• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Woven Yoga

Encouraging Connection

  • About
    • Getting Started
  • Classes
    • Yoga Classes
    • Barre Classes
    • Class Schedule
    • Pricing
    • Private Sessions
    • Yoga Workshops
  • Online Library
  • Connection
    • Fall Retreat
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About
    • Getting Started
  • Classes
    • Yoga Classes
    • Barre Classes
    • Class Schedule
    • Pricing
    • Private Sessions
    • Yoga Workshops
  • Online Library
  • Connection
    • Fall Retreat
  • Blog
  • Contact

home

For the Women

March 7, 2022 //  by michele

While in seminary, I was asked to be part of a panel of women for a class to speak to the “women in ministry experience.” I declined, feeling at the time that my experience wasn’t unique to being a woman and that I’d largely been treated with a sense of fairness in the circles with which I worked. I could also, at 24, see that my experience of opportunity was paved by the generations ahead of me who had very different experiences – and they sat on the panel that day.

Then, just a few short years later, I encountered what these predecessors warned me of: I was outright denied the opportunity to serve a group I loved specifically and unapologetically because I wasn’t a man. I came home outraged and terrified for my girls. When I told JJ about it, his exact words were, “Wait. This is still a thing?” We left that organization the next day without regret.

Over the course of several years spent sorting baby socks and filling sippy cups, my commitment to supporting the opportunities for women continued to simmer. While I had chosen to spend the hours of my day in a particular way, centered around my babes and littles, it was easy to recognize that it was the choice in so doing that made it worth it. Rewind just a few generations ago, and endless hours of washing (dishes, clothes, hands, floors) and moving (dishes, clothes, people, toys) wouldn’t be a choice but a mandate, and doing such work would feel more like slavery than servanthood.

And while I can bask in certain freedoms, if only a few years ago I was denied a role solely because of my sex, then we’re not as far as we think we are.

Woven Yoga is a studio owned and run by women – many these women are also owning and running other organizations as well. Then when you peek inside our classes, you’ll see a large population of amazing women. So many of our classes and events center on women celebrating the roles and places we find ourselves today so that we can keep opening doors – and businesses, organizations, platforms – for our daughters, nieces and neighbors. Our work won’t be done “until there are 9” – when our world being run by women feels as normal as the fact that it’s always been run by men. Putting female faces at the helm will someday be commonplace rather than noteworthy, and I’m here for it.

Looking to add some reading about what it might take to support the role of women in society?

Cassandra Speaks (Elizabeth Lessor) – I especially LOVED what she said about providing new and more opportunity to men to fill other roles within the home. Our empowerment shouldn’t come at the expense of others, but rather opening doors for all people.

Untamed (Glennon Doyle) – she has a bit about referring to God as She that has nothing to do with sex or gender but about normalizing the sense of female value. Totes amaze.

The Sun and Her Flowers; home body (Rupi Kaur) – her poetry digs into the generational progress we feel and are making.

home body, rupi kaur

Category: home, In our studio, philosophy

She loves you back.

September 13, 2021 //  by michele

Thanks to weeks of prep work on our first chakra workshop, I’ve had my attention turned to the ground. This was exacerbated with the plethora of tomatoes ripening and thus my hours spent in the garden or the kitchen, dealing with the bounty. And this was multiplied by my current morning read, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. (Highly recommend!) One of the thoughts/questions that has arisen is: do we belong to a place or does it belong to us?

Of course, for practical and economical reasons, land ownership exists. Deeds, mortgages, all the things. Likely, for most of us, we take pride in our homes, the patch of dirt where we raise(d) families and spend our time, maybe even that grows some of our food and the place where we toss a ball with our kids. We love our spot of earth. More and more, I see the way we tend to it.

Kimmerer raises a question amongst nature-writers: What would happen if people believed this crazy notion that the earth loved them back?

That’s how I’ve been seeing these beautiful golden balls falling from our tomato plants. The earth collected weeks worth of sunshine and rain water and morphed it into the makings of a perfect BLT or pot of sauce. They’re like gifts of love, the same when my kids paint me a picture to hang on the fridge. Tokens of love.

If we use the ancient way of seeing “the microcosm of a macrocosm”, our own bodies are the more immediate dwellings of our homes of the earth. I’ve been prone to remind us to “love your body” and now I need to take a moment and ask: What would happen if people believed this crazy notion that the body loved you back?

As I get older, I tend to notice the way things in my body don’t work they way they used to. But rather than perseverating on the extra poundage, what if I recognized that my body was concerned I might wither away and has been leaving me future meals in the storehouses, much the way we put the jars of salsa on the shelf? You might need this later, she says.

