Rise Yoga Opens Studio in Downtown Gettysburg

“Never underestimate the empowering effect of human connection.” ~Drishti Bablani

Sometimes when I ask folks about their interest in yoga, they express a timidness about coming into a group class setting, saying that youtube videos allow them to practice in the privacy of their own home. Some students have an image in their mind of a stoic yogi meditating under a tree in isolation, and believe that being able to stay still and quiet in the presence of their own being and the workings of their mind, is somehow the whole point. And if that’s the case, then it’s not their cup of tea.

Certainly quiet solitude has its wellness benefits and is a lovely and essential part of yogic tradition. However, when I ask my students what their favorite thing is about practicing yoga at our studio, the range of responses boils down to one common thread – “the people.” 

In a study of “Blue Zones,” regions of the world known for quality of life and longevity, (specifically the highest number of people to live over 100 years), it was found that a few primary factors contributed to these wellness trends. Right up there with activity level, nutritious diet, low stress levels and time spent in nature, was a felt sense of community and belonging. Notably, these places have a prevalence of social structures that support healthy habits and social connection.

In contrast, the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the American Psychological Association (APA) both cite social isolation as one of the leading causes of increased stress, anxiety, depression, risk of self harm and negative impact on physical, mental and emotional health.  

Every year I have the privilege of leading yoga retreats with folks from all walks of life, with diversity of background, physical ability and lived experience, many of whom had never met at the start of the week, and who always walk away with new friendships. When we survey participants, after spending a week in some of the most beautiful places on earth with incredible food, picturesque views, adventure (and great yoga practices I might add), we have found that, time and time again, they answer unanimously that “the people” are also their favorite part of this experience.

During one of our workshops while on retreat this year, as we practiced a seated meditation, I asked students to consider the interconnectedness of the muscles and systems of the body- maybe even thinking of them as a “community of muscles, bones and organs.” When we strengthen one muscle or part of ourselves, it supports others. When we injure the tiniest parts of ourselves (even the pinky toe for example!) it affects the whole gate. We then discussed how this idea of interconnection transfers to our practice of being in community. Yoga teaches us to begin from a place of honoring our individual wholeness, inevitable imperfections, brokenness and all, and to lean into our collective wholeness as a source of healing and resilience.

At the end of this final workshop, students were invited as a group to create a “living sculpture” to embody the themes they had discussed in their groups. What are the muscles that make up a beloved community? Words that naturally surfaced were: connection, trust, joy, support, openness, inclusion and presence.

So why practice yoga in community if you could tap into that quick youtube video from home instead? Being in community isn’t part of the practice; it’s the whole point. 

Since opening Rise in September 2023, it has been our intention to hold space to support healing, resilience and growth for each individual who walks through our doors. We aim to offer a culture of care and responsiveness to individual needs, empowering students to approach their yoga and mindfulness practice with curiosity and compassion, in a way that serves them through each new season of life. Building a strong sense of community has always been central to this mission, and we are thrilled to announce that we are ready to grow and expand along with our community. 

In one week, we’re putting down new roots in downtown Gettysburg right next to the iconic witness sycamore tree at 430 Baltimore St.- (speaking of connection, both Abraham Lincoln AND my great great great uncle walked by this tree in 1863!) With a heart full of gratitude for our partnership with Phoenix Wellness Center over these past 2.5 years, we are beyond excited about this central location, the sanctuary we are creating in this new space and the expanded offerings we will be able to share with the community here. With easy walkability, a beautifully remodeled and accessible practice space, and immediate access to nature on the Spangler’s Spring walking loop, our new home provides the perfect blend of accessibility, tranquility and opportunity for a practice rooted in connection- mind to body and human to human. We can’t wait to share it with you.  

View from walking trail behind new studio location.

Featured image caption: At the end of a final workshop, students were invited as a group to create a “living sculpture” to embody the themes they had discussed in their groups.