From Our Mat
Spring has a way of inviting new beginnings, and it feels like the right time to bring back our newsletter – Sukham Musings. Think of this as a space where we can slow down together, share what’s been unfolding in the studio, and stay connected beyond the mat. A little window into the heart of our community; sharing news and views!
This past Easter Sunday, we celebrated a milestone birthday for our own dear Satya. What started as a small surprise turned into something much bigger. Seeing each other outside our usual batches (and yes, out of yoga clothes for once) felt surprisingly new, and yet not new at all! With the banter and the various pockets of conversations, we all blended together as one community. And so effortlessly! It was one of those moments that reminds us that this is more than just a place to practice yoga; it’s a space where people show up for each other. That is the beauty of this community YOU have helped build here at YogaSukham!
As we ease into summer, there’s a lot we’re looking forward to, starting with our upcoming community picnic in a few weeks. It will be a time for you and your family to get together with your fellow yogis, their families and friends, a relaxed space to linger in those after-class conversations, only without having to rush off somewhere. Additionally, look for upcoming Rope wall Workshops and SoundBaths.
Whether you’ve been practicing with us regularly, are thinking of returning, or are just exploring, know that you don’t have to “fit in” to begin. This space has always been about meeting yourself where you are, and along the way, finding a community that feels like home.
We’re really glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to share this season with you!
One big happy family!
From Satya: “I am incredibly grateful and fortunate to have each of you in my life”
Teacher Spotlight
– Elaine Gill
Elaine has been with us at YogaSukham since the year we opened. She has been a committed practitioner, a solid supporter, and now a promising teacher at the studio. Her transformation has been a treat to watch and we are so proud of her.
Elaine is a graduate from YogaSukham Advanced Studies Program batch of 2021 – our very first! When she started the program, teaching yoga practice was not her intention. She joined to get a deeper understanding of yoga as a whole. But very soon she warmed up to the idea and realized that her own knowledge and grasp will increase once she starts teaching; and so she did! Now she is not only a popular teacher but also an influencer! Over the years she has introduced asana practice to ultra-athletes who benefit immensely complementing their hard workouts.
In her own words – “During YASP, we gained an internal awareness that allowed us to venture outside our comfort. Each time during practice we are told to breathe, relax, not to push, etc., but to be given the tools and skills to actually do it and teach it, is learned beyond everyday practice. It was in YASP that this all came together and set me on my path”
Fun Facts on Elaine you may not have known:
– Elaine is a long distance runner for the past over 13 years having run several half and full marathons. She also coaches runners at Team Asha
– Unless she is traveling, Elaine attends all Workshops at YogaSukham 🙂
– A mother of three amazing daughters (her rocks) and a grandma to a set of cutest twins, Elaine is a Regulatory lawyer focusing on Compliance
– Her husband is a regular practitioner at yogasukham – you can see him attending Elaine’s classes, diligently learning from her ❤️
– Over the years, Elaine has garnered ~300 hours of teaching at YogaSukham guiding around ~1800 practitioners!
Practitioner Spotlight
Yoga meets you exactly where you are -Mary R
Some people naturally become part of the heartbeat of our studio, like Mary, who has completed 1200+ classes over all these years she has been with Yogasukham!. Known for her steady practice and remarkably pleasant spirit, she is a face many of us have come to recognize, admire, and lean on for a bit of daily inspiration. For many, the path to yoga starts with a search for physical fitness, but for Mary Reding, the journey began as an act of solidarity; for her sister who was advised to swap strenuous exercise for something more restorative (like yoga). Mary decided to join her. What started as a supportive gesture quickly evolved into a decade-long cornerstone of her daily life. “Thirteen years later, I keep coming back because my yoga classes are something I look forward to,” Mary shares. “While some poses challenge me physically, I always feel a mental clarity and peace at the end of class.“
It wasn’t always like this; she initially struggled with the discipline, and recalls the early days spent glancing at her watch or measuring her progress against others in the room and thinking she will never be able to be in the poses ‘like them’.
However, with persistence, Mary realized that the practice wasn’t about achieving a “perfect” pose or outperforming a neighbor; it was about the personal evolution that happens between the breaths.
Beyond the physical practice, Mary has since built deep, lasting connections and feels a sense of belonging and community, which also helped her get through the trying years during her husband’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“One of the things that keeps me coming back to my yoga practice is being a part of the community at Yogasukham. From the moment I walk in, I always feel welcome. There is never any pressure to be perfect or “experienced” but its an open, supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to show up exactly as they are.”
Today, Mary’s practice is an essential ritual. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that while we may come to the mat for one reason, the peace and resilience we find there are what ultimately keep us coming back.
We are happy to have Mary at YogaSukham and for being a partner in her wellness journey!
Pose Spotlight – Sarvāṅgāsana
Sarvāṅgāsana: Sarva (entire/all), Anga (body/limb), and Asana (pose) aka shoulder stand.
Known as the Mother of āsanas – it promotes healthy functioning of the Thyroid and Parathyroid glands which are situated in the neck region. Since the body is inverted, venous blood flows to the heart aided by gravity, without any strain. The chin lock increases blood flow allowing for the organs to bathe in blood supply, critical for absorption of nutrients.
