Have I mentioned here that my partner and I closed our studio space at the end of December 2024? I think it is something to share and remember, as it was such a big part of life for a chunk of our lives.

Towards the end of 2013 my partner started looking for a space to have a photo studio - one where he could take portraits at will, with high ceilings and enough room to move. And we found such a space, just opposite Palmiste Park in Phillipine, San Fernando. As we explored the possibility of that space we realised that I could also hold yoga classes there. Once that realisation was made everything fell into place for it to happen. We rented the space and made it our own with elbow grease, paint and sheer willpower.

On February 17th 2014, I held my first yoga class at Parkview Studio and did not stop until December 17th 2024. There were breaks for holidays and that period during the pandemic where we couldn’t move around but it was our main space for that time. I held classes, my partner scheduled photoshoots and it was a space where we built community and care.

It was a really good space until the surroundings started changing. The landlord was unresponsive to issues coming up with the building. Crime was becoming a factor. While the studio felt even more like an oasis in the space around it… We realised that it was time to move on.

In her essay, “On change and denial”, Maria Popova shares the following:

“Often, we feel the tectonic tremors of change long before it erupts to alter the landscape of life; often, we tune them out or invent a thousand alternative explanations for them. But we know, we know, deep in the marrow of the soul, when something must change — and when it is about to.”

When I read that passage I thought it perfectly captured this feeling for us. We felt it coming… many small things led to our final decision.

It has led to shifts for us - the contemplation of whether we want another somewhat permanent space, whether we want to change the work we do or how we do it.

At this point in time I have found spaces for my classes to continue. This photo was shared by a client whose husband took the photo after dropping her off for class. It is so welcoming, and such a joy to see. And that’s what I’m holding on to with these changes, welcoming the opportunity to offer things in different spaces, opening and allowing new moments of joy.

A reminder then, for all of us, that when there are big changes to be made we will feel them coming and such change brings opportunities for growth and joy.

Peace,