Yoga is more than the practice of movement
Aug 10, 2026 12:56 pm
Hi ,
I’ve mentioned before that I’m on a journey of self-discovery. I’m really working on embracing all aspects of myself - the good, the bad, the hidden.
As part of this, I am using my healing to offer a Rooted and Rising - Honoring Your Story Through Movement and Art workshop.
This workshop is designed for individuals impacted by power-based abuse, adoption loss, or abortion who are seeking reflection, connection, and renewed hope.
When: Aug. 22, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm EST
Where: Calvary United Methodist Church, Frederick, MD
Cost: $60 pp. (Financial scholarships are available.)
More Information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooted-and-rising-honoring-your-story-through-movement-and-art-tickets-1994698035520
In addition, I’m taking a year-long course called Becoming a Grounded Guide with Heather Plett. We get together weekly to explore and chat about various subjects. This week, we’re diving into the core needs of Safety, Belonging, and Identity. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing insights on these topics, and this week, we’re focusing on Safety.
Not just physical safety, but emotional, relational, and internal safety - the sense that we can trust our own footing.
Stress challenges this foundation. It can make us feel unsteady, hyper‑alert, or disconnected from our bodies.
Many people describe this as "losing my center," "feeling off," or "not myself."
The truth is simple: when safety feels threatened, balance becomes harder to access.
The good news is that safety isn't something we wait for. It's something we can practice.
In yoga, we practice safety through grounding - feeling the support beneath us, slowing down transitions, and choosing movements that honor our current capacity.
In daily life, we practice safety by noticing what helps us soften, what helps us breathe, and what helps us feel "okay enough" to respond rather than react.
This week, I invite you to explore safety as a relationship you cultivate with yourself.
Journaling Prompts
Where I feel grounded - What helps my body feel steady or supported.
Signals of safety - What cues tell me I'm okay right now.
Stress patterns - How does my body respond when safety feels threatened.
This week there are opportunities to practice with me:
1. Gentle Chair Yoga every Monday, from 9:00 am to 9:50 am EST via Zoom
Gentle Chair yoga rops needed:
1-2 blocks,
a strap, and
access to a wall.
I will be online by 8:50 am and class starts at 9:00 am. Join me for some time to check in and build community.
Drop-in fee is $20 per class. Monthly subscription is $50. All classes include access to the recording.
If you prepaid or pay via subscription, please use this zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81612397417?pwd=bmtrSjVPdmdNUUhoN0FWU0FDZnlYQT09
2. Insight Timer Gentle Chair Yoga on Thursday, July 23rd from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm EST via Insight Timer.
This class is on Insight Timer. Donations are greatly appreciated. Note: A free Insight Timer account is required to take this class.
Subbing - Gentle / Stability Yoga, Wednesday, Aug 12 and 19 from 9:30 to 10:45 am EST in person or via Zoom at Opus Yoga, Kentlands.
All Gentle classes combine strengthening and stretching, but different classes emphasize different aspects of a Gentle practice. Gentle/Stability emphasizes strengthening the core and muscles surrounding joints to promote joint stability during stretching.
Gentle classes are for students who prefer an easy-going class or for those with some physical limitations. Students explore body awareness, moving with the breath and specific alignment principles which can address the limitations of the students in the class.
Flop & Drop: Restorative Yoga on Friday, Aug 14th from 6:00 to 7:15 pm at Opus Yoga.
Thai Massage, on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 3:00 pm at Opus Yoga, Kentlands
Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a meditation platform that has a meditation timer and one of the world's largest repositories of guided meditations, music tracks, and other recorded and live events. It can be used for relieving stress, improving sleep, coping with challenges, and many other areas of well-being.
Get started by setting up a free account. You can "skip" joining the premium membership or you can join and open-up even more possibilities.
I’ve got my first two meditations ready for you!
Yoga Nidra - Honor the Mother Within is a 12-minute Yoga Nidra. It’s a meditation that guides you through all five levels of awareness, sometimes called ‘yoga sleep.’ Many people use it to help them wind down for sleep, while others enjoy it as a regular practice. By the way, I’m using a Tibetan sound bowl in this session.
Echos of Me is a guided reflective video meditation that helps you notice how tightly you hold roles, labels, and beliefs and what it feels like to try them on and set them down. The practice combines breath-centered grounding, a written identity inventory, and a tactile card ritual to allow you to fully feel each label and then throw it away.
In addition to Insight Timer, I also offer:
Career and transition coaching — Personalized support for career pivots, retirement planning, leadership shifts, and other major life changes. I combine proven coaching methods with mindfulness to help you make choices that fit your values and strengths.
Yoga and mindfulness classes — Gentle, practical practices to reduce stress, build resilience, and bring clarity to decision-making.
Massage therapy — Hands-on massage therapy sessions from a table, Thai mat, or chair to release tension, restore balance, and support overall well-being during times of change. [Note: Licensed in Maryland and Pennsylvania** this is new.]
If you know someone who could use a gentle, practical guide through a transition, please feel free to forward this newsletter.
I look forward to our paths crossing.
Live your best life - tell your story your way.
With great respect,
Sandy Menzies