When yoga and mindful meditation met me, my life felt filled to the brim. To be honest, it was actually overflowing, and because of it, I could never firmly catch my footing. Responsibilities, opportunities, and everything in between were spilling over in every area of my life, and I was blessed but entirely overwhelmed. In the messiness of life that is filled with both beauty and difficulty, I felt like I didn't have enough time to actually center my own sense of self and find what was meaningful to me.

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I've always been someone who found her happiness in making others feel cared for, whether through the medicine of laughter or natural remedies that were passed down to me from my father. But when I was reminded of how finite life can be with the passing of my dearest cousin, I knew that I had to tap back into who I was to make sure this life didn't pass me by without me being fully who I am. Up until this moment, I would allow the blessings of finer things and unique experiences seek to give me a sense of pleasure, but it always came up short. What was shiny could never reach what was needed for me in my soul. I knew I wanted and deserved something more; I wanted to understand who I am so I can give my loved ones and my life the fullest me.

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This is where I met yoga, and what it gave to me was a fuller connection to myself. Through mindful movement and meditation, I noticed that my inner dialogue was unlike who I've been for all of my life. I wasn't caring or thoughtful when speaking to myself, and because of it, I never gave myself the opportunity to witness my strength, discipline, and resilience. This mindful and meditative practice allowed me to touch what felt out of reach before: a deep sense of identity and self-respect.

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It was in this discovery that I found not only a deeper connection to myself but a more meaningful desire to create a place where others can do the same. A place where others can slow down to find the stillness needed to better show up for themselves internally, as well as bringing more of who they are to their responsibilities outside of them. It was in this commitment to create what would've stopped me in my tracks earlier in my life that I decided to trust that I could create something that would take all of me and what I've learned to create. In this intention, shape was given to ASNA.

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ASNA is a yoga studio, wellness space, and a home for mindful community. But more than that, it is proof. It's proof that within us all we have the seed and ability to give shape to something that is most meaningful, authentic, and beautiful to us. It's a grounded place where others can find what stirs their soul as they seek to create their own flow in this world so often filled with mindless movement. It's a place where discoveries of self and visions of a well-lived life are grasped.

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So it is my hope that in this finite time we call life, you find what is meaningful to you. I hope that you find your inner self and stretch with all your might to meet you. I hope that you find the fire back in what you value as you move toward a life worth the journey. And obviously, I hope you do it alongside us. Hope to sit and stretch with you soon.