Beloved AYC Students and Community,
We want to start this letter by expressing our immense gratitude to you, our loyal clients and supportive yoga community. This year has brought all kinds of change and uncertainty into all of our lives, and we continue to remain in awe of your support and patience as we navigate this “new normal.”
For more than twenty years we have not just built a business together with Asheville Yoga Center, we have fostered a community. Our amazing teachers and staff are at the heart of our practice—but our purpose is rooted in helping others grow in strength, awareness, peace, and overall health. With that in mind, we would like to provide you with an update on our intentions moving forward.
For several years now, we have been exploring what a transition in ownership would look like. We are both ready for the next chapters in our lives. We are taking the next step in entertaining offers as we fully explore new ownership options of the business and properties, collectively or individually. What does this mean for AYC and you? The intention is that operations will not change as we add fresh new energy to the foundation we have already built. We will be making this transition as smooth as possible for everyone. Trainings are booked as far out as December of 2021. Despite the constraints on our business brought on by COVID-19, we are continuing to run AYC as “business as usual.” Any serious inquiries should be directed to our broker Jay Lurie at lurie.jay@gmail.com.
We are eager to define our individual and shared paths ahead. We have the utmost respect and mutual admiration for all we have created together as a yoga family and beautiful community. Our desire to be transparent with you about our present intentions has been the catalyst for this communication. We will keep you up-to-date as the future reveals greater clarity and purpose to our vision. Know that you are valued, and we truly cherish the community we have created together!
Many thanks to each and every one of you for your continued faith in AYC!
Much love,
Stephanie & Sunny Keach
Supporting Local Greenways
Many people begin their yoga journey looking for a source of healing from mental health struggles and physical ailments. A yoga practice can help you heal from the inside out by building your mind-body connection as well as strengthening your muscles. It provides the space to listen, reflect and rejuvenate both mind and body from whatever you may be dealing with.
Similarly, spending time outdoors creates the perfect healing compliment to any yoga practice. Being in nature is wholly therapeutic by reducing feelings of anger, fear, and stress. It contributes to feeling better emotionally and contributes to physical wellbeing by reducing blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. Spending time in a natural environment provides the opportunity to unplug and helps to center your mind. Additionally, being in nature gives the brain the downtime it needs to recharge. If you’re feeling stressed out and need a break, take time in your day to be outside whether that’s going on a hike, a walk or a bike ride.
We are proud to support an organization that also believes in the power of the outdoors through our January Charity of the Month Program. This month, we invite you to join us as we raise awareness for Connect Buncombe and its work to encourage and support the implementation and construction of greenways throughout Buncombe County. Greenways are undeveloped pieces of land around urban areas that are set aside for recreational use or environmental protection. They are essential components of city living, and we hope to see more of them throughout Buncombe County in the coming years.
On Thursday, January 30, you can be a part of our Day of Giving where 10% off drop-in and community class proceeds will be donated to Connect Buncombe. Donation boxes will also be able in the Studio and Boutique throughout January if you would prefer to give a monetary donation.
By supporting Connect Buncombe, you can make it possible for people locally to have access to safe, beautiful outdoor spaces to recharge, rejuvenate, and heal.
Enjoy spending time outside by checking out Connect Buncombe’s map of greenways!
Yoga Digest Features Asheville Yoga Center’s Article
The sun smiles down on Mother Earth and softly embraces our hemisphere with abundant beauty and warmth. As we celebrate the beginning of the summer solstice, we begin to experience the heat of the season as it sets in for the next few months. Summertime serves as the perfect opportunity to ignite your practice as you enjoy longer, warmer days. There’s no better time to channel the fiery power of your Manipura or Navel Chakra.
Om Yoga & Lifestyle Magazine Feature
Spring is the perfect opportunity to ignite the root chakra (muladhara) inside ourselves as a time of rebirth and new growth. The chakras manifest themselves as spinning wheels of energy that correspond to specific areas of the body. The human body consists of seven chakras which influence behaviors and values in our lives. You’ll experience differences in your body depending on which chakra you choose to activate. The root chakra is represented by the element earth. As earth provides the foundation and resources for our existence, the root chakra serves as the foundation for the entire chakra system. Located at the base of the spine, it is associated with feelings of safety and grounding. It allows us to grow with security while we explore all aspects of our lives.