Even the early symptoms of illness – a drip of the nose, a tickle in the throat – could be love notes, reminding me to take it easy. I’m more inclined to eat nourishing foods when I’m under the weather, so maybe those “symptoms” are her way of saying, “more veggies, please!”

Love moves two ways (we’ll learn more about that with the 4th Chakra), and if you’re like me, sometimes it’s harder to receive than to give. That dose of humility required to say “thank you” or “wow, I didn’t even know I needed you in this way” can uncomfortable at first. We are accustomed, especially as women, to being the doer and the giver.

But if it’s true, the earth and your body do love you, then what does that mean? How will you move about in this world a little differently? My hope is that it’s filled with more compassion, generosity, and confidence. Because ultimately, those who feel loved also grow into their worthiness to be loved.

Here’s to it, my friends. Let’s show up. Work hard. Shine bright. Love all.

Category: blog, home, philosophy

Changing signup platforms

October 30, 2020 //  by michele

Beginning in November we’re piloting a new software to sign up for classes called fitDegree. This has a user app that you use to register for classes and make purchases. If you were formerly in the Vagaro system, here’s how you connect to your passes and memberships:

  1. Download the fitDegree app from the app store or Google Play. 
  2. Search for Woven Yoga
  3. Click “Create an account.” Use the same email that you used in Vagaro. (Can’t remember? Check Vagaro or email me to confirm.)
  4. It will ask to link your account. Choose yes! 
  5. Check your email and verify your email. You’ll want to check both boxes to get links for livestream classes and confirm your registration. 
  6. Return to the app to complete user info (phone number and birthdate are required). I recommend push notifications for class updates and studio news. 
  7. Anyone with a pass or membership will have a Transfer Pass attached to your account. You can double check my work to be sure you have the right number of classes. (Unlimited Members have 10 and more can be added as needed.) 
  8. Those with a membership (Weekly, More than Weekly, Unlimited) will see one listed in their account. I’ll have my computer available at class the next week or so – just bring your preferred card for payment to your next class, or we’ll schedule a call to get this taken care of. 
  9. You’ll be asked to sign a Liability Release waiver before your first class; you’ll be asked to sign a COVID waiver before you register for each class. 
  10. Explore! Note upcoming classes, look at the abilities to purchase passes and gift certificates, and there’s a friend-finding feature that allows you to see other yogis who coming to class. 

Category: home, In our studio

Fall Favorite: Golden Milk

September 23, 2020 //  by michele

This time of year I love to start my day with a warm, filling mug of Golden Milk. You can search the internet all over for recipes (there are lots!) but a few basic elements you’ll find consistent: a milk and tumeric. I love adding a spot of ghee to mine when my throat feels dry and scratchy from allergies (hint: my children have taken to adding a spot of ghee to any of their tea during this time of year for it’s throat-soothing qualities). I also looooove the warming spices of cinnamon, cardamom, clove and nutmeg. I make mine on the stovetop – keep an eye on it or it will bubble over quickly!

Golden Milk, per the Minehart Home

  • 2 cups milk of choice (we are DIGGING the oatmilk right now and it’s much more sustainable than almond milk, and more tolerable for the tummies in our home)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 whole clove
  • Several generous shakes cardamom
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced open
  • 1/2 inch fresh turmeric (available at Meijer in Marion), peeled and grated
  • 1-2 tsp ghee
  • 1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey

Bring to a simmer and then strain into your favorite mug

Category: blog, home, relaxation

Healthy at hOMe Yoga

March 14, 2020 //  by michele

During these times of limited social interaction (and thus closing the studio), I’m working very hard to offer digital options that will serve our membership base along with offering something for other yogis to practice while at home for the days and weeks ahead.

On Sunday, March 15, our first Livestream All-Levels Flow will be available for free to try out the platform. Join us online at 6 PM at https://zoom.us/j/987452188 (no password is required). I highly recommend jumping online prior to 6 to get yourself settled. You should be automatically muted, but it doesn’t hurt to double check.

Beginning Monday, March 16, I’ll be offering a livestream class of various sorts each day. These classes are for purchase and you’ll be emailed the login and password information at least one hour prior to the class. If you can’t make it at that exact time, the class will be recorded and you will be sent a link to view at your convenience. The link should be sent within an hour of the end of class.

