Challenges
Dear Yogis,
Patanjali reminds us that obstacles are part of the journey. In Yoga Sutra 1.30, he names nine obstacles that disrupt our path, things like illness, doubt, lack of motivation, and restlessness. Sound familiar? These are not failures or signs we’re doing something wrong, they’re part of being human. These difficulties can leave us feeling unsteady or disconnected, as described in Sutra 1.31, which speaks to suffering, depression, unsteadiness in the body, and irregular breathing.
Some days these obstacles make your body feel heavy, your mind distracted, or your heart unsure. But yoga teaches us to stay. To notice. To soften. The practice isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about how we meet them.
This month, we invite you to face those obstacles with curiosity and commitment through our 2nd Annual Bingo Challenge! It’s designed to encourage you to try new things, stay consistent, and have a little fun along the way. Each square is a small step toward deepening your practice, both on and off the mat.
All my best,
Amy
Pose of the Month
Astavakrasana: Eight Angle Pose
This month at the studio we breakdown
Astavakrasana: Eight Angle Pose.
Learn how best to practice this pose in any class all month long!
Sutra of the Month
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali doesn’t pretend that the path is easy. In fact, in Sutra 1.30, he names the very real struggles we’re likely to face; things like illness, doubt, fatigue, distraction, or even slipping back into old habits. These aren’t just physical blocks; they’re inner turbulence that can cloud our clarity and weaken our resolve. Then in 1.31, he speaks to how these obstacles show up in our lived experience: through mental disturbance, physical tension, emotional heaviness, and unsteady breath. When we notice these signs, it’s not a failure, it’s information. A signal to pause, take care, and reconnect with what anchors us. These sutras don’t offer a quick fix, but they do offer perspective, that obstacles are part of the path, and that awareness is the beginning of real transformation.
Oil of the Month
Our August OOTM is:
Lemon Oil
“When life gives us lemons, we make Lemon Essential Oil. This powerfully zesty, fresh citrus aroma is a wonderful selection to help refresh the smell of an unpleasantly stale room. When diffusing, it can also help energize and uplift emotions. If you’re experiencing a common cold or flu, Lemon can help support a healthy immune system. Its invigorating scent is a great addition to DIY cleaners, leaving your home feeling bright and clean.”
-Plant Therapy
Enjoy 20% off your purchase of Lemon essential oil all month at the studio.
Summer Memberships
Calling all students, teachers & out-of-towners!
Summer is a great time to start up a yoga practice, now that your schedule is a little clearer. And, if you’ve been practicing elsewhere regularly, we’d love to have you keep up your routine with us for the summer. Normally we’ve got a 3 month minimum commitment for our membership pricing, but we’ve got a special offer for you if you’re just here for the summer. Our popular Summer Membership option is back, running from June to August! Click below to learn more and purchase your membership ☀️
Last day to purchase this deal is August 15th!
We Want to Hear from You!
Our community grows stronger with your input!
Have a class you'd like to see on the schedule? A small change that could improve your time at the studio? A big idea you’ve been thinking about? Stop by the front desk the next time you’re at the studio and fill out one of our forms to let us know your thoughts!
Your voice helps shape the future of the studio. Let’s make OBY even more amazing, together.
2nd Annual Bingo Challenge
August is heating up and we’ve got the perfect way to stay cool:
Our 2nd Annual Bingo Challenge!
We’ve packed the board with ways to deepen your practice, connect with others, and even win a few prizes along the way. Pick up your Bingo card at the front desk and start filling in those squares. We'll stamp your board once per visit, so be sure to bring your board with you.
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! Let’s make August a month of movement, mindfulness, and a little friendly competition.
Prizes will be given out in September!
We can’t wait to play with you!
Support Our Neighbors at People Loving People
We’re proud to support People Loving People’s The People’s Pantry, which provides food and essentials to over 180 local families each week. This August, we’ve placed a donation bin in the studio to make giving even easier. Just bring your items when you come to class!
Let’s fill the bin and show our community some love this month!
Follow us to stay connected for upcoming events and news
Events
Women’s Circle
Sunday, August 10th
2:00-4:00pm
with Kaitlyn Pawlukojc
“Yoga helps us to remove all obstructing (mental) clouds, so that we may come to enjoy the sunshine within. It is an extensive program of reeducation through which we learn, step by step, to live the light of our true nature. Only when we have truly found ourselves will we be able to live in peace, harmony, and happiness in the world.” - Georg Feuerstein
Consider deepening your personal practice by engaging yoga as a way of life. Every second Sunday from 2-4pm, we gather to create sacred community by grounding in our breath, gently moving our bodies, settling into our hearts, and listening for our inner knowing. This experience of mindful inquiry encourages you to show up for yourself and one another as we explore the spiritual in every day life. Your level of participation is up to you as we honor the Light and Love within and among us all.
Registration is required to attend. This event is FREE.
We gratefully welcome donations to help sustain and grow the Women's Circle, ensuring it remains an ongoing space for connection and healing.
Pajama Yoga for Kids
Friday, September 5th
5:30-6:30pm
with Diana Singh
Bring your little ones (ages 4-10) dressed in their pajamas to a fun and interactive yoga class! Class includes gentle stretches, games, and stories to help them wind down and prepare for a peaceful sleep. And to top it off, we'll provide milk & cookies for a sweet treat before bed. Don't miss out on this cozy and enjoyable experience!
Please sign up in advance for this class, space is limited.
$20 per child
If you need to sign up more than one child, please email us at info@oysterbayyoga.com.
Yoga Book Club
Sunday, September 7th
6:30-8:30pm
with Peggy Adair
Join us for an evening of movement, connection, and conversation as we dive into Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, a touching, quirky novel that reminds us of the power of friendship, healing, and unexpected wisdom (yes, even from an octopus).
We'll begin with a one-hour all-levels yoga flow to help ground the body and open the heart, followed by an hour of thoughtful book discussion. No need to be finished with the book, just come curious and open!
Stop by our neighbors, Theodore’s Books, for 15% off your copy, grab your mat, BYO snacks & drinks, and we’ll see you there!
$30 to drop-in
FREE for members
Taking it back to 1990: Dance-Pop-Grunge
Friday, September 12th
6:30-7:45pm
with Diane Libman
Flow through an all-levels vinyasa class set to the iconic sounds of 90s dance, pop, and grunge! This energizing practice will combine dynamic sequences, fun transitions, and grounding stretches, all paired with a nostalgic playlist that keeps you moving. Come for the yoga, stay for the vibes!
$30 to drop-in
FREE for members
Women’s Circle
Sunday, September 14th
2:00-4:00pm
with Kaitlyn Pawlukojc
“Yoga helps us to remove all obstructing (mental) clouds, so that we may come to enjoy the sunshine within. It is an extensive program of reeducation through which we learn, step by step, to live the light of our true nature. Only when we have truly found ourselves will we be able to live in peace, harmony, and happiness in the world.” - Georg Feuerstein
Consider deepening your personal practice by engaging yoga as a way of life. Every second Sunday from 2-4pm, we gather to create sacred community by grounding in our breath, gently moving our bodies, settling into our hearts, and listening for our inner knowing. This experience of mindful inquiry encourages you to show up for yourself and one another as we explore the spiritual in every day life. Your level of participation is up to you as we honor the Light and Love within and among us all.
Registration is required to attend. This event is FREE.
We gratefully welcome donations to help sustain and grow the Women's Circle, ensuring it remains an ongoing space for connection and healing.
Yin Yoga
Friday, September 19th
7:00-8:15pm
with Martha Flanagan
Are you moving too fast?
Doing too many things at one time?
Too much "mind chatter" or just want to slow down?
Yin yoga can provide an antidote for this.
This class will guide you through a series of poses that are primarily done sitting and lying down. The poses are held for 2-5 minutes at a time to allow connective tissues (fascia, ligaments) to soften, lengthen and lubricate. A yin yoga practice compliments a yang practice and allows for a more balanced approach to life.
$30 to drop-in
FREE for members
Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork for Extraordinary Living
Sunday, September 21st
2:00-3:30pm
with Kerry Fisher
Join Kerry Fisher for a 90-minute immersive experience designed to calm your nervous system and reconnect you to a state of deep relaxation and presence. This powerful session weaves together what Kerry calls Tools of Gold—simple yet transformative practices that support extraordinary living from the inside out.
You'll be guided through three intentional breathwork exercises to center the mind and body, followed by an active yoga flow to release tension and energize the system. The practice then transitions into three calming meditations and a deeply nourishing restorative pose to seal in the benefits.
Perfect for anyone seeking greater peace, balance, and vitality—on and off the mat.
Space is limited for this event, please sign up in advance. Tickets to this event are non-refundable, non-transferable to other events.
$45 Early Bird Pricing (Ends 9/7)
$55 per person
10% off for members
Restorative Yoga with Reiki Activation & Aromatherapy
Friday, September 26th
7:00-8:30pm
with Nancy Rich
Settle into a nourishing evening of relaxing restorative yoga postures, enhanced with reiki & aromatherapy. Restorative yoga is a blissful, slow down practice that relieves stress, anxiety, fatigue, while releasing mental/physical tension & chronic pain through the use of supporting props (bolsters, blankets & blocks). You will be guided into a peaceful state of stillness, while receiving reiki & aromatherapy. Reiki is a form of hands on healing through which energy is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the recipient to encourage emotional & physical healing. The experience will be enhanced with gentle aromatherapy to promote a sense of relaxation & wellbeing. This deeply healing practice is appropriate for everyone & is essential for those with a fast paced life.
Space is limited for this event, please sign up in advance.
Tickets to this event are non-refundable, non-transferable to other events.
$45 Early Bird Pricing (Ends 9/12)
$55 per person
10% off for members
Upcoming Events & Schedule Updates
UPCOMING EVENTS
Women’s Circle: Sunday, 8/10 at 2:00pm with Kaitlyn Pawlukojc
Pajama Yoga for Kids: Friday, 9/5 at 5:30pm with Diana Singh
Yoga Book Club: Sunday, 9/7 at 6:30pm with Peggy Adair
Taking it Back to 1990: Dance-Pop-Grunge: Friday, 9/12 at 6:30pm with Diane Libman
Women’s Circle: Sunday, 9/14 at 2:00pm with Kaitlyn Pawlukojc
Yin Yoga: Friday, 9/19 at 7:00pm with Martha Flanagan
Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork for Extraordinary Living: Sunday, 9/21 at 2:00pm with Kerry Fisher
Restorative Yoga with Reiki Activation & Aromatherapy: Friday, 9/26 at 7:00pm with Nancy Rich Early Bird Pricing Ends 9/12
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Tuesday Nights: Cruise Nights are back for the summer - please plan ahead for parking for our evening class as Audrey Avenue will be closed from 5-9pm.
Labor Day: The studio will be closed on Monday, September 1st.
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Until then, stay well,
Amy