Circles of Time
I wrote a little something to share with each of you at our 20th Anniversary Party. What a party it was! We definitely felt the connection, the magic and the love! You showed up in ways I couldn’t believe. From our first yoga teachers to our most recent new students. Two couples who met at GY and are now married. Two couples I officiated their weddings. We even had several new babies there. It was the most beautiful evening… more fun than I could imagine. Thank YOU for showing up and bringing your most magical selves!
I didn’t anticipate the crowd size we had, so my best laid plans went a little out the window. If you couldn’t attend or were unable to hear, here is the written story I shared. I hope as you read this, you can imagine the rings that we form as we grow our tree.
Written form of 20th Anniversary Speech from Liz: According to Google — seriously, I remember when we used to say, “According to Webster’s Dictionary” — the symbolism of a circle is universally tied to eternity, unity, wholeness, and the cyclical nature of life and the cosmos. Its lack of a beginning or end makes it a symbol of infinity, completeness, and perfection. It reflects deities, life’s journey, and natural cycles like the seasons and planetary orbits.
As I sat down to write this, I kept returning to the image of tree rings. Circles in trees carry similar symbolism — unity, growth, rebirth — and they represent the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Tree rings tell a story. They show us the years of thriving, and the years of stress. They reveal balance — the right amount of sun and rain — and they reflect seasons of challenge like drought or cold.
As the owner of Greenville Yoga for 20 years, I feel all of that. Each year — or set of years — has shaped our tree into what it is today.
So tonight, we stand together in celebration of circles of time, specifically the circles formed in trees. Scientists study these rings to understand past climates, ecosystems, even historical events. And just like that, each of you has been part of our ecosystem — a ring in our tree — nourishing and stabilizing us through the seasons.
Honoring Those No Longer With Us
Before we move on, I want to take a moment to honor some incredible souls who shaped this space but are not here physically tonight. Maybe hearing their names will invite a soft memory, allowing them to be here in spirit.
From our first Kirtan nights with Asheville Yoga, Renjith — no one could play the tablas like him.
From more recent Kirtans with Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band — the beautiful voice of Gwendolyn Colman.
One of our very first teachers, and the woman who brought Ashtanga to Greenville — Margaret Chandler.
From our first teacher training — Mike Klauber.
From our 2013 training and a teacher at Augusta Road — Walt Crooks.
Husband of sweet Jessica and Augusta Road teacher — David Kessinger.
From our 2014 training and a North Main teacher — Lorraine Matheny.
From our 2015 training — teacher, mascot, and my dear friend — Ted Balk.
Let us take a moment in silence to honor their impact.
They added strength to our tree. And their influence is still felt today.
Our Living Tree: A Circle of Gratitude
As a tree grows, it adds new rings — layer by layer, year by year. Just like that, each of you has added a layer to Greenville Yoga. Whether you're a teacher, student, friend, or supporter — you’ve shaped this moment.
I thought we could create something living that reflects our tree and how it’s grown stronger with every one of you.
Let’s form a living circle — a tree ring — together.
First, if you’ve ever been a teacher here — at North Main, Augusta Road, or Sans Souci — please step to the outer ringof our gathering. You are the bark — the part of GY that everyone sees and touches. You reflect the health of our inner ecosystem. Thank you for showing up over the years and sharing your gifts with our community. Everyone in the center, please take a moment. Turn toward these teachers. Send them a moment of silent gratitude — from your heart to theirs.
Next, if this is your first GY event, or you've joined within the past year, please step to the outer ring. You are our newest layer of growth. Thank you for being here — you’re helping carry our tree into its next season.
If you joined us in Sans Souci since 2021, please step into the outer circle.
When I bought this building, many people warned me: “It’s scary there,” “You’ll never recreate the same energy,” “It won’t feel like GY.”
But here we are. You helped us build a space full of sweet energy and connection. Thank you.
If you joined between 2015 and 2020, during the North Main era, please step out.
You were with us during some of our most intense years — growth, transformation, and a lot of Zoom. Thank you for sticking with us through it all, even from six feet away. We made it.
If you joined between 2010 and 2015, please come forward.
You helped us believe in expansion — to take the leap into a second location. That season was filled with possibility, and your presence made it real. Thank you for believing in us.
If you found us between 2006 and 2010, step forward.
You were here when we were just taking root — discovering who we are.
This is when “You Belong Here” became our mantra — inspired by interviews and real conversations with many of you. Your imprint is still part of who we are.
And finally, those of you still standing at the center…
You are our legacy members — the heartwood of our tree. (Side note: There were at least 10-15 people standing at the center on Saturday night! I couldn’t even believe it.)
You’ve shifted and changed with us for 20 years. My son was one when we opened. Claire wasn’t even a thought in my brain. And yet you’ve been a steady thread through decades of life, work, travel… and yoga.
You believed in me, even when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself.
You truly kept me going, and I can never fully express my gratitude.
Thank you for standing — still — at the heart of this circle.
Let’s give a round of applause… or a bow of thanks… to everyone here tonight.
For being a ring in this circle.
For supporting the growth of our tree.
For showing up in all our seasons — drought, storm, bloom, and calm.
You belong here.
We belong here.
And we wouldn’t be rooted and standing without you.
Thank you for being here.
