The Starting Over We Must Do To Move Forward


There are many changes and transitions in a lifetime. I made a shift after ending a marriage that wasn't right for me— for me. A blessing in disguise, was changing careers on the fly to teach yoga, after being laid off from my graphic design job of 16 years. Four years later, I had become the new owner of Park Slope Yoga Center, which happened the same year we lost my only sibling, my sister and BFF. Two-years later, while in the throws of breast cancer, surrounded by the sweet community at PSYoga, I re-started my yoga practice from scratch. Next to many of you, 6-weeks after each of the 4 surgeries that put me back together, (2016-2017). Then, riding the waves of the Covid era, I still find myself unexpectedly shifting my business path and offerings, like so many in this strange new normal.

I believe that yoga and applied philosophy provide an effective framework that empowers the reconnection to self, resilience, and value for our individual efforts. I'm grateful for the practice that has supported me through so much. I'm choosing to share this holistic approach because I know it makes the difference for balance and personal strength— whether you can get to your mat, or not. I’ve applied every bit of it in my decision to close our beloved Park Slope Yoga Center as we knew it, to do what makes sense for it and for me.

Having let go of our beautiful space, I’m reimagining community, and expanding upon this legacy with much added perspective on sharing this practice. As I continue to teach classes and guiding people in a life practice that reminds us that the pendulum swings to include a series of events however painful, inconvenient, annoying or stressful— to teach, challenge and guide us towards balance to become deeper versions of ourselves. I’m ready for what’s to come. Are you?

Teri Gandy-Richardson