STUDIO YOGA ANNOUNCEMENT: The Next Chapter

Dearest Studio Yogis and Friends of the The Studio Yoga:

After much thoughtful contemplation, I have decided to close the doors of our beloved Studio this Fall. 

Our last class at The Studio Yoga will be Saturday, September 21st, 2019. 

The Studio Yoga community has been small but mighty. From our ultra-dedicated students, to our newest members, and to our friends, wherever you find yourself today - we are grateful for the time and energy you’ve shared with us. 

In taking on stewardship of The Studio Yoga in 2013, it was always my intention to continue what Marge and Danielle started over a decade ago. We have offered The Studio Yoga as a safe space for us to come together in breath, movement and fellowship. 

It has been a joy, a privilege, and a duty to help foster the yoga community here. In helping you progress and grow, you’ve helped the teachers and I do the same. We thank you for the opportunity to do so. 

Over the many years, we have held space for each other through major life events, sharing our practice both on - and off - our mats. You have helped make us your neighborhood sanctuary. 

Although we must leave the safety of our cocoon, this does not signify the end of our practice. 

Our teachers and I will continue to teach, lead and offer yoga around the Grand Rapids area. Please stay in touch with us! We will do our best to keep you informed of where we land. 

For those who are interested in establishing a home practice, you’ll be receiving a link this month to continue to practice your yoga from the comfort of your own home.

(To help answer your questions about the details of our closing, please read below the NITTY GRITTY and for those of you who would like to voice your thoughts, feelings or concerns, please reach out - I may be reached at jennephyr@thestudioyoga.com or 616.209.8395.) 

In the meantime, we are committed to bringing the very best of yoga we have to offer, right up to the last day. We hope you’ll continue to support us - and each other - as we navigate the next phase of this journey.

NITTY GRITTY 

Class Packages & Purchases

For those who want to continue practicing with us - we are offering a SPECIAL 5-CLASS PASS FOR $45, good for 30 days. The last day to purchase this pass is August 23, 2019.

We are also dropping our single class price to $10 a class for those who want to pay-as-you-go. You may purchase as many of these classes as you’d like, keeping in mind there will be no refunds for unused classes.

The last day we will be taking payment for our autopay memberships (monthly or once-a-week) is August 21st. If you have a membership that renews after the 21st of each month, you will receive notification that your membership is expiring on August 21st. You will be given the option to continue on with us until the end at a reduced rate or to purchase the Special 5-Class Pass.

Students with current class passes that expire after our closing date are encouraged to use them by Sept 21st or (share them with friends) as there will be no refunds for unused classes. 

If you have an account credit, we encourage you to use it before we close as we will not be providing refunds. Not sure where you’re at in your package? Login to your MindBody account here → http://bit.ly/TSYProfile

Please save-the-date! 

Our last class will be Saturday morning, September 21 at 9am. There will be a closing ceremony and light refreshments after class.

If you have an interest in purchasing any of the studio equipment (bolsters, blankets, etc), we will be selling these items immediately following our final class on September 21.

Want to stay in-touch with your favorite teachers? Stay tuned for details of where they can be found and what’s next for each of them.

We are ever grateful to our community, to the founding leaders of The Studio Yoga, the many wonderful teachers who have offered their wisdom and expertise and for the many years of love and support.

It is with a mixture of grief and gratitude that I say...

Until our paths cross again,

Namaste

~ Jennephyr

MID SUMMER STUDIO UPDATE

Hello Studio Yogis!

in case you haven’t noticed, Summer is in full swing - if you haven’t taken a moment to pause and take it all in, give yourself 5 minutes to sit quietly, contemplating the season thus far. Are you taking in ALL that summer has to offer? Farmer’s Markets, Days at the lake and Extra hours of sunshine abound!

As we spend more time away from The Studio in the summer, there are ways you can still practice your yoga. Maybe you take some time to meditate after your early morning walk or set aside a few minutes before bed to practice your chandra bhedana pranayama to help you chill out for a good night’s sleep.

And for those traveling this summer (and those who just can’t drag themselves to class in the summer), we are opening up an online studio portal that you can take with you! Look for an email in the next couple weeks with a link to The Studio Yoga Online.

Summer is busy - we get it :) We are making a few changes to accommodate for this:

1) NEW - GENTLE YOGA @ 6:30pm THURSDAYS - we are combining our two Thursday evening classes into one class that will start at 6:30PM. This class will be lead on rotation by Katie Dunlap and Hollie Longieliere. It’s been awhile since we’ve offered an evening Gentle class - this is the perfect unwind after a long hot summer day! We will return to our regular schedule in the Fall.

