“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.” ~Stephan Hoeller
Namaste dear ones,
I am saddened beyond words to share with you that on the very same day we opened and just 2 hours after our first class, we received orders from the state to close again – effective immediately. There are no words to describe the emotional toll that the impacts of everything we collectively have and are facing has taken.
What I can say, is that similarly to any other difficult situation that surfaces, to the best of my ability, I am using the practical application of what it means to Live Our Yoga.
What do we do when the ground beneath our feet seems to be continually pulled out from underneath?
What do we do, when something so sudden occurs, it takes our breath away?
Or when we feel filled with sorrow, questioning hope, and the wonder what lies ahead?
We pause, take a deep breath, and do it again. And again, and again, and again.
We know as humans that moments of suffering are inescapable.
But we also know that everything is impermanent. Through awareness, we learn that we cannot control everything. We learn that we can only surrender to what is, and then guided by our intellect and with discernment, we can consciously choose how to respond, rather than react. It is in those moments, that creative solutions or graceful acceptance can be found.
So how are we (myself and the studio) responding?
First and foremost, we are still here. We may feel a bit shaken, but our feet our rooted into compassionate service – so that we can still benefit from our yoga practice and utilize our practice to support others.
We are here because of YOU.
But we also need you to continue.
We simply ask, what is the value of our studio presence in the community and what is the value of your investment into your own health and wellness?
Over the past 13 years, in addition to our offerings of public classes, workshops, and trainings, behind the scenes we have quietly supported those deeply in need. Countless people have been served through our volunteer hours and donations, bringing yoga and mindfulness those that would otherwise be unable to receive it – underserved and at risk youth, those in transitional housing due to homelessness, women in shelters escaping domestic violence and abuse, first time mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth, schools, donations to school fundraisers, other various programs and non-profit groups, libraries, our military, free classes at the studio, scholarships to yoga teacher trainings, and so much more.
What would this look like for our community if we were no longer here to offer that?
What would it look like for your own personal wellness?
Shared below are a few details of what we are actively doing to maintain not only our presence, but our ability to serve.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support
With great love and deep gratitude,
Laura McKinnon & your SYS Family
- Sign up for a live stream class. If choosing to pay individually for each class, the fee is $15 ($10 for community classes). You will be prompted to pay the fee upon booking and we will separately email you the zoom link for the class you booked. If you are unable to attend live, the recording can be sent to you upon request.
- Buy a 4, 8 or Unlimited class pass. These passes are valid for 30 days and can be used for the live streaming classes. While your pass is active, you will have unlimited access to our library of recorded classes. (*Please note, if you carry one of these passes, you will need to email the studio the classes you would like to book so that we can apply your pass)
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