Sarvāṅgāsana is known to provide relief to persons suffering from breathlessness, palpitation, asthma, bronchitis, and throat related ailments. It also gives relief from chronic headaches, common cold, and nasal disturbances. Due to the soothing effect of the pose on the nerves, those suffering from hypertension, irritation, shortness of temper, nervous breakdown and insomnia los find relief.
The change in the bodily gravity affects the abdominal organs so bowels move freely relieving constipation. This āsana is Recommended for uterine displacement and menstrual troubles, piles, and hernia. Regular practice of Sarvāṅgāsana promotes vigor, vitality, energy, strength, and joy.
Sarvāṅgāsana can be propped in various ways to learn, understand, and practice correct alignment and posture to get the maximum benefit and prevent injury.
This is not medical advice. For specific issues check with your doctor & teacher before attempting.
Prep and props for an aligned Sarvāṅgāsana!
You Asked:
Q: How many times should I practice/attend class?
A: You are asking because you are thinking about it. That’s a start! Congratulations!
Short answer – as many times as you can. Anything is better than none!
Long answer – It is not going to be the same for everyone.
Think of regularity. Commit to what you can realistically maintain. For example it is better to consistently practice 2 days a week rather than 4 days one week and then miss a week completely. Anything from a few days a week to daily is great!
If you are recovering from a medical episode/trauma/injury, start slow and ramp up once you start to feel stronger and confident.
Most importantly, protect your practice time. Instead of letting a reason come in the way of your committed practice time, guard it, protect it, lock it; work other things around it. This will be a huge contributor to maintaining consistency. When you travel, never leave your yoga strap behind, it is small and light and will help you get a very effective practice!
At the end, do the best you can. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a class or few. Come back to it quickly. But give yourself a pat on your back if you maintain your regularity 🙂
“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured, and endure what cannot be cured” – Guruji BKS Iyengar
1. YogaSukham Picnic (5/17)
Click to RSVP
Click to Volunteer
Click for Food Sign-Up
2. Rope Wall Workshop
Click to reserve 5/3 & 6/7
3. PureSound – An immersive Soundbat
Click to reserve 5/24 & 6/20
____________________
Happy May Birthdays!
We wish you a very happy birthday and a great year ahead!
- Cindy M
- Elena F
- Sivakumar
- Ankit A
- May W
- Haritha T
- Oi S
- Taruna A
- Vidya P
- Panneer C
- Deann D
- Niranjana V
- Nikhil B
- Mary W
- Bhaskar K
- Ashok M
- Jacqeline B
- Madhavi S
1. YogaSukham Picnic (5/17)
Click to RSVP
Click to Volunteer
Click for Food Sign-Up
2. Rope Wall Workshop
Click to reserve 5/3 & 6/7
3. PureSound – An immersive Soundbat
Click to reserve 5/24 & 6/20
_________________________
Happy May Birthdays!
| Cindy M | Panneer C |
| Elena F | Deann D |
| Sivakumar | Niranjana V |
| Ankit A | Nikhil B |
| Mary W | Mary W |
| Haritha T | Bhaskar K |
| Oi S | Ashok M |
| Taruna A | Jacqeline B |
| Vidya P | Madhavi S |
We wish you all a very happy birthday and a great year ahead!
Housekeeping with a heart
- Breathe Easy: To support students with sensitivities, please refrain from wearing any perfumes or essential oils to class
- Travel Light: We recommend leaving valuables at home or securely locked in your car so you can focus fully on your practice
- Health Updates: Feel free to let your teacher know before class if you are working with new injuries, health conditions or any physical changes
- Find Your Words: Access our chanting resources and lyrics here to deepen your connection to the tradition.
- Arrive Early: Try to arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in and set up your station without rushing to get the most of your time at the studio!
- Digital Detox: Kindly ensure all phones are silenced or turned off before entering the practice space
- Stay Connected: Join our Community Facebook Group to share reflections, ask questions, and connect with fellow yogis!
- Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram - We are reachable:
Email: info@yogasukham.com
Text/Call: 925-264-9906
– Brought to you by Sonali & Varsha
Housekeeping with a heart
- Breathe Easy: To support students with sensitivities, please refrain from wearing any perfumes or essential oils to class
- Travel Light: We recommend leaving valuables at home or securely locked in your car so you can focus fully on your practice
- Health Updates: Feel free to let your teacher know before class if you are working with new injuries, health conditions or any physical changes
- Find Your Words: Access our chanting resources and lyrics here to deepen your connection to the tradition.
- Arrive Early: Try to arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in and set up your station without rushing to get the most of your time at the studio!
- Digital Detox: Kindly ensure all phones are silenced or turned off before entering the practice space
- Stay Connected: Join our Community Facebook Group to share reflections, ask questions, and connect with fellow yogis!
- Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram - We are reachable:
Email: info@yogasukham.com
Text/Call: 925-264-9906
– Brought to you by Sonali & Varsha
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