2) KEEP AN EYE ON THE SCHEDULE - We are encouraging students to pre-register for classes - We will be canceling classes ONE HOUR PRIOR to class start if there are no students registered for the class.

That’s all for now - Keep on enjoying that beautiful sunshine!

Om Shanti (Peace!)

The Studio Yoga

image by aleksandr eremin at Unsplash

Sunday Reset

Happy Sunday Yogis!

Please note, tonight’s REFRESH+RESTORE at 6pm is CANCELLED. Please consider joining us at 4:30pm for Katie’s SLOW FLOW - close out the weekend and prepare for the new week ahead 🤗

SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS MONDAY, JUNE 10

Give us a thumbs up, if you’re ready for Summer already!

We embrace our summer months here in Michigan and The Studio Yoga supports you in your efforts to get outside and enjoy this time of year with friends and family.

And to support you, we will be tweaking our Summer Schedule for the summer beginning Monday, June 10th.

Please note the following changes to the schedule:

Tuesdays - No 4:30pm class through summer - we will add it back to our schedule in the Fall.

Wednesdays - NEW Sunrise Flow added at 6am - Mornings are optimum time for your yoga practice - join us for Sunrise Flow!

Saturdays - We are offering ONE CLASS ONLY on Saturday mornings at 9am - this is an ALL LEVELS SLOW FLOW class. We will go back to two classes in the Fall.

Of course, we recommend maintaining a regular yoga practice and we’ll be here for you - Let us know how we can help support your yoga practice this summer by email us at info@thestudioyoga.com.

Life’s a Beach! Get out an enjoy it <3

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE

meditation Month at The Studio

May is #MeditationMonth at #TheStudioYogaMi.

Meditation is a practice, just like yoga.

We show up for ourselves daily to sit with what is, letting go of our attachments to what we think it ‘should’ be.

This is no easy process. It requires a ruthless dedication to living your best life. Some days will be better than others.

Commit to 30 days of Meditation with us, and we’ll provide daily tools to help you get started or to support your current practice.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram and follow along everyday. That’s it. Plan to set aside 10minutes a day for meditation.

Want to participate in our #MeditationMonth? Help us inspire others to try meditation!

1) commit to 10 minutes of meditation daily

2) post your progress/insights/pictures on your Facebook page or Instagram - you MUST tag #TheStudioYogaMi and #MeditationMonth or we won’t see your entry!

3) we’ll choose a winner randomly each week out of that week’s posts (limit one post per day) - winners will be announced Sunday evening’s, all prizes must be picked up at The Studio Yoga. 

APRIL SHOWERS...

...bring new opportunities to The Studio Yoga!

Maha gratitude to all who took the time to take our surveys! We are pleased to offer our students three NEW opportunities for you to explore balance and wellness in your life this Spring- Group Health Coaching, Tai Chi and Meditation! 

For information on these new offerings you'll want to scroll down and click to sign up for each! 

As Spring has officially sprung, we look forward to seeing more of you popping in for class!

If it's been awhile since you've been in, or you've been thinking about beginning a yoga practice, perhaps this poem by Dana Faulds will inspire :

Awakening Now
by Dana Faulds

Why wait for your awakening?
The moment your eyes are open,
seize the day. Would you hold
back when the Beloved beckons?
Would you deliver your litany
of sins like a child’s collection
of sea shells, prized and labeled?
“No, I can’t step across the
threshold,” you say, eyes
downcast. “I’m not worthy”
I’m afraid, and my motives
aren’t pure. I’m not perfect,
and surely I haven’t practiced
nearly enough. My meditation
isn’t deep, and my prayers are
sometimes insincere. I still chew
my fingernails, and the refrigerator
isn’t clean.” Do you value your
reasons for staying small more
than the light shining through
the open door? Forgive yourself.
Now is the only time you have
to be whole. Now is the sole
moment that exists to live in
the light of your true Self.
Perfection is not a prerequisite
for anything but pain. Please,
oh please, don’t continue to
believe in your disbelief, your stories
of separation and failure.
This is the day of your awakening.

FULL MOON YIN YOGA INTENSIVE

Friday, April 19

6:30pm - 8pm

The full moon increases the intensity of our work here on earth - develop subtle awareness of self to identify and release blocks in your physical, emotional, mental and energy bodies.

Jennephyr will lead you through an exploration of Chandra Namaskar [Moon Salutation] and floor-based Yin Yoga postures to help you settle into your body and use your breath as a guide to deep surrender.

