The late 18th and early 19th century hatha yogis had their hands full. While their impressive physical feats were being documented, exoticized, and commercialized by British and French curiosities, there were difficult choices to be made. Some yogis chose to sign on as mercenaries backed by the British East India Company simply to put food on the village table, while others joined forces to disrupt the very trade routes defended by those mercenary troops. After a series of successful rebellions proved the might of the yogi, the British outlawed those demonstrative practices that fueled the yogi’s strength. In turn, a new set of choices: perform on the street corner in the guise of an acrobatic sideshow, or walk the path of a mendicant monk.

As caretakers of this diverse and storied tradition, 21st century yoga practitioners also have their hands full. We’re reckoning with social, economic, environmental, and political upheaval in the not-unrelated midst of a 20-month-old pandemic that has its fingerprints in all aspects of life. Every day, we make choices about where, how, and with whom to place our trust and co-exist. And while individual well-being is paramount, it’s only achieved when individuals join with others. We’re so grateful (thanks to safe and effective vaccine) to be able to practice yoga together in an environment that’s at once protected and communal, fact-based and spirit-sensitive, body-strengthening and heart-affirming.

So come place your full hands on our welcome mats. Feel the energy of hearts beating, burdens lightened, and community strengthened. We hope it's an easy choice to make.