Yoga is more than the practice of movement
Jul 20, 2026 12:03 am
Hi ,
I just returned from Yoga Summer Camp with Desirée Rumbaugh, and I'm still buzzing.
The focus was using our yoga practice to build strength - both internally and externally - and to use each pose as a tool for deepening our connection to self as we face the aging process with courage and compassion.
Here's the truth: at some point, we will all experience injury or pain in our bodies. That's not a failure - it's part of being human. What yoga offers is a way to meet that moment with awareness: to notice what's weak and strengthen it, what's tight and stretch it. That internal awareness is what leads to living stronger lives - lives that can support the activities we actually want to do.
When I was young, people in their 50s were old. Now that I'm in my 50s, I don't feel old at all. I want to bike, run, hike, dance - I want to keep doing all of it. And to do that, my body needs to be strong, my mindset needs to stay in "I can," and I need to believe I'm not too old for fun, adventure, and this gift of life.
Over the next few weeks, my classes will bring you the insights and practices that challenged me most at camp. Because here's the thing: we will all experience injury and pain at some point. The real question is what we do with it - stop moving, or learn, heal, and get stronger.
I hope you'll join me.
How do you want to face your aging self?
This week there are opportunities to practice with me:
1. Gentle Chair Yoga on Monday, July 20 from 9:00 am to 9:50 am EST via Zoom
Gentle Chair yoga rops needed:
1-2 blocks,
a strap.
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. 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. It is a donation based class. Note: A free Insight Timer account is required to take this class.
Flop & Drop: Restorative Yoga on Friday, July 24th from 6-7:15 pm at Opus Yoga.
Thai Massage, on Sunday, July 26 at 1 pm and 2:30 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.
20-Minute Presence Walk is a 20-minute mindful meditation walk where I’ll be there to support you as you walk with presence.
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