Investment of $20 | $16 with Unlimited Yoga Membership

Space is limited to 12 students, sign up today!

Group Health Coaching | 4-Week Series

Led by Angel Hayden

Tuesdays 2:30pm - 3:45pm

April 23 - May 14

To be healthy isn’t just to pass a medical exam or avoid illness, but rather to thrive. As we seek to live healthier lives, we will look deep within ourselves as well as learn concrete information about food, exercise, self-care, and daily habits.

How it works

Groups will meet once a week for four weeks. Participants will also have an individual phone consultation with Angel. We will have a focus for each week that will guide our personal development. After the completion of the four weeks Angel will follow up with participants weekly for support and accountability.

Areas of focus

The time we spend together will focus on the following:

• Mindfulness

• Food

• Movement and Self-Care

• Mind-Body Connection

Cost

$90/person for 4 weeks

$15 per additional ½ hour phone consultatioN

Your Guide

Angel Hayden will guide you on your journey. She is an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, personal trainer, and yoga instructor. She has spent the last decade of her life immersed in an ever-evolving journey toward balanced, healthy living.

Have questions?

Contact Angel directly --> hayden.angel@gmail.com

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation & Tai Chi

Wednesdays, April 24 - May 15

7:30 - 8:30 pm

In this 4-week mini-series we will explore both Mindfulness Meditation and Tai Chi. We will teach you the health benefits of both and give you the tools to assist you in establishing your own home practice.

What is Mindfulness Meditation?

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. It also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we are sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.

Scientists have discovered that mindfulness techniques not only help with relieving stress and improving well-being, but can also be used to improve your overall health. This introduction will teach those techniques.

The Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient practice that may help improve balance and is often hailed for its stress-relieving effects. Often referred to as a form of “moving meditation,” Tai Chi has been found to enhance stability and decrease fall risk in many scientific studies. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, Tai Chi is a mind-body technique that involves carrying out a series of slow, gentle movements.

In this introduction, we will teach you the health benefits of Tai Chi exercise, take you through a guided breathing relaxation, teach you the basic principles of Tai Chi postures and several Tai Chi flows you can practice at home. Denise will also demonstrate the full 8-form sequence that is taught in our Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance course.

Investment $20

SPRING IS COMING!! AND HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE STUDIO YOGA

Who’s ready for Spring already??!!

We’ve had a pretty rough Winter this year and Spring is hiding just around the corner….It may not feel like it, but if you’re paying attention, you’ll notice the subtle signs of spring - One student even noted seeing a robin recently! Have faith, Studio Yogis, Winter does not last forever.

Just like the seeds we plant in winter root, rest and restore, soon fresh growth will be popping up out of the soil - we hope you, too, will be popping in for class soon!

To prepare for the return of Spring, we’ve planned some exciting workshops, events and Specials for March (details in Newsletter below):

• Yin is back this month | March 15

• Deep Dive into the traditions and adaptations of the Sun Salutation | March 17

• Celebrate the Spring Equinox with a special Vinyasa practice | March 22

• Tai Chi For Healthy Aging and Better Balance | March 23 (details tbd)

• Special $5 Community Slow Flow on Wednesdays @ 6pm starting this month

• Bring-a-Friend in March and YOU get credit

• We need your input - help us find a spot for our meditation class

WORKSHOPS/EVENTS

SPRING RENEWAL: A YIN YOGA WORKSHOP

Friday | March 15 @ 6pm

Cost: $20 | $16 (w/ Unlimited Yoga Pass)

Just as nature enters a cycle of renewal, growth and expansion—so does the energy within us.

Spring is an expression of life in it’s youth. By bringing new energy into the light we let go of all that no longer serves us and prepare to bloom into action.

In Spring, we plant seeds for a future harvest, to look ahead and make new plans, formulate new ideas, make decisions, and determine our direction for the coming year.

In traditional Chinese medicine, WOOD is the energy of Spring and associated with the liver and gall bladder organs. We will explore these concepts to help restore healthy flow of qi (chi) to support the body's metabolism and natural ability to eliminate toxins and waste.

Join us for a 90-minute Yin practice to celebrate this introspective transition of Winter into Spring. Bring a journal, if you like, for reflection/contemplation during or after class. 

This class is suitable to All-Levels.

We have space for 15 students. Pre-registration is required.

MANDALA VINYASA PRACTICE: A VERNAL EQUINOX CELEBRATION

Friday | March 22 @ 6pm

Cost: $20 | $16 (w/ Unlimited Yoga Pass)

Mandala - a design that radiates from a central and unifying center, a sacred circle. It is a symbol of wholeness.
Vinyasa- to place in a particular, or sacred, way.

