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If you’ve ever felt the need to pause, breathe, and come back to yourself—this is your invitation. This October, Firefly Yoga & Movement Studio is hosting our “Gather” retreat at Soma Ranch, and it’s more than just a weekend getaway. It’s your reset button.

Why Retreat?
Modern life asks a lot—constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and routines that rarely leave space for real rest. A retreat is your chance to step away from the noise, reconnect with what matters, and return home feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply nourished.

“The community at Firefly and the many comments I heard about the serenity of the location and the hosts convinced me to give Soma a try. I enjoyed it so much I believe I was among the very first to sign up when it was made available this year!”
– Kit

At Soma Ranch, you’ll find more than just beautiful surroundings. You’ll find a space designed for renewal—where every detail, from the warmth of the hosts to the rhythm of the yoga classes, invites you to slow down and savor the season.

What’s in store:

• Fire pit gatherings under a sky full of stars
• Yoga for all levels in a sunlit, spacious studio—stretch, breathe, and move at your own pace
• Sauna, pool, hot tub, and cold plunge—let the stress melt away
• Creative time, journaling, and reflection—space to process, dream, and just be
• Massage, reiki, and tapping—support your reset with optional healing modalities
• Clean, nourishing meals cooked by Joe, whose kitchen skills are legendary
• Fall-inspired fun: Cozy sweaters, spiced cider, and the freedom to simply enjoy

And just next door:
Soma Ranch sits right beside the P-6 Farms Fall Fest—pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and all the classic fall festival fun. If you want a little extra adventure, it’s just steps away.

Why now?
Retreats aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity. Stepping away, even briefly, helps you see your life with fresh eyes. You’ll return home not just rested, but recharged and inspired, with new friends and memories that last long after the leaves have fallen.

Only 3 Spots Left:

• One private queen room (solo or share a bed)
• One shared bedroom (private bed, roommate, shared bath with three others)
• One dorm bed (your own space, new friends)

Ready to Gather and Reset?
Bring your favorite flannel, an open heart, and let yourself experience the magic of a true fall retreat.

Click here for all the details and to grab your spot before they’re gone.

Spots always go fast—if you’re feeling the call, now’s the time. We’ll see you by the fire, ready for your reset.

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When most people think of yoga, they picture stretching, improved flexibility, and maybe a little stress relief. But there’s a deeper, lesser-known benefit that science is only beginning to fully appreciate: yoga’s power to reshape your brain and build emotional resilience.

The Science of a “Yoga Brain”

Recent neuroscience research shows that regular yoga practice can actually change the structure and function of your brain. Areas linked to emotional regulation, attention, and self-awareness—like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus—grow thicker in people who practice yoga consistently. Meanwhile, the amygdala, which is responsible for fear and stress responses, becomes less reactive.

Real-Life Impact at Firefly

At Firefly Yoga & Movement Studio, we’ve watched members transform—not just physically, but mentally. One long-time participant shared, “I used to get overwhelmed by little things. After a year of practice, I notice I can pause, breathe, and respond instead of react. It’s like I have more space in my mind.”

Why Does This Happen?

Yoga combines mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation. This trio activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode), lowers cortisol, and trains your brain to handle stress more skillfully. Over time, your brain literally rewires for calm and resilience.

How to Start Rewiring Your Brain

• Consistency is key: Even 2–3 classes per week can make a difference.
• Try different styles: Mix gentle flows with breathwork sessions for best results.
• Reflect: Notice your reactions off the mat. Are you pausing more? Feeling less anxious?

Ready to experience more than just flexibility? Join us for a class and see how yoga can change your mind—literally.

Here are some journal prompts to practice gratitude, reflection, and grounding this November:

1. Gratitude in Action: What are three things you’re deeply grateful for this season, and how can you express appreciation for each in a meaningful way?
2. Personal Growth Check-In: Reflecting on the past year, what growth or transformation have you experienced, big or small? How can you carry that forward into the next month?
3. Grounding Practices: What practices or routines make you feel grounded and connected? How can you make space for them this month, even in small moments?
4. Community Connection: How has being part of a community (like Firefly) impacted you? What qualities do you value most in a supportive community?
5. Intentions for Year’s End: As we move toward the end of the year, what intentions do you want to set to close out 2024 with peace and joy?
6. Moments of Light: Describe a moment recently where you felt truly present and content. What about it brought you that feeling, and how can you create more moments like that?
7. Releasing to Receive: Are there any old habits, thoughts, or routines you’d like to release to make space for what’s next? What do you hope to welcome in their place?

