DEEP DIVE pop-up classes!

Wed. 4/1 @ 6:30-8 pm: Join Susanne Zirino (@szirino) for a special pop-up class designed to build step-by-step toward Flying Pigeon (Pada Galavasana)— a powerful arm balance that blends hip opening, strength, and focus.

Throughout the class, Susanne will guide you through a thoughtful sequence of preparatory postures that gradually open the hips, activate