Satsang Yoga Collective (SYC) was born of a partnership between Alison Zuba and Anna Wakefield, who are committed to making yoga therapy, meditation, and self-inquiry available to all who seek more freedom and ease in life. SYC’s work is to share the study and practice of Yoga in order to establish Foundation, Connection, and Transformation. We launched SYC on August 6th, 2022 with a special seasonal Summer Satsang celebration.
Meet Us and SUBSCRIBE for a FREE ONLINE CLASS!
Foundation
We encourage building a solid foundation. By exploring all limbs of yoga, not solely physical postures, individuals and communities can experience therapeutic benefits that are balanced and sustainable.
Connection
We are greater than the sum of our parts! Practicing in community can make our work more potent, and can be enjoyable! Connection is essential to us as human beings.
Transformation
Change is the only constant. We aim to honor this truth by creating an accessible space where we witness and allow for growth in ourselves and others. We’re all in this together!
Join us for weekly online classes, workshops, and seasonal group sessions!
What is Satsang?
Satsang comes from the Sanskrit “sat” meaning truth and “sangha” meaning community. Practicing in community allows us to benefit from the momentum of the collective. Our load is lightened and there is space for heart-centered connection. Knowing we are in good company of fellow truth seekers, we can walk more confidently on our own unique path of self-realization.
What is Yoga?
Yoga originated about 5,000 years ago in the region that is now modern day India. Yoga comes from the root yuj, meaning to yoke or unite. Thus, yoga refers to a state of “union” with the self, the world, and the divine. Yoga refers to both the state of “union” and the practices that help us get there; including, but not limited to, postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama) and meditation.
What is Yoga Therapy?
The International Association of Yoga Therapists states, “Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga”. (iayt.org source)
A private therapeutic yoga session might incorporate physical movement (asana and Somatics), breathwork (pranayama), meditation, relaxation, yogic philosophy models, and lifestyle guidance from Ayurveda; all intended to support the well-being concerns of an individual. Group sessions include the same elements with a more general focus to serve the group.
In our study together, we use self-inquiry informed by yoga’s ethical framework (yamas and niyamas) to find true and compassionate relationships with self and others. In a therapeutic yoga relationship, practitioner and client enter into a commitment to inquiry and non-judgement. They focus on finding more freedom and ease in life while reducing suffering and pain.
What is SomaYoga?
At a physical level, SomaYoga works to release commonly found stress reflex patterns that can cause dysfunction and pain in bodies and minds by blending somatics, therapeutic yoga, and classic asana. SomaYoga was created by teachers Ann Maxwell and Molly McManus at the Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute in Duluth, MN.
Somatics involves finding intentional movement where one senses and feels from the viewpoint of their particular Soma (mind, body and spirit). It asks us to cultivate an internal experience instead of concentration outward on external appearance or an end result.
All together, this unique blend of practices gives the potential of freeing us from chronic pain and aims to improve physical functioning that serves our favorite ways to move. We welcome all levels, abilities, goals! This methodology is beneficial to anyone who wants to live with more freedom and ease in their whole being.
Alison (Ali) Zuba
Registered Yoga Teacher 500 Hour (RYT-500)
Yoga Therapist In-Training (C-IAYT)
Ali believes that daily practice cultivates awareness of our authentic self, our role in the world, and greatly benefits our collective health and wellbeing.
Ali started her studies in 2016 with Alex Pfeiffer in Madison, WI and is now a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance (RYT500). She has over 2000 hours teaching and training combined, and by the end of 2022 will complete yoga therapist certification (C-IAYT) with Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute with Ann Maxwell and Molly McManus in Duluth, MN.
She is delighted to guide people on and off the mat through practices that highlight their own unique expression and flow. Class offerings integrate Somatics, Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga techniques with a focus on dynamic functional movement and specific therapeutic applications.
Anna Wakefield
Registered Yoga Teacher 500 Hour (RYT-500)
Yoga Therapist In-Training
Anna aims to support growth in the world with patience, kindness, and love through the offering of shared yoga practice.
Anna received her 200 and 500 hour teaching certification from Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute in Duluth, MN. She is continuing her studies at Yoga North to become a certified Yoga Therapist, at the 1000 hour level. Anna is registered with Yoga Alliance and is a student member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Greatly influenced by the teachings of Ram Dass, Anna believes yoga is a uniquely powerful tool for recognizing and remembering the interconnected nature of all beings, and for honoring the sacredness and magic of everyday life.
Join us for weekly online classes, workshops, and seasonal group sessions!
See you there soon!
SOMALIVE + Welcome 