Shape Up for Spring
Spring is just around the corner which means it’s time to refresh, rejuvenate and get back to feeling your best! Shake off those winter blues and spring forward into a new season of endless opportunity. When we think of spring we think of new growth and fresh starts. The same goes for your health! A healthy body starts with nutrition, water and physical exercise. Whether you’re trying to tone and strengthen muscle, or you’re just working on having healthier habits, take advantage of the spring season to get back on track. Try this asana sequence to feel more grounded and shape up for spring.
The Benefits of Yoga in the Winter Season
Even for the most devoted yogi, the winter months can be a drag when it comes to getting motivated to hit the mat. We get it – cold, dark, lonely – who wouldn’t want to stay curled up at home? But consistently skipping your workout could backfire, especially in the colder months when your body (and mind) are most vulnerable to sickness and stress. So don’t take the season off. Here are some reasons to amp up your yoga practice this winter.
Asheville Yoga Center Raises Donations for Pisgah Legal Services All Month
10% of Drop-In and Community Class Sales on Thursday, March 28 Donated
Asheville Yoga Center prepares for a full month of fundraising for Pisgah Legal Services as its Charity of the Month partner. The organization strives to pursue justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income individuals in Western North Carolina meet their basic needs. Some of their charitable work includes; providing legal aid to those living in poverty, partnering with agencies to make sustainable changes for people in crisis and improving policies which impact thousands of low-income individuals in the area.
“We are honored to be able to partner with Pisgah Legal and support their efforts in helping improve the lives of those in our community. As members of the yoga community, we feel that it is our duty to do what we can to help those in need of basic living rights,” says Melissa Driver, General Manager of Asheville Yoga Center.
From March 1 until March 31, donation boxes will be located in both the Studio and Boutique for monetary donations. On Thursday, March 28, 10% of all drop-in and community class sales will be directly donated to the non-profit. You can show support by coming in for a class at the Studio or by visiting the Boutique!
“Pisgah Legal Services is grateful for the support we can receive from the Asheville Yoga Center and other local businesses. We rely on community support to provide free legal help to those who need it most and also to raise awareness of issues facing people living in poverty here in our mountains. When we come together to ensure that our most vulnerable residents have access to justice, we all thrive,” says Ally Wilson, Director of Development, Pisgah Legal Services.
If you’d like to learn more about the organization or speak to a representative, please come by the Studio on March 28 for our donation day. A member of the Pisgah Legal team will be present to answer any questions regarding their work in the community.
Asheville Yoga Center Supports Asheville on Bikes with February Fundraiser
Asheville Yoga Center is rolling forward with its Charity of the Month project in February. The center will be raising funds for Asheville on Bikes for the second consecutive year. The non-profit advocates for better biking and walking infrastructures in both Asheville and the surrounding regions of Western North Carolina. They work to spread awareness for actions to be taken to build better transit, roads and public places.
“We understand the importance of providing the utmost safety for other’s health and wellness. Improving sidewalks, greenways and infrastructures allows us to meet those goals and create harmony within our community. We greatly appreciate all of the work that Asheville on Bikes continues to do, and we’re proud to be able to partner with them for a second time,” says Melissa Driver, General Manager of Asheville Yoga Center.
Beginning February 1, donation boxes will be located in both the Studio and Boutique for monetary donations. On Thursday, February 28, 10% of all drop-in and community class sales will be directly donated to the non-profit. Please join us for class or stop by the Studio or Boutique to show your support.
“Asheville Yoga Center and Asheville on Bikes are such good partners, because our work intersects at the issue of health and wellness. Asheville on Bikes works to improve the conditions of the urban environment through active transportation, while Asheville Yoga Center approaches health and wellness through yoga. Both groups rely on community to impact individuals. Asheville on bikes appreciates Asheville Yoga Center’s ongoing support. It’s a team effort to keep good things rolling forward,” says Mike Sule, Director of Asheville on Bikes.
Asheville on Bike’s biggest event, Bike Love, will take place on February 23 as the organization’s signature fundraiser. If you’d like to attend and purchase tickets, click here.
If you’re interested in being a volunteer, please fill out the volunteer form here
To learn more about Asheville on Bikes, please visit www.ashevilleonbikes.com.
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