Each class is listed on the regular schedule via Vagaro and you can register a la carte, but to be more cost-efficient you can get them all as a package for just $20. *You will need to register for each class individually for which you want to receive links.*

For ALL MEMBERS (whether unlimited, 4 classes/month or 8 classes/month): these online offerings are now included in your membership. When you register online it should ring you to $0. If you have issues, please don’t pay – email or text me.

Our first week’s online schedule is:

Monday 9 AM Guided Meditation (20 minutes) – $5 or included in the weekly package

Tuesday 6 PM Yoga Strong (60 minutes) – $10 or included in the weekly package

Wednesday 10 AM Children’s Yoga (30 minutes) – $5 or included in the weekly package

Thursday 6 PM All-Levels Flow Yoga (60 minutes) – $10 or included in the weekly package.

I’m going to evaluate at the end of the week to see if schedule changes are advantageous or necessary. Feedback is always welcome and appreciated!

Administrative Note:

A signed waiver is required to participate in the livestream options. If you’ve practiced with me before and have filled out your form, you’re all set. If you’ve not been in the studio, please fill out this waiver and email it back prior to class beginning.

Go Online with Us!
Powered by Vagaro Salon Software, Spa Software & Fitness Software

Category: home, schedule, yoga

Holiday week schedule

December 21, 2019 //  by michele

Sign up online!

Category: home, In our studio

Holiday Gifting

November 27, 2019 //  by michele

This year I’m offering 3 primary ways of giving the gift of yoga.

Gift Packages

Begin Package

Maybe she’s mentioned trying yoga in the past, or perhaps you know she would benefit from learning how to relax. This is the ULTIMATE gift package for a new or budding yogi. Included is a pass to the January series Slow Flow for Newbies – 4 classes to learn the basic poses and transitions to get started. Send her to the first class with a brand new Manduka BEGIN mat, and a Woven Yoga tee. Only $79 (A $108 value). Add a private session for only $50 to give her more personal attention. 

*If the Slow Flow for Newbies poses a scheduling conflict, a pass for 4 classes can be used in exchange.

Serious Bliss Package

For the seasoned yogi who wants more from their practice. Included is a top-quality Manduka ekoLite mat, a Woven Yoga sweatshirt, and 3 months of UNLIMITED yoga. This is a $393 value, but for $324 you can take it home, already wrapped and beautifully packaged, to put it under the tree.

Buy these packages in the studio or contact Michele.

Gift Certificates

Spend at least $55 – equivalent to a pass, but can be used on individual classes – and get a gift certificate for a free class. The free class will be sent to the giver’s email. You can use it for yourself or give it away!

Gift Certificates

Powered by Vagaro Salon Software, Spa Software & Fitness Software

Category: gift, home, Upper Sandusky, yoga

Pressing Pause

October 3, 2019 //  by michele

Studio update: I have no update. There is still a hole where windows used to be. Insurance is involved. Contractors are involved. Stuff.

I’m grateful to Viceroy and the folks at Shotzy’s for their hospitality; I’m wary of overstaying as our presence does require a bit from their end. (If you see Jewel give her a hug of thanks for locking, unlocking and filling water for our convenience!)

For next week, beginning October 7, we’re going to press pause. It’s probably one of the most yogic things we can do.

My hope is that this pause is long enough to feel refreshing and not so long that we become stagnant. Keep checking back, I’ll be adding classes online when I know that the studio can welcome us back. I also will communicate via email, text, and social media.

Category: home, In our studio, Upper Sandusky

Home

June 27, 2019 //  by michele

Four years ago, today, we moved *home* to Upper Sandusky. 
After JJ was invited to interview for his current position, I was surrounded by a sense that we were headed that direction. Nothing of it made a lot of sense because we were happy in Troy, he loved his job, our friendships were deepening, I was connecting in various ways with multiple downtown businesses. Yet I heard a small voice saying, “go.”

This tattoo came immediately after saying yes. It was time to be rooted, established, with leaves brimming with evidence of life. 

This was not a small thing for me. Since I was 18, I’ve not lived in one place or I worked the same job or done anything (other than parent and stay married) with longevity for more than 4 years. 

Now, on the 4th anniversary of my last shift, instead of leaving for the next thing, I’m finding myself staying for the next thing; digging in deeper, allowing the roots to reach further.

I read this morning in the Radiance Sutras: 
Again and again, answer that call,
And be saturated with knowing,
“I belong here, I am at home.” 

I’m home. 

Category: home, Upper Sandusky, yogaTag: home

Footer

Woven Yoga

112 N. Sandusky Avenue
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

(419) 408-5954
sayhello@woven.yoga

Copyright © 2022 Woven Yoga · All Rights Reserved