thank you for being committed to our growth, seeing through our excuses.
Thank you for being imperfect, and allowing us to be too.
Thank you for encouraging us even in our weakest moments, for recognizing that ANY and ALL effort matters.
There are great coaches, all of whom have special gifts to share. Our current coach, one who has coached many to medal in olympic weightlifting, and powerlifting is Troy at Sasquatch Strength.
Medicine 🌿.
Every cell in my body dances with joy gazing upon this goodness. Literally, my mouth starts watering. Not true of anywhere else in this market. Just here in the produce section – sweet juicy fruit and berries, and deep greens and veg💚.
Eating intuitively, trusting our inner knowing.