Soulful Sanctuary's Journey: A Thriving Community and Empowering Space in Burton.
Since we last spoke back in January, the Soulful Sanctuary in Burton has embarked on an incredible journey, and we recently caught up with its founder, Emma Bates, to reflect on its remarkable progress.
By Tom Drysdale
What began as a heartfelt intention, following the sudden closure of the Calm Yoga Studio in Burton and Derby, has quickly blossomed into a truly special community hub.
Emma explained her profound gratitude for the path Soulful Sanctuary has taken, describing it as "really humbling" and feeling "really blessed." She shared, "Everything happens for a reason," and for this to now be her journey, she feels "really, really grateful."
“We’ve created this space for them to to practise in and hopefully to make a difference in their life. It’s evolved in so many more ways even than I could ever have imagined.”
A cornerstone of Soulful Sanctuary's success is its community, affectionately known as the "sanctuary family." This growing group has been incredibly receptive to what's on offer, showing warmth and appreciation for the space created for them to practice. Emma notes that the Sanctuary has evolved in ways even she could have imagined.
This evolution includes the introduction of Soulful Sanctuary merchandise, which has been a popular addition. The philosophy behind the merchandise extends beyond the mat, reflecting the idea that yoga is "what you do in life as well," embodying a way of living and an intention carried into daily life.
Initially, a core intention behind establishing Soulful Sanctuary was to provide a safe space, particularly for those affected by the closure of Calm. This commitment to offering support without demanding commitment meant people could "just turn up as and when they needed it." However, the community's desire for deeper engagement has led to the introduction of memberships, allowing individuals to make Soulful Sanctuary a more regular and committed part of their lives. The space continues to expand, regularly adding more workshops and classes.
Emma admitted to being pleasantly surprised by the community's overwhelmingly positive response. While she felt fortunate to have a following from her previous teaching, the warmth and open arms with which Soulful Sanctuary has been embraced have been "really beautiful." She expressed immense gratitude for the trust placed in them, even before the physical space was fully revealed. People from the local community, including those initially affected by the Calm closure, have found their way to the Sanctuary, and it seems "everyone really gets what we're trying to do." The feedback consistently highlights the welcoming and safe atmosphere within the space.
My Experience: Pushed to the Limits in a Powerful Vinyasa Flow
As a representative of Burton Radio, I recently had the chance to experience a Vinyasa Flow class at Soulful Sanctuary myself, and it was truly remarkable. The class was incredibly positive and powerful, expertly guided to encourage both mental focus and physical exertion. I found myself genuinely pushed to my limits, yet in a way that felt incredibly dexterous and supportive. It was an invigorating experience that left me feeling both challenged and completely refreshed, a testament to the quality of instruction and the welcoming environment Soulful Sanctuary cultivates.
Soulful Sanctuary, located at 38-41 Station Street, in Burton upon Trent, offers a diverse range of classes designed to nourish both body and mind. From Vinyasa Flow to Pilates, and Beginners Yoga, there truly is something for everyone, regardless of experience level.
For those looking to join the "sanctuary family" or simply explore the benefits of yoga, Soulful Sanctuary provides an accessible and supportive environment. You can find their full schedule, class descriptions, and booking information on their website, soulful-sanctuary.co.uk. Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, it's clear this Burton gem is making a significant and positive impact on the well-being of our community.
Why not discover the "sanctuary family" for yourself and experience the welcoming embrace of Soulful Sanctuary?
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Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at tom.drysdale@burtonecho.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!
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