Balance with Brandt Butze
The Ebb
Brandt Butze will tell you that people who aren’t the “typical yoga bodies” can experience a fear of judgment that can be incapacitating. Sometimes the mere thought of going for a walk (better yet going to a yoga class) is so intimidating that remaining sedentary feels like the only safe option. That was until he found Soul Yoga in Ohio City.
And, truth, Brandt is no stranger to the hard sh*t in life. A recovering alcoholic and addict with nearly two decades of sobriety under his belt, he's grappled with weight issues, chronic pain, and the devastating loss of his only son, Jacob, to leukemia in 2020.
Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Brandt is raw and honest, and he openly shares the highs and lows of his existence. From heartfelt discussions about his family (near and far), particularly the unconditional love and support of his wife of 25+ years, Naomi, and their brilliantly talented daughter, Ana, to witty banter and ironic asides, Brandt's authenticity is both refreshing and inspiring.
However, finding balance has always been a real struggle for him. From his days as an athlete to his journey through sobriety and fatherhood, Brandt oscillates between extremes, grappling with self-loathing and isolation along the way.
The Flow
Enter Sarah Ezzie Haines — a chance encounter at doggy daycare that would change Brandt's life forever.
When Sarah suggested he try her class at a new studio – Soul Yoga, he said:
Nah. Been there, done that. Yoga isn’t for me.
Brandt had, in fact, tried yoga in years prior. But it didn’t feel like it was for him and his body.
But Sarah's assurance that Soul Yoga was different struck a chord with him.
It’s a safe space, she said. I promise.
For some reason he believed her. Maybe it was Jacob guiding him, as he often felt his son’s presence. And excuses were running thin, so Brandt took the leap and signed up for a class.
Stepping into Soul Yoga for the first time was a monumental moment. He gazed at the steps up to the studio — battling overwhelming feelings of embarrassment and fear, he grabbed the railing with two hands and ascended the stairs determined there was only one way to go – UP.
He reached the top with his heart pounding, breath short, sweat dripping, only to be met by Sarah with open arms and a sense of belonging.
Soul Yoga is a breath of fresh air for Brandt. Free from the weight of scrutiny, he found solace in the supportive environment, gradually shedding his fear of judgment and embracing a yoga practice. His yoga practice.
“From the minute I opened the door to Soul Yoga, I felt safe.”
The Balance
Fast forward six-plus months, and Brandt's transformation is real, albeit not easy. Through regular practice and unwavering commitment (he doesn't miss a class), he's found strength, alleviated pain, and forged meaningful connections within the Soul Yoga community.
Embracing the studio's ethos of transformation, personal growth, and empowerment, Brandt is not just practicing yoga; he's living it. With each step on his journey, he's learning to strike a balance between extremes, fostering healthy habits and phasing out unhealthy ones including the weight of past self-loathing and isolation. Not that it is easy, because it’s far from it. But he keeps at it.
For Brandt Butze, Soul Yoga isn't just a studio—it's a sanctuary, a place of healing, and a catalyst for transformation. And as he continues to climb those stairs every Saturday morning, he's reminded that the path to self-discovery is paved one step at a time with courage, resilience, and by being authentic AF.
To read more of Brandt’s story, click below:
