Our Community
Hello Oyster Bay Yogis,
Happy May! Getting outside, and getting together have never felt so good! This month I want to celebrate the best part of Oyster Bay Yoga, our community…you! I was speaking with a new student the other day, and she mentioned looking at an old photo of the studio in full swing, with 20+ people in the room, and it made me nostalgic for those days. There’s been a gaping hole in my heart (and in the studio itself) since March of last year, but good news came last week from the state. The infection rate is now so low that as of May 15th, we are cleared to move up to 50% capacity! That mean’s 13 spaces in each class instead of just 7. We’ll still maintain our other precautions, and keep you posted as soon as we get further updates. In the meantime, this means we’ve got plenty of room for you to enjoy your favorite classes, together with your yoga buddies again :)
When you step onto your mat this month, think about how your individual efforts, and the energy you bring to your practice, impact every person you interact with in your day-to-day life. Last month we filled our own cups with self care, how can we pour that goodness out into the community now?
It’s been a hard year for many, and I’d like to give back by setting up a series of “community” classes. Free for anyone to attend, in person or online. In lieu of the typical class fees, we’ll be accepting donations for Island Harvest - our local food bank. We’ll also be accepting non-perishable food donations in the provided containers at either studio throughout the month of May.
Additionally, we’ll be hosting a Yoga by the Bay event in Bayville supporting Friends of the Bay later in the month. Stay tuned as we finalize the details.
You’ll also notice a box at the studios with some slips of paper with writing prompts on them. Yoga can feel like an isolated activity sometimes, so this month as we’re contemplating dedicating our energy and effort on the mat out into the greater good, these prompts are there for you to share your intentions and experiences with our community within the studio. At the end of the month, I’m going to collect everyone’s (completely anonymous) answers and display them. Perhaps you’ll be inspired by someone else’s responses, or perhaps you’ll see your own thoughts reflected back in someone else’s handwriting.
I am thrilled to share we’ll be re-starting our outdoor classes at Mill Neck Manor, beginning Monday 5/10. Check out the full schedule below.
And in the remainder of our newsletter you’ll see our Pose of the Month, Sutra of the Month, Oil of the Month, and Monthly Challenge Winner for April. Plus a full listing of the upcoming events. I look forward to seeing you again at the studio very soon.
Be well,
Amy
Pose of the Month
Utthita Hasta Padangustasana: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose
Sutra of the Month
In the second book of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Kleshas, or obstacles, are outlined. One of these obstacles is avidya, or ignorance, in it’s many forms. We’ll dive deeper into this klesha this month.
Oil of the Month
Our May OOTM is:
Organic Vetiver
“Organic Vetiver is a root oil that is jam packed with therapeutic properties. This oil is known for its abilities to promote relaxation and balance. Organic Vetiver is very popular to use before bedtime to help calm the mind. It has a very strong aroma that has an earthy, woodsy, smoky scent, but is pleasant to the senses.
Vetiver has been used in natural perfumery for years because of its unique aroma and only a little is needed to smell that amazing scent. It is gentle and effective to help skin blemishes, supports a healthy immune system, and a little goes a long way.” -Plant Therapy
Click here to learn more about Vetiver
This month, enjoy 20% off your purchase of Organic Vetiver essential oil at the studios.
An Offering
Give the Gift of Yoga
In the month of May, share your love of the practice with others, at a discount! Members can purchase gift cards for recipients at member pricing:
You can gift:
Drop-in Classes for $19 (Regularly $22)
1 Month of Unlimited Classes for $109 (Regularly $129)
10 Class Passes for $178 (Regularly $198)
Private Yoga/Pilates Lessons (in-studio) for $89 (Regularly $99)
This offer is only available to monthly auto-renew, and yearly members. Gift cards have a 1 year expiration date from the date of purchase.
Not available for purchase online, please call, email, or inquire at the front desk.
Outdoor Yoga @ Mill Neck Manor
It’s back! Come enjoy your practice outside on the beautiful grounds of Mill Neck Manor. Our weekly outdoor classes begin the week of May 10th and include:
Mondays at 10:30am: Gentle Flow with Diana Singh
Tuesdays at 9:15am: All Levels Flow with Ruth Tranter
Wednesdays at 6:00pm Sunset Flow with Sydney Matuszak
Classes are held in the “Sunken Garden,” just outside the historic manor house. Upon arrival at Mill Neck Manor, proceed to the security booth and let the attendant know you’re there for the yoga classes. From the security booth, drive up the long driveway to the fork, and take the left fork where you’ll see a parking lot. Once you park, walk toward the manor house and you’ll come upon the sunken garden.
Please BYO yoga mat and water. A towel is recommended as the grass can be dewey in the morning and evening.
$22 to drop-in / FREE for OBY & GCY members
10 class passes are also available
Monthly Challenge Winner
Our Monthly Challenge Winner for April 2021 is:
Debra Hudak!
Congratulations Debra! You attended 19 classes in the month of March, and you’ll get your next month of membership for free! You rock!
Who will be our April winner?
Say Goodbye to the Waitlist
Some good news came from the state last week, and as of May 15th, the infection rate is now so low that we are able to increase our capacity to 13 students per class! We will maintain all other precautions and keep you updated on any further changes as they come through. This change should prevent us having to resort to a waitlist for the majority of our classes. Space is still limited in-studio, and we’re still going to strongly encourage pre-registration online at oysterbayyoga.com/schedule, but we look forward to getting you into all of the classes you’d like to attend without issue!
Upcoming Events & Schedule Updates
Yoga & Beer at Noble Savage Brewing Company: Saturday 5/1 at 12:00pm with Amy Garvey (Glen Cove)
40 Day Kundalini Sadhana: Begins Sunday 5/2 with Martha Flanagan (FREE for all to join)!
Friday Night Flow: Friday 5/7 5:30pm with Anne Davidson (Glen Cove)
Yoga @ Village Square: Saturday 5/8 with Theresa Ruggles: FREE for all to attend (Glen Cove)
Pajama Yoga: Friday 5/7 & the 1st Friday of each month at 6:30pm with Diana Singh (Oyster Bay) SOLD OUT
Yin Yoga Sunday 5/9 2:45pm with Martha Flanagan (Oyster Bay)
Pop-Up Community Class Benefitting Island Harvest: Sunday 5/16 at 10:45am with Sydney Matuszak (Oyster Bay)
Friday Night Flow: Friday 5/21 5:30pm with Anne Davidson (Oyster Bay)
Pop-Up Community Class Benefitting Island Harvest: Sunday 5/23 at 4:30pm with Theresa Ruggles (Glen Cove)
Pop-Up Community Class Benefitting Island Harvest: Sunday 5/30 at 10:45am with Anne Davidson (Oyster Bay)
Yin Yoga Friday 5/28 at 7:00pm with Martha Flanagan (Oyster Bay)
More new classes to come soon!
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. I look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, stay well.
Amy