These prompts can be used anytime this month as a way to slow down, reconnect, and invite more gratitude into daily life.

Within the world of yoga, stories of transformation are not uncommon. Today, we step into the inspiring story of Mary, whose journey into yoga unfolded as a quest for relief from decades of sedentary work life. Seeking solace from stiff muscles and persistent back discomfort, she stepped out of her comfort zone and tried something new, eventually finding respite and rejuvenation at Firefly with our semiprivate program – F.I.R.E.. Here is her story, in her words:

“My doctor suggested I try yoga to help stiff muscles and my sore back. I looked online and found Firefly (which had great reviews) so I called and set up some classes.

I had worked sitting at a computer for the last 30 plus years. Although I walked a lot, I did not stretch much or have much upper body strength. Now I feel like I have made a lifestyle change. I am more flexible and my back/muscles feel better. I really enjoy going to class!

I love the FIRE experience so much. I love that classes are smaller and tailored to helping us grow in our yoga practice. I like getting individualized attention with my poses so that I am doing them correctly. I also love the positive reinforcement that Noelle and the other instructors provide to motivate me to keep going.

I started yoga at 59 and hope to continue learning and getting more flexible in the upcoming years. The others in the class are also awesome. I also love that I feel better and am in awe that I am able to do this!”

We love that the power of yoga extends far beyond the confines of a studio mat. The transformation experienced by Mary—initiated by a doctor’s suggestion and kindled by the F.I.R.E. program’s tailored approach—is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human body and spirit. From initial discomfort to newfound flexibility and a rejuvenated sense of well-being, her story reflects the transformative potential of yoga when embraced as a way of life.

If this story resonates with you, we invite you to embark on your own transformative journey with us at Firefly Yoga. Discover the personalized approach, supportive community, and transformative power of yoga firsthand with our F.I.R.E. program. Join us for a class and let’s embark on a path towards wellness together!

Meet Peggiann! She is a true gift to Firefly. Peggiann has been attending classes with us off and on almost since we opened! She is 74 years old and stays active with the help of Firefly!

We recently asked her to tell us about her experience and here is what she had to tell us!

“I started out slowly and stopped due to covid. Then I began again and have had times when I wasn’t able to attend due to my mother’s illness, family obligations, etc. I have always been welcomed back with open arms, encouragement, and enthusiasm by staff and fellow classmates. This made a world of difference to me. Now I am attending more regularly (unless I was in Spain!!) and find myself physically stronger, improvements in balance and self confidence, and an inner peace that is a gift.

When I traveled to Spain with a friend, I was able to walk up and down steep hills, had lots of energy and was able to deal successfully with my suitcase due to my improved physical strength. I am deeply grateful for my skilled, kind and encouraging instructors as well as the warmth of my classmates.

The instructors are very knowledgeable, attentive and supportive. Always!! These skills and human kindness make all the difference to me.

Shannon is amazing! Her Breathe and Flow classes have encouraged me to push myself farther than I thought I could have gone in just attending Gentle Yoga classes. Also, the Slow Flow classes with Michaela have been excellent for me. I also love the movement in Andrea and Serena’s classes when I attend. Kelly’s Holy Yoga is spiritually uplifting and the movement always excellent. I have been attending the evening classes a lot more lately because I enjoy the challenge, my classmates and the time of day.

I am physically much stronger and my balance has really improved. Still working on achieving Warrior 3 pose. I have much more energy and overall peace of mind.

What I appreciate most about Firefly is the skills and unconditional encouragement and acceptance of me. We all encourage and respect one another. I love the laughter as well.

Lots of gratitude for your calling, Kelly. It has changed my life for the better and continues to do so.”

We are so thankful for Peggiann at the studio. She always has a smile, stays positive and embodies what Firefly is all about. Make sure you say hi next time you see her at the studio!!

One of our long time Fireflies recently answered a few questions about her experience at Firefly.

If you’ve ever been to the studio, Becky is not just a warm and welcoming face, she is an inspiration and an encourager. We are so blessed to have her as a member!

And yes Becky, you are definitely worth it!

How long have you been a student at Firefly?

4 years.

What initially drew you to Firefly Yoga & Movement Studio?

I was starting yoga and it was near my house.

Could you describe your overall experience and journey at the studio?

From day one, these wonderful people have been my community. There are all kinds of levels here, so no judgement. Lots of instructions on modifications and a class for just about anything you want out of a yoga practice.

How has your experience at Firefly Yoga impacted your life, both physically and mentally?

My mental health has improved dramatically which has definitely improved my physical health.

