I first heard the phrase “Begin Again” at a week-long yoga workshop I attended for 20-somethings. We played a game in which we tried to recite the entire alphabet with only one person speaking a letter at a time. We had to intuitively sense when someone else was about to speak and when it was our turn. There was no order, and we weren’t allowed to create order.

Dearest Yoga Sanctuary students, teachers, and staff,

I’m writing to share exciting news. The time has come for me to transition into a different role in this community, and for us to welcome someone new to the joys and challenges of being the Studio Manager of Yoga Sanctuary.

It is an honor to write you my first newsletter as the new Owner of Yoga Sanctuary! Even as I complete my first week, I find myself asking, “Did I really just buy a business in the midst of a pandemic?” The answer, of course, is yes. I did do that. And the reason, of course, is because I cannot imagine our community without this place—this real life sanctuary that supports and sustains and transforms.

Two months ago, I was preparing to write you a very sad letter; I thought that I would have to close Yoga Sanctuary’s doors forever after struggling to make it as a business through the pandemic. Instead, I have a story for you about community, the power of working together, and magic.

Don’t you NEED some good news right now?!

Spoiler Alert: skip to bold sections below for the big news!

Sara Rose interviewed Lindsay this week to learn more about her love and vision for YS. Let's get to know her! 💕

When our studio first closed, we could never have imagined how long we would need to stay physically apart, in order to take care of one another by social distancing and sheltering in place at home. How we miss you all!

As concerns regarding the Coronavirus increase, we want to assure you we are updating our cleaning and disinfecting procedures to protect your health and well-being. Please join us in our efforts and take the following precautions so we may maintain a safe environment for all to enjoy their yoga practice.

This year, we’ve just been blown away by the depth, commitment, and beauty of the intentions shared by all of you (our students!) during our January Challenge last month. It is such a joy to support and practice with each and every one of you!

We’re so excited to congratulate our 17 new Yoga Teacher Training Graduates! As part of their training, these new yoga teachers wrote their Mission Statements for their teaching. We’re so inspired by their heart, passion, and growth! Here they are in their own words:

On the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice is a time for reflection, an invitation to enter the season’s contemplative pause. The days grow colder and the light outside is fleeting. You might miss the long, hot days of summer, autumn’s golden light or the soft colors of spring. What gifts does winter offer?

We are wishing you and yours a delicious and delightful Thanksgiving! We are ever so grateful to share this practice of yoga with our dear community of friends. Thank you so much!

Do you think of luxurious vacations at resorts or retreats where you have no cell phone reception and someone is cooking and cleaning for you; where you have days completely open for massages, or to take classes, naps, or just to go for a walk? That sounds really delicious, right?

There are so many different styles of yoga out there, with many different approaches and ways to categorize each.

At YS, we want you to LOVE your practice, from your head to your toes, your heart to your soul. We surveyed you about YS, and we heard you! We heard that our provided yoga mats are old, smelly, and falling apart. We agree!!

Every day, and especially this time of year, our intention at Yoga Sanctuary is to create a strong, compassionate community of yogis who inspire each other and support each other. We intend to show up in our daily lives in alignment with our truest values and learn to be strong, open, playful, and curious both on and off the mat. More than ever we recognize the need to be grounded in the growth inspired by our yoga practice - as we are inspired by each and every one of you!

Change is the one constant in our lives; but how do you really feel about change? Sometimes change is exciting and exhilarating; but the shadow side is that it can be scary. We all long for safety and security as much as we long for expansion and growth (a least we yogis always look for growth!) and sometimes, we play it small in order to feel safe.

On the winter solstice, we honor the gifts of darkness as the enfolding energy of the universe that provides us with quiet and peace. The dark womb of winter offers a fertile place where new life may germinate within while all of nature rests. Deep in our center, we honor the light that is always present.

Who do you want to BE in 2018? You may already have a long list of things to do or ways you think you should improve yourself in the new year. Or you will once you get through the holidays!