Recipes for Joy
We asked a few of our instructors, what’s bring you joy this season? Read their answers below to inspire your own recipes for joy.
Danielle King
Danielle brings her background in social work and sports to her community centered yoga classes.
We asked her what is bringing her joy…
While I love running, (Danielle runs marathons!) Yoga is the physical practice that allows me to deeply know and understand my body. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, we can always connect to the breath and soothe the nervous system. (Self knowledge through yoga) has enabled me to care for myself more effectively, and has improved my relationship with every other form of movement I love. It has shaped the way I move through the world, the way I sit in the car on long commutes, the way I hike with friends, and the way I breathe when faced with something challenging.
What is inspiring you creatively right now?
Books by Lisa See - she writes historical fiction about women in different time periods across Asia. Powerful themes of womanhood, friendship, and motherhood that transcend time.
Any practice tips for your students?
No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can always return to your breath to soothe your nervous system on and off the mat.
Flow with Danielle: Saturdays 11:30am starting March 21st
Sofia Mella
We’re in the soft preface. Light is stretching. Even if the weather is still moody. Meteorologically at the hinge of spring, with Astronomical spring begins at the March equinox, usually around March 19–21 in the Northern Hemisphere.
We asked, Sofia, what’s sustaining her as the season shifts.
What’s a micro practice you recommend to your students?
Jaw tension is something we all have. Bringing our attention to it and softening the jaw throughout the day brings awareness to the head, face, and brain. Also, squeezing hands into fists and releasing a couple of times helps quell anxiety.
What are your tips and rituals to make seasonal transitions smoother?
Red light, morning meditations and walks, knowing when to move and when to stay still. I practice Transcendental Meditation, and do a somatic home practice. Having a yoga practice helps me immensely in tuning into my own needs and keeps me sane as the world spins.
What’s fueling you creatively?
Watching David Lynch’s catalog.
Reading Make It Ours, Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh.
Listening to Rosalìa and Bad Bunny
Eating SOUP!
Meet Sofia on the Mat: Thursdays 6:00pm, Sundays 9:30am Slow Flow and coming soon Fridays 12:00pm!
Sara Blumenkranz
Sara Blumenkranz founded Archetype Yoga on the principles of Katonah Yoga in 2022. A deeply present teacher, we wanted to know how she fills her cup.
What are you doing to make the seasonal transition easier?
I’m automating as much as possible so I can be more organized. Scheduled lights on and off, weekly vacuum running in the background and recently, I created a binder full of go to recipes so my grocery shopping is inspired. And most importantly, I’m not watching TV. Instead, shifting to neighborhood walks, coloring, meditating, listening to music and audiobooks, or journaling. *Sometimes a few at one time, except meditating 😉
Any tips for your students?
Take time to plan your week. See where you can fit in your practice so you don’t feel like your weeks fly by without you. It’s like a having a shopping list when you go to the grocery store- a plan to purchase sustenance that is thought out so you don’t buy random or unnecessary things. (Speaking from experience). Make a plan, and execute!
What’s giving you creative inspiration?
Playlist making. In many years of teaching yoga, I’ve built a giant catalog of seasonal playlists. I love when some of my playlists transport me back to a class, studio I taught at, or a student that was inspired by a song played. It gives me a little thrill each time. Right now, I’m hyped on Philip Glass and calming tunes.
Join Sara in practice: Mondays 6:00pm, Wednesdays 6:00pm, Thursdays 10:00am, Saturdays 10:00am, Sundays 12:00pm