Ganesha welcomes you at the threshold—the in-between space of our lives. He reminds us that even in the middle of things, there is a new beginning, a new experience that will bring us into new possibilities. He is the remover of obstacles, and also the one who creates the obstacle.

When I was a new student at Yoga Sanctuary, I wondered, Who are these beings? What do they mean to the practice of yoga? And what do they have to do with me?

It is tragically fitting that in this time of intense light, there would also be a large and lurking shadow. On June 24, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade—our bodily autonomy stripped from us in many states; a ruling that will disproportionately affect Black and Brown bodies.

"For me, yoga includes being self-reflective, loving, and accountable... I am continually learning how to improve accessibility and nurture diversity. My hope, and the work for all of us who teach, is to make yoga more and more available to every single person…”

What it takes to show up in the world (and what that looks like) is different for everyone, and changes as we change. It is the result of our roles, chosen and unchosen. Just as how our asana practice is a beautiful multiverse of variations.

Providing massage and energy work is something I've offered to my loved ones for most of my life, even before I knew what energy healing was. From my aging parents, to my seven siblings and to my four children, helping them experience relaxing and joyful physical, mental, emotional and energetic states has always brought me pleasure.

Self-love is all the little things we do every day to tell our hearts and our bodies, “I am going to take care of you.” In my eyes, the most important act of self-love–one that I try to implement every single day, no matter how I feel–is movement. That’s where yoga comes in.

“I have gained so much from my yoga practice this list could go on! Many of these benefits I am still uncovering, which is the beauty of the ever evolving nature of a yoga practice. If I had to name one, it would be that my breath is a tool that is always with me and I can use it at any time and anywhere.”

Jen is moving on from her role as Studio Manager. Please wish her well!

The Front Desk Manager is an integral part of the Yoga Sanctuary community. They bring enthusiasm, care, and intention to our shared spaces. They require strong customer service skills and the ability to respond thoughtfully under pressure. This person is responsible for building positive relationships with our students and teachers.

There is nothing like parenting a baby to force you into the present moment, especially when that moment is uncomfortable, hard, and/or unbelievably magical. In this way, parenting is a wonderful extension of yoga practice.

“I remember distinctly the moment I decided that I wanted to become a teacher. I was walking down 8th avenue (in NYC where I lived) toward home after taking a yoga class. Despite the traffic, I felt so at peace, so spacious, so limitless and full…so present. And I knew in that moment how special this practice was and how I wanted everyone to experience these kinds of sensations.”

I roll out my mat in the center of my living room. I used to practice asana three to five times a week. I used to relish in the familiarity of the shapes, the fluidity of my breath synced with movement…

“…that’s why I keep practicing… not to change myself, but to learn how to love myself as I am, no matter what.”

“This year’s new year’s class theme is Bravery and Beauty. Our yoga practice will be accompanied by stories of the brave and beautiful-hearted monkey known as Hanuman.”

“What yoga teaches us is that traversing the darkness is part of life.”

“Yoga has been foundational to my healing journey, releasing intergenerational trauma that lives in my body and mind, and in doing so, I have been able to reconnect and align with my authentic self.”- Angelica Castro

I wanted to be a bodyworker since I was a teenager. Therapeutic bodywork was a regular maintenance for me while healing from minor dance injuries. Massage was a window into a pain-free existence for me as a performer, a tap dancer, and avid mover shaker.

How might this ritual impact your day-to-day?