I see you walking with me.

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March 15, 2021

One year ago today, we closed Shine. I remember my fear that day. I truly agonized. If I close too soon, students will be unhappy. If I don't close, will people think I don't care about their health and safety? Mind you, I thought we would be closing for two weeks, tops. 

Well, after a year of constant worry and change and amazing adaptability on the part of my teachers and students, I know one thing. I don't have to worry about what you will think. 

What stands out beyond everything else is your trust, and your belief in what we have all created together--a place that is gentle, that is respectful, that is curious, and strong. A practice that is sometimes playful and sometimes deep. That is comforting and quiet and bursting with energy, with release, with song. That is movement and stillness and always, incredibly human. 

In this year, Shine has become a home that is defined by heart--a moment of empathy, of stillness, of courage. Shine builds and supports resilience, on the mat and in our lives. 

On this day, when the sunshine is streaming in, and our classes are (finally) filling up with your bright hearts, I am taking the lessons of this year to my heart. 

None of us wanted to live this year, but we are emerging now, together. 

We have scars and sadness and fear. We have been lonely and exhausted and broken. This year has been no small thing. But, we have proven ourselves to be adaptable, to be compassionate, to trust in our own strength and the strength of our community. 

That's what I walk forward with. 

I feel incredibly lucky to see you walking with me.

Sara