Welcome Spring with a Mandala Vinyasa practice to celebrate the Vernal Equinox, marking the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere!

This 90-minute yoga practice mimics the spiral patterns in nature to explore circular movement around the mat. We will explore the balance between darkness and light, sun and moon, masculine and feminine, to honor this time of year when we experience a balance of day and night.

We will end our Mandala practice with a 20-minute Yoga Nidra "meditation." 

This is a moderate yoga practice, some experience with the Vinyasa practice is highly recommended.

This event is open to 15 students. Pre-Registration is required.

SALUTE THE SUN: a deep dive into the tradition + adaptations of Surya Namaskar

Sunday | March 17 @ 2pm

Cost: $25 | $20 (w/ Unlimited Yoga Pass)

Join us for this 2-hour deep dive into the practice of Surya Namaskar. 

You'll learn the history and practice of the sun salutation, as well as modifications and adaptations to truly make this sequence work for you in your body.

This is a beginner-to-advanced friendly class. Perfect for those wanting to hone their salutation skills. 

This class is open to 15 students. Pre-registration is required.

CABIN FEVER SPECIALS

$5 COMMUNITY SLOW FLOW CLASS IS BACK!!!

Starting in March, Our Wednesday evening SLOW FLOW class is now only $5 to drop-in!!

We aim to make yoga accessible to all, regardless of finances. Please join us!!

This class is suitable for ALL LEVELS.

*Students who have current packages/passes can use their class pass to pay or class OR pay the $5 drop-in :-)

Bring-A-Friend in March and get a $20 credit!

Share your love of yoga and The Studio Yoga with your friends and family - If you bring a friend in March - YOU get the credit! $20 will be applied to your account which can be used for your next autopay or class pass purchase!!

Fine Print:

Your Friend must be NEW to The Studio Yoga and must purchase a New Student Intro Offer (30 days of Unlimited Yoga for $39) that same day.

WE NEED YOUR INPUT! HELP US FIND A HOME FOR OUR MEDITATION CLASS

We’re looking for a more permanent day/time for our meditation class and could use your input - if you’re interested in meditation or think you might be interested, please take a few minutes to take our quick survey. We’ll compile the answers over the next few weeks and we’ll add meditation back to the schedule in April.

MEDITATION SURVEY —>

https://goo.gl/forms/C2mvmiEnDrGBotwi1

THE STUDIO YOGA | 933 52ND STREET SE | KENTWOOD MI | 616.209.8395 | INFO@THESTUDIOYOGA.COM

FLASH SALE EXTENDED! LOVE YOUR VALENTINE WITH YOGA ♥️

FLASH SALE EXTENDED!

If you haven’t gotten your sweetie anything for Valentine’s Day, nothing says “I Love You” like yoga classes at The Studio Yoga!

Special pricing available thru February 15th.

5 classes for $59 (regularly $70) —> http://bit.ly/LOVE559

10 classes for $99 (regularly $120) —> http://bit.ly/LOVE1099

OR, the gift that keeps on giving —> UNLIMITED YOGA MEMBERSHIP for $79/month - convenient autopay solution (regularly $99/month) - includes 1 guest pass/month and discounts on our workshops and special events —> http://bit.ly/UNLIMITED79

♥️

CLASS CANCELED: GENTLE YOGA MONDAY MORNING 9:30AM 2/4

Many apologies, Studio Yogis, Jennephyr is very sick this morning and we do not have a sub available to cover this morning’s class. We will need to cancel this morning’s Gentle class for today 😔

Due to the weather and now illness, if you need an extension on your package, please contact us at info@thestudioyoga.com and we will grant a two week extension. Thank you all for your patience 🙏🏻

ALL CLASSES BACK IN SESSION - THURSDAY 1/31

GOOD NEWS, Studio Yogis! We are planning to run ALL of our classes tomorrow, Thursday, 1/31:

6:00am SUNRISE

9:30am SLOW FLOW

6:00pm VINYASA

7:30pm FUNDAMENTALS

Thank you everyone for your patience - we attempt to limit the number of classes we cancel in the winter and really felt closing The Studio was best for our students, staff and greater community. We hope you’ll be able to make it to class Thursday (please, use your best judgement).

We’ve missed you ♥️

STUDIO CLOSED WEDNESDAY 1/29 DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS

We really hope this is the last time we have to make this announcement….The Studio will be closed Wednesday, January 30th due to the Winter Weather Warning for our area. It is advised that we stay off the roads, if possible. ALL classes are canceled for the day.

