Find all of the links to resources mentioned in Social Justice Saturdays here!

This past October we were fortunate enough to have Dianne Bondy teach us about inclusivity in yoga studios. View resources from that event here!

In every yoga class, we bring attention to the breath. The simple act of bringing attention to the breath, changes it, as Judith Lasater says. When we establish this as a habit in our life, breath becomes an eternal tool for calming and focusing the mind and bringing ease and relaxation to the body. Attention to breath grounds us in the present moment and brings us back to our center of being.

This has been a season of significant transition for Yoga Sanctuary. Amidst the change, what I am most grateful for is the love and care from our community. When Sara needed to find a new owner, I knew deep within that I needed to be that person. The hiring of our next studio manager is no different.

How long have you been a member of Yoga Sanctuary? My regular yoga practice and sporadic teaching has shadowed Sara’s career when I started at Northampton Yoga 26 years ago. I just followed Sara when she and Tara started Yoga Sanctuary decades ago and have continued since.

How long have you been a member of Yoga Sanctuary? Since 2014, when I moved to the Valley to start grad school. I started with the intro offer and never looked back!

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.

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?