A labyrinth or labyrinth garden is used for "moving meditation" (or walking meditation). You'll see a single path from the outer edge in a winding circular pattern  to the center. Labyrinths are used world-wide as a way to quiet the mind, calm anxieties, recover balance in life, enhance creativity and encourage meditation, insight, self-reflection and stress reduction. 

"The labyrinth symbolizes a journey to a predetermined destination (such as a pilgrimage to a holy site), or the journey through life from birth to spiritual awakening to death."

Labyrinth walking is an ancient practice used by many different faiths for spiritual centering, contemplation, and prayer. Entering the serpentine path of a labyrinth, you walk slowly while quieting your mind and focusing on a spiritual question or prayer.

In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the hero Theseus.

Today, there is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth path. When walking slow and mindfully from the outside to the center, it is a great way to open you mind, reflect, pray, and or meditate. With each step it is encouraged to take slow mindful breaths, when you reach the center pause to reflect, pray, or maybe journal. Whatever you feel is right for your experience.

"Walking a labyrinth in this way can be surprisingly calming and clarifying for your thoughts. Even if you don't have a spiritual side, the slow, intentional walking in a quiet place on a set path allows for a level of focus that can be difficult to find in a busy life. " 

Since I'm writing this article from Rochester NY I've included a list of where to find a Labyrinth here in the article below, however there is a website that you can search for one right where you live called : World - Wide Labyrinth Locator. 

Go visit one today in your local town and enjoy the experience!

Namaste, 
Erin Joy

Creating a dedicated space at home for your meditation practice can be helpful in avoiding distractions and setting yourself up for a wonderful practice! You don't need to spend a lot of time or money creating a space at home, and you can literally practice anywhere and anytime. But having a space can add to having a positive meditative experience, here are a few ideas below to get you started!

​There are no special tools you need to practice meditation however there are tons of props available to make you more comfortable for a seated meditation. You may choose to use something soft to sit on such as a bolster, blanket, or pillow (even a couch cushion will work). Or something more firm such as a yoga block or stack of large books to sit on, allowing the hips to open easier with a tall straight spine. 

Aromatherapy and scents are another element to consider while creating your meditation space at home. Most popular and accessible being candles, essential oils, sage, or incense. Depending on the time of day and your mood, have a variety of calming/ soothing scents such as lavender or bright/ spirit lifting aromas like citrus. 

Utilizing sense of sound is another well-loved element to meditation practices. If you're at home try looking up a "Meditation Playlist" on your laptop or iPhone and then putting it on airplane mode or "Do Not Disturb" so the music doesn't get interrupted. I've Included one of my favorite Meditation playlists below from Spotify. 

And lastly, don't forget to personalize your space, make it your own! Add in a few things that are calming and soothing to you without adding too much clutter. For example I've added a few crystals, stones, and my favorite plants to make my space feel cozy, safe, and relaxing. Look inward, then reflect this onto the space that will support and nourish your body and mind. 

Thanks for reading and hope this helps, happy meditating!

Namaste, 
Erin Joy 

Enjoy this short guided mediation for encouraging self-compassion in a difficult area in your life right now.  Take a few moments to close your eyes, breathe, and just take a short break in your day to offer yourself loving kindness as you cultivate self-compassion. If you've never tried meditation before this is a great place to start and one of my first recordings as part of my assignment for my teacher training. I hope this clip gives you a little bit of peace today and you find compassion for yourself, you deserve it. 

With love and kindness, 
​Erin Joy

Welcome Rochester Yoga lovers!

I've created a group through MeetUp for anyone living in the Rochester area who loves yoga! In this group you'll expand your knowledge of yoga and grow your practice by getting the scoop on events, workshops, and classes. These Yoga classes  are open to all levels and offer a gentle approach, you'll experience lots of juicy stretching and supported postures.

This group is for anyone looking to add more yoga and movement to their life and wants to discover more about themselves through their yoga practice. If you love yoga, want a welcoming and judgement-free environment, and you live in Rochester, then this is the group for you!

At these events, we will explore both indoor and outdoor yoga classes along with guided meditation & breath work. You'll also have the chance to experience fun collaborations with other local business owners that are in the wellness industry!

Join the group by clicking the button below, see you on your mat soon =]

Warmly, 
Erin  Joy

This past August 2021, our studio preformed our first ever live student showcase at the JCC Theatre. Thank you to all who came to support our dancers as they showcased some of the work from our classes at the studio. This was also a great opportunity for us to give back to the community as we raised over $250 to donate to the Women for Women International Organization. If you weren't able to attend don't worry, we will plan to have another fantastic show next year in 2022! In the mean time enjoy some photos highlighting our dancers, thank you to ZJFrazee Photography for these precious moments you've captured!