Dearest Friends.

It was only two days ago that I sent an email announcing my intention to keep the studios open in order to best serve all of you during these troubling times. Today, all of that has changed.

I have been weighing my decisions over the last several days according to three factors: the long term viability of our studios, the wellbeing of our staff and students, and the yoga practice of "ahimsa" or non-harming. The last two factors have now begun to outweigh the first, and so with the heaviest of hearts, I am announcing today that both Johns Creek and Duluth Yoga will close until the coronavirus risk has passed. Our morning classes today will be the last we offer for the time being.

This is the most difficult decision I have ever had to make as a business owner, but I also feel certain that it is the right decision, aligned with my principles and in service to our collective good. Choosing what is right is seldom the easiest path. I know many of you are sympathetic, and I know how much our community means to you. Here's what you can expect going forward:

  • We are developing online content and hope to bring it forward before the end of the week. Members will have complete access as part of their regular membership, and we will sell supplemental memberships for others who want to stream at home.
  • If you have a 5,10 or 15 class package, we will eliminate expiration dates so that you can return and use your package in full when we reopen.
  • If you are registered for Teacher Training or a workshop that is supposed to take place within the next couple of weeks, we will live stream the training so that you can do it in the comfort and safety of your home.
  • We are working rapidly to reschedule the Costa Rica Retreat that was supposed to take place at the end of this week. All other retreats are scheduled in very late summer and early fall, and we expect them to go forward as planned. We will let you know if any changes take place.

Finally....this is a difficult request, but one I must make: If your first instinct upon reading this email is to cancel your membership or ask for a refund on a package, I humbly ask you to consider patiently waiting this out with us. I want us to have a community to which we may return when we get back to normal, I also want to be able to provide for those teachers who have served selflessly for years and rely on their salary as their sole income. To do that, we will need your help.

May these days of quietude bring all of us into the sanctuary of our souls where we may find infinite peace.

In gratitude,
Sheila Ewers
Founder, Blue Lotus Yoga