october: with love
Does anyone remember the song, “Wake Me Up When September Ends”?
I was an angsty teenager when it was released by Green Day, and after an intrepid, active and sun-soaked September, I can relate. I feel alive and I’ve never been more relieved to have some time to slow down in studio this season.
October is our 30-Day Challenge, and I am right there with you. I’m looking forward to settling back into the rhythm of the studio, practicing alongside you, and meeting more of you IRL.
Last month, we received the heartbreaking news of the unexpected passing of our ambassador and student, Tony Kinahan. He was truly such a sweet young man, singing at full volume as he mopped, staying after class to connect, and bringing a warmth to the space that was distinctly his. A marathon runner, child and youth worker, brother and son. He was only 29 years old.
It felt important to share this news because Tony’s passing caused me to reflect deeply on how we connect with one another.
One misconception that was revealed to me through lived experience early in my yogic journey is that we are not all here because we are healed, zen, enlightened beings. We come to practice to bring ourselves closer to that place. But the more I practice, the more I realize it isn’t a destination at all. It’s a journey. And every person who crosses our path along the way can be a teacher, not just the one at the front of the room.
So I hope you’ll slow down when you walk through our doors. Notice who is around you. Make eye contact. Smile. Say hello.
My vision for this space has always been for it to feel like an extension of home. Not just my home, but that of our teachers, our studio support team, and each one of you. The art, the tea, the products we carry, the styles of classes we offer—we choose these things with intention. We hope you can savour being here and know that you are seen, welcomed and held.
On the subject of creating a space that feels good to be in, you may have noticed that we recently painted the entrance wall of the studio. Admittedly, this was an impulsive [read: intrusive] creative concept that came to me somewhere over the Atlantic on my flight to Europe. I spent all five hours of that flight researching limewash, colours, brands and budgets. By the time I landed, the paint had been express ordered.
I am a designer’s worst nightmare in that I did not swatch the colour. It was a big risk, but I have to say—I’m thrilled with the result.
Green is associated with the heart chakra, the energy centre of empathy, unconditional love and connection, which feels particularly fitting for this next chapter of the studio. A student pointed out today that simply sitting and watching the light dance across the green wall felt like a kind of waking meditation. I hope you love it as much as I do.
One last thing: please mark your calendars for November 7th for a special Diwali event at the studio in collaboration with lululemon and Loveleen’s. Diwali is my favourite auspicious holiday in the Hindu calendar, and I’m so excited to share a little of it with you. More details soon. ✨
If you need support using your app to join the challenge or if there’s ever anything you’d like to chat with me about—please introduce yourself at the front desk or write to me below.
With love,
Sheena