What Yoga Has Taught Us Along the Way

Thirteen years ago, Sunshine Yoga Shack was born — to bring light, love, and laughter to Mansfield through yoga. What started as a dream (and a whole lot of determination) has grown into a thriving, heart-centered community of movers, breathers, and believers.

This month, we’re celebrating 13 years of Sunshine — and over 9,642 hours of teaching yoga. That’s 9,642 hours of laughter, learning, tears, joy, and a whole lot of deep breaths shared with you. From our first Yoga, class to our newest Yoga Teacher graduates, it’s been an unforgettable journey.

So, in honor of our anniversary, here are

13 Things I’ve Learned Owning a Yoga Studio

1. Practice, and All Is Coming.

No matter how long I’ve taught yoga, there’s no substitute for showing up. Getting on my mat, moving my body — in any style — always brings me back home to myself. Consistency is the real teacher.

2. Never Stop Learning.

Whether it was 2012 or last week, every class I teach teaches me. I learn from the way your bodies move, from the energy you bring into the room, and from the stories we share in the stillness between breaths.

3. Yes — It Gets Better Every Time.

Neuroscience backs this up: every time we practice, we’re literally rewiring the brain. Consistent movement builds stronger neural pathways, deepening not just flexibility in the body — but connection to the self.

4. I Fall in Love With Every Student I Teach.

It’s true. Every person who walks into the studio becomes part of my heart. There’s a unique kind of connection that happens in yoga — an unspoken, soulful kind of love that grows through shared energy and trust.

5. It’s All About the Breath.

We love to make things more challenging, complex, or impressive… but at the core, it’s always the breath. It’s the quiet magic beneath the movement — the bridge between the body and the mind.

6. Yoga Is Not a Workout — It’s a Work-In.

Yoga is energy management. When we connect to the movement of our internal energy, awareness expands. And awareness — that’s the real superpower.

7. The Studio Is a Living, Breathing Being.

Sunshine Yoga Shack isn’t just walls and mats — it has its own heartbeat. Every laugh, every tear, every shared breath adds to its energy. Every one of our Teachers bring their own flavor of awesomness. (we need all of them) It’s a reflection of everyone who’s ever stepped inside. 

8. It Teaches You to Trust.

Learning to let go of the thinking thoughts and feel the body — that’s where the magic happens. Yoga teaches us to trust ourselves, and that trust breeds confidence, both on and off the mat.

9. Community Is the Real Glue.

It’s not the classes, the heat, or the playlist — it’s the people. We’ve built something that’s more than yoga; it’s family. And family doesn’t end when class does. 

10. Yoga Can Be So Serious — But Laughter Is the Lesson.

The most powerful thing we can learn is to laugh at ourselves. If you can smile when you fall out of a pose, you’re already doing yoga better than most.

11. Healing Is Messy — and Beautiful.

Sometimes yoga cracks us open before it calms us down. But the tears, the trembles, and the triumphs are all part of returning home to the heart.

12. The Teacher Is Always the Student.

I’m learning so much right now with my broken arm sidelining me. It’s forcing me to slow down, to meditate, to be still. The struggle is real — but that’s yoga too. Every season teaches something new if we’re willing to listen.

13. There Really Is a Light Within Us All.

Yes, yes, yes — there’s a light in every single one of us. I honor your light, and it’s the same light that lives within me. When we recognize that, we realize we were never separate to begin with.

Namaste, my friends. Here’s to 13 years of light — and many more to come.

How We’re Celebrating

We’re keeping the celebration simple, soulful, and full of sunshine.

We will keep the Spooky Special – 10 Yoga and Aerial classes for  $100 for one more week.

Here’s to the next chapter — and to more yoga, laughter, and light.

With endless gratitude,
Lynn & The Sunshine Yoga Shack Family

“13 years. 9,642 hours. Infinite gratitude.”