YogaSoul in Windsor Plaza is celebrating its first birthday with community events from Friday to Sunday, February 21 to 23. “Our studio has flourished into an amazing community,” says Linda Domino, founder and co-owner. “Friendships have formed, and we see a melding of cultures and generations practicing yoga together every day.”
On January 1 Domino entered into a business partnership with Ayami Yamamichi Bassett, a 2003 graduate of High School South. Bassett made a shift in her career path to helping build the Yoga Soul community. “We started working together mid-year after she left her job in New York City,” says Domino. “Our vision is pretty big, and it is not something I can do by myself.”
YogaSoul offers several types of classes, including a moving meditation that takes place in a warm room. “Heat helps people to stay focused,” says Domino. “We also offer a beginner series, a kids’ program, and more.” YogaSoul has also raised more than $1,700 this past year to benefit Isles’ school gardening project in Trenton.
Domino and her husband, Dave, moved to the West Windsor area in 1994 when they were both working for Prudential in Newark. “We bought our first house on Alexander Road right behind Windsor Plaza,” she says. “I can see it from YogaSoul.” They moved to Sherbrooke Drive in 1999. She now has a three-minute walk to the studio. Dave works in Philadelphia.
Their son, Mike, is a senior at High School South. He plays football and lacrosse. Their daughter, Sarah, a junior at Notre Dame High School, runs cross country and track and plays lacrosse.
Domino was not introduced to yoga until she was nearly 30 years old. “It was something that I could have for myself outside of my work and family,” says Domino. “People are eager to do yoga. We started off running, and they have not stopped coming. Some have done it before, some have not.”
On Friday, February 21, there will be a community movie night from 7:30 to 9 p.m. featuring a screening of “Why Yoga,” a documentary about yoga in America. There will be popcorn and Thai massage by Youth Harris of East Windsor. “It is an inspirational film and a nice way to gather,” says Domino.
On Saturday, February 22, there are free yoga classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Yoga-inspired jewelry will be for sale in a trunk show to raise funds for the Yogis Feed the Hungry organization. Bassett joined the organization a few years ago. “Her vision is to speed the organization through the state of New Jersey,” says Domino.
On Sunday, February 23, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., the Breath and Bow Project will be presented by Bassett and her husband, Mark Bassett. A cello teacher, he plays the cello while she runs a flow class. Free-will donations benefit Yogis Feed the Hungry.
“People are getting to see each other and create a community to gather together,” says Domino. “That is really happening.”
Birthday Celebration, Yoga-Soul, 64 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor. 609-799-4791. www.yogasoulnj.com.
