Those of you who are students at Namaste Yoga have already heard the news of the studio’s closing.  I interviewed with Kimberly, the owner, shortly after moving to Oakland from New York City fifteen years ago.  We met and chatted on the sidewalk outside the Rockridge studio and hit it off right away.  The studio has since supported my practice as a teacher.  Over the years, I have moved most of my mindfulness training from my home studio to Namaste, and have enjoyed sharing the gifts of yoga and mindfulness with what must be now thousands of students there.  

I am heart-struck by this closing, and I understand that you may be feeling the loss of this sacred gathering space, too.  By happenstance, this week I have been teaching about dwelling in uncertainty, originally intended to address our shared experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I didn’t realize the teachings would come in so handy as we face the uncertainty of what yoga will look like in the coming months and years.  It seems evident that it is not wise to gather for indoor group practice, no matter how much we wish otherwise.  (For more details, I highly recommend this educational article on viral transmission).  I hope to schedule some outdoor yoga options this summer.     

For now, I want to offer my deep gratitude to Kimberly Leo, the woman whose vision birthed Namaste Yoga and whose labors brought it to fruition.  I appreciate her unflagging support of me as a teacher, which has allowed me to share the gifts of mindfulness and yoga with all of you.  I also want to shout out to the studio staff who have handled all of the behind-the-scenes details that keep everything running smoothly, especially the managers Mae, Tosha and Emily.  

And I also want to acknowledge all of you students who have walked into my classes and given me the opportunity to share the gifts of these teachings.  I feel lucky to have be exposed to yoga and mindfulness some twenty years ago.  These tools have been essential in my own personal evolution, helping me deal with my own anxieties and pains, and helping me live with more contentment and ease.  I feel blessed by whenever I can share the practices with you.  

Though the physical and virtual doors of Namaste Yoga are soon closing, I am confident our practice of yoga will continue to adapt and endure.  On that note, I invite you to join me at one of my upcoming Zoom yoga classes or workshops.  The pandemic has created a whole new level of stress for many of us.  So, it’s obviously a time we need tools to deal with our anxiety, and ways to receive regular support in our training.  Please read on below for details of upcoming trainings. 

For now, I send you a big virtual hug and wish you and yours safety, health, and well-being.