A Space of Belonging
A Journal Share written by HHY Founder and teacher Suzanne, along with contributions from our team.
One of our foundational values at Humble Haven is belonging. Humble Haven has always been a place to gather and since belonging is actually a fundamental human need, how to cultivate it is at the center of every service, corner, process, and product that we offer.
When we reached out to the team to tell us a little bit about the role that yoga and Humble Haven has played for them in 2024, it was incredibly meaningful that a common theme was that the practice of yoga and the studio as a whole has been an avenue of sharing - sharing laughter, creations, tears, space...
What did the studio offer you this year?
“A place to share my creativity” - Morgan
“Friendship, community, connection, joy, respite, calm, freedom.” - Deirdre
“Humble Haven offered me a space to return to a regular yoga practice and teaching schedule following a four year hiatus!” - Tracy
“Community and belonging” - Isa
“The studio offered me opportunities to grow, tremendous love and abundant support.” - Jennie Ray
“A place to decompress, make friendships, build community, share my passions.” - Emely
“Strength” - Katie
“A place to land, learn, connect, recalibrate, see, feel, listen and love. A haven, if you will. ;-)” - Camille
“A place to land, learn, connect, recalibrate, see, feel, listen and love. A haven, if you will. ;-)”
What role will Yoga play for you in the year ahead?
“Yoga will be the impetus to keep trying new things as well as a comfortable place to keep coming home to.” - Morgan
“Yoga will continue to be a space and place for self-exploration - as well as an opportunity for new challenges as I start regularly teaching Yoga Build!” - Deirdre
“Practicing the eight limbs of yoga is a central part of my life.” - Tracy
“Hopefully a wholesome one” - Isa
“The practice of Yoga will continue to be my biggest teacher and navigational tool.” - Jennie Ray
“Yoga is my sacred space, the one thing I hope to never get rid of.” - Emely
“Consistency as I figure out a new normal.'“ - Katie
“Yoga will continue to be my ride or die. She's gotten me through thick and thin and all the places in between, and she will continue to be my greatest anchor in the process of self-study.” - Camille
Tell us about a moment at the studio that moved you in 2024 - silly, thoughtful, difficult, energizing...
“It has been a wonderful joy to watch and experience all of my fellow newer teachers grow and evolve in their own unique ways.” - Morgan
“After a long and exhausting week of Yoga Build training, I found myself doubled over in laughter in Studio Two watching the beautifully silly versions of jumping jacks performed by Tarole, Camille, Donia, Billy, and Morgan. I went into that training nervous and self-conscious, and left it invigorated (and super sore). It was a reminder that I can do hard things and that I can have fun doing hard things when surrounded by people I trust and adore.” - Deirdre
“Developing close relationships with my prenatal students, walking with them through their journey, and welcoming them back to class after having their babies is the most incredible thing to witness.” - Tracy
“The first time that i saw my name in the schedule. Was the first time in a long time that i felt part of something.” - Isa
“My brother Michael had left us. I had yet to feel anything other than duty to "get it all right" for him. Rachel taught. I wept tears from my toes to the crown of my head. She held the space wide open for my grief. This is Togetherness.'“ - Jennie Ray
“This isn't one specific moment since it happens every day, but that moment after savasana. The feeling of community and connection is strongest at this point.” - Emely
“The first class that I took after giving birth is definitely a memory that I will hold onto for a long time. After spending all of 2024 modifying my practice more and more, I was nervous about taking class post-baby. The second I walked into the studio all those worries faded away, the enthusiasm of seeing so many familiar faces and the heat of the room energized me and made me feel like I was home. After class, a few folks asked me how it felt and my answer was "the same, but different". This class was the best reminder that this practice is for every body and that you can always begin again.” - Katie
“It's hard to pick one moment in particular, but what I've come to find, is that connection consistently shows up when I least expect it or think I need it, and it's the exact salve that softens my hard edges and wakes me up to all the goodness of our awesome community.” - Camille
Having a place to share aspects of self can be a meaningful way to have a sense of belonging. Thank you for allowing us to share with you and thank you for sharing with us.
May we all continue to create the space that is Humble Haven as one for all in the year and years to come!
-Suzanne B.
