January 2, 2023

Well, the new year always signals change, even if it is a construct based on a random date. In the case of O2, it is the beginning of a big change. I have worked so hard over the 25 years of O2 Yoga’s existence to keep rolling with change, to stay resilient, and to remain calm in the midst of many storms. We have been challenged many times, but at this point, I feel that I need to let go of O2 Yoga livestream classes to make room for a new chapter.

We will continue to offer livestream classes until Sunday, February 5th and will continue to offer on-demand videos for the foreseeable future. All class cards and memberships will allow for both livestream and on-demand classes as a way to use up any pre-paid classes. I will communicate directly with all monthly members to work out details.

I remember thinking when I opened my first studio in 1998: "Okay, yoga is just another flash in the pan like so many fitness trends are." Boy, was I wrong, and happily so. Yoga still is a powerful force in this crazy world of unsteadiness, upheaval, and fear. I believe more strongly than ever that a yoga practice is one of the best ways to help all of us find the calm in the storm and be better humans.

That said, O2 Yoga has always been about community, and that includes my staff. We all bring something different to the table, and I never wanted to be THE teacher but a part of a powerful tribe of teachers who rounded each other out, mentored each other, and continued to evolve. This is more than losing Elliott as an O2 teacher, but it started there as a reminder to me that change happens whether we like it or not. O2 Yoga has also been about human connection, and especially hands-on connection. The level to which I or any of us can do our job best has been extremely limited with the online platform. To be honest, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that is bringing up all kinds of grief and loss. That will be shared at another time. I am no stranger to grief, but its recurrent presence has worn me down and wrung me out. I am simply and utterly spent.

This does not mean Carol, Tina, Dawn and I will not continue offering livestream classes in the next month. We will give you, as always, our full attention and focus. This is simply a way of explaining how I have gotten to where I am presently. I love teaching yoga and I hope that is evident every time I see you! It is one of my greatest accomplishments to have aided in the creation and participation of a massive community of compassionate, empowered humans. And I become a better teacher and better being every single time I interact with you all.

Lastly, I know so many of you will have questions and stories to share. I would appreciate it if you would do one or two things: email me directly and/or join the O2 Community Discussion on Saturday, January 14th at 11 a.m. This will allow me and my other teachers to stay focused on our classes, as it would be difficult to have discussions before a class or after a class and it will be more manageable to not have repeated conversations. I so appreciate your kindness and support in the coming weeks.

Big love,