We are hopeful this polar vortex will let up Thursday so that we may get back to our regularly scheduled classes. We could all use a break from this storm! Have a warm cup of tea or bowl of soup and send some warming thoughts out to the universe for Thursday ♥️

UPDATE :: NO EVENING CLASSES 1/29

As much as we were hoping to open The Studio for classes this afternoon/evening, it is advised we stay off the roads unless essential. Classes are cancelled for the rest of the day. This includes the 4:30p SLOW FLOW, 6pm VINYASA and 7:35p RESTORE. We apologize for the inconvenience but feel it’s best for our community.

Please stay in and be warm ♥️

We will assess tomorrow’s storm warning tonight and will post any cancellations on our website (both in NEWS and SCHEDULE) and our Social Media no less than two hours before scheduled class time. 

Peace ✌️

UPDATE :: NO MORNING CLASSES TUESDAY 1/29

WINTER WEATHER CANCELLATION UPDATE:

We have decided to err on the side of caution and cancel our Tuesday morning classes, 1/29.

We have not yet made a determination on our afternoon classes. Tentatively we are planning to hold class. We’ll have a better idea in the afternoon. As always, we will update the website and social media.

Please, when in doubt, check the schedule right before you leave for class. The schedule will reflect current class status two hours before class is scheduled to begin.

Also, pre-registering for class is recommended in winter, as you will be automatically notified via email if your class is canceled.

Thanks, Studio Yogis, for your patience! This is yoga practice in action - riding the waves of life in “perfect, unshakeable balance of mind” ♥️

Om Shanti

SNOW DAY! CANCELLATION UPDATE

We are cancelling our Monday evening classes for tonight and tentatively our Sunrise class Tuesday morning. 

The schedule on our website and the MINDBODY App has been updated to reflect this evening’s change.  We will continue to update both our website and social media.

Stay Tuned!

Monday morning classes canceled

Due to the Winter Storm Warning in our area today, we are cancelling our Monday morning classes at The Studio Yoga. Please be safe out there if you need to be out on the roads today.

We’ll make a determination later today regarding our evening classes - stay warm!

WINTER SCHEDULE BEGINS THIS WEEK

The holidays are over and it’s back to our routines- or NEW routines, if you’re harnessing the energy and momentum of the new year - We are here to support you!

Whether you’re looking for a place to ease your body and mind or needing to build strength and flexibility to complement your daily activities, we’ve got a variety of classes and instructors to guide you.

Every season we make a few tweaks and adjustments to our schedule. This winter we’ve got a few changes to note:

Monday’s- We are in the process of filling our 6pm slot but haven’t locked it in. We will update you when we’ve got news.

Tuesday’s- RESTORE has been moved to Tuesday evenings at 7:35pm. Jennephyr has been accepted to a Yoga Therapy Program and will taking classes Wednesday evenings. We hope the move will motivate those who haven’t been able to try it out to give it a go! It truly is an “advanced” practice 😊

Wednesday’s - RESTORE has been moved to Tuesday evenings (see above).  

Thursday’s- no changes

Friday’s - no changes 

Saturday’s - MEDITATION will start January 19th at 9:15am. We will offer this FREE 20minute class between our FUNDAMENTALS at 8am and VINYASA at 9:40 (class time to be adjusted starting 1/19/19). Stay for meditation post-FUNDAMENTALS or come meditate before VINYASA!

Sunday’s - no changes

*changes are effective this week, January 7th, with the exception of MEDITATION, which begins next week, January 19th.

Look for our newsletter this week in your inbox for other exciting workshops and events this winter!

HOLIDAY FLASH SALE

Shop online in your PJ's NOW through December 3rd at midnight!

5 CLASSES FOR $59 - That's less than $12/class! - Expires 90days from date of first use.

10 CLASSES FOR $99 - Less than $10/class! - Expires 90days from date of first use.

Give the Gift of Yoga this year for the Holidays - we have customizable GIFT CARDS online AND in-studio (ask about Gift Cards at front desk).

Have questions or need something special? We’d be happy to help curate a gift for you or your loved one! Call us at 616.209.8395 or email info@thestudioyoga.com and ask our Studio Yoga Holiday Elf for assistance.

GENTLE YOGA CANCELLED THIS MORNING

Due to the weather advisory, we will be canceling our GENTLE YOGA this morning at 9:30am.

We’ll keep you informed, both on our Facebook Page and our website regarding any changes to the evening classes.

Stay warm and dry out there!