Building Community and Breaking Down Barriers at the Inaugural Connecticut Yoga Summit

On April 19, 2024, Yoga in Our City kicked off the first-ever Connecticut Yoga Summit in partnership with The Health Collective, bringing together a diverse group of teachers, leaders, and community members in Hartford to explore the transformative power of yoga and its role in strengthening our communities.

With a weekend of inspiring workshops and practice featuring special guest Michelle Cassandra Johnson, the Summit’s success was a testament to the power of partnership and the community-building potential of yoga. 

Kicking Off With Intention: An Evening with Michelle Cassandra Johnson

We couldn’t have asked for a better start than our opening event at DoNo Cafe in Hartford. Michelle Cassandra Johnson, a true force within the social justice and yoga communities, led us in a deeply moving meditation and shared powerful insights from her book, Skill in Action. Her words set the stage for a weekend focused on creating a more just and equitable world.

Deepening the Practice: Skill in Action Workshop with Happy Warrior®

Over the next two days, the Park Street Branch of the Hartford Public Library became our vibrant hub. Michelle guided us through a transformational Skill in Action workshop. We practiced yoga, engaged in heartfelt discussions, and explored how to truly embody yoga’s values in our lives and communities.

Building a Community Without Walls

The Summit was the perfect launchpad for our City Parks program, kicking off on May 18th! Now in its 12th year, the popular program will bring free, inclusive and accessible yoga classes to seven cities and 26 city parks across Connecticut. With more cities and parks participating than ever before, we’re gearing up for a powerful summer of community, and taking our vision of a studio without walls to a whole new level. We hope you’ll join us!  (Make sure you’re on our email list to get updates about classes and special events first.)

Inspired by Michelle?

We certainly are! Dive deeper into her work

• Finding Refuge: Heart Work for Healing Collective Grief by Michelle C. Johnson
• The second edition of Skill in Action: Radicalizing Your Yoga Practice to Create a Just World
• We Heal Together: Rituals and Practices For Building Community and Connection.  
• A Space For Us: A Guide For Leading Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Affinity Groups
  

Momentum with Intention

At Yoga in Our City, we’re passionate about making yoga a transformative force – within ourselves and within our communities. The Connecticut Yoga Summit was a powerful reminder that together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of this incredible practice.

We hope you’ll join our growing community and stay in touch! Connect with us on social media and sign up for our newsletter for all the latest updates and events.