Please share your thoughts on the instructors at the studio. Were they knowledgeable, attentive, and supportive?

All the instructors are great teachers but each has their own style. You could never get bored and all of them want what is best for you and your practice

Is there a particular instructor or instructors who have made a significant impact on your practice? If so, could you tell us why?

Serena’s private lessons helped a lot. Shannon’s Sunday morning is fun and uplifting with her playlist. Kelly’s holy yoga really feeds me spiritually and Noelle is always comforting at the awful hour of 545 in the morning. No bad instructors just all different and are supportive of YOU!!

Have you achieved any specific fitness or wellness goals through the classes or workshops at the studio?

Definitely more flexible with great balance. My stamina is through the roof and even have some muscle definition. I love that when I get stressed I can close my eyes and visualize my mat.

What do you appreciate most about the facilities and the atmosphere at Firefly Yoga & Movement Studio?

They are close to me and are very welcoming.

Is there anything specific about the studio’s environment that sets it apart from other studios you’ve attended?

No snobbery here at Firefly.

How would you describe the sense of community and support among students and staff at Firefly Yoga?

These are my people!!!

Have you made lasting connections or friendships with other students at the studio?

Yes, definitely!

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience at Firefly Yoga & Movement Studio?

Worth every penny and minute of my time!!! I am worth it!!

Summer is a time for relaxation, fun, and adventure. However, it can also be a challenging time to maintain our wellness goals, especially if you are a parent. With kids out of school, it can be difficult to find time for self-care practices like yoga. However, with a little planning and creativity, it is possible to maintain your yoga practice during the summer months.

Make a Schedule

One of the best ways to stick to your yoga goals during the summer months is to make a schedule. Book yourself at your local yoga studio each week and stick to the schedule you create. Protect this time the same way you would for work or baseball practice. This will help you prioritize your self-care routine and ensure that you do not get sidetracked by other summertime activities.

Get Creative with Your Practice

During the summer months, it can be challenging to find uninterrupted time for a full- length yoga practice. However, this does not mean that you cannot practice yoga. Get creative with your practice and try shorter sessions throughout the day. Incorporate a few sun salutations in the morning or a few restorative poses before bed. Even a few minutes of yoga each day can help you maintain your practice and stay committed to your wellness goals.

Involve Your Kids

If you are a parent, getting your kids involved in your yoga practice can be a great way to stay committed to your goals while spending time with your family. Try practicing yoga together in the mornings or afternoons. There are many kid-friendly yoga videos and books available that can help you make yoga a fun and engaging activity for the whole family.

You’ve got this!

Sticking to your wellness goals during the summer months can be challenging, but it is possible. With a little planning and creativity, you can maintain your yoga practice and stay committed to your health goals. Remember to make a schedule, get creative with your practice, and involve your kids in your yoga routine. By doing so, you can enjoy the summer months while still prioritizing your health and wellness.

Shine bright!!

Hi my name is Angelia.  I started doing yoga over a year ago. It’s a long story but a it’s been a wonderful journey. 

My daughter introduced me to yoga and I started with just once a week. Unfortunately after I first started I had a stroke and had to take a step back. But once I recovered I started going back to FIREFLY YOGA AND MOVEMENT Studio slowly doing yoga again. (All during this I was going through a very bad end of my marriage/ seperation from husband then him dying. ) but being apart of FIREFLY community has been a great help with that experience as well.

As I really began my journey the opportunity to go on a yoga weekend retreat to Soma ranch with other yogis. What a wonderful experience. A weekend which happened to be on my birthday, filled with great food, evenings under the stars making new friends and new yoga experiences.

I am continuing with yoga 🧘‍♀️  allowing myself to be open to all new experiences and it’s been amazing. I’ve had opportunities to be part of various workshops where ive learned so much.  I am now attending classes atleast 3 times weekly. Taking different class types .

I truly feel like part of this awesome community. Everyone has always made me feel welcomed. Someone once told me it’s because I am being known as Angie and not just “Shannon’s mother” I thought that was so sweet to hear. I feel so blessed to be a part of FIREFLY YOGA community.

Doing yoga has been helpful not just physically but mentally. I now am living my life with only a positive attitude and views. I feel good about my mind & body. Shannon has helped me with ways to do poses I never would have once thought I could ever do. I would have laughed and said there’s no way.

Sorry so long thank you for reading my story. I am looking forward to learning new things along the way. Wherever this path leads I know one thing for certain… I am so very happy I joined FIREFLY Yoga and MOVEMENT Studio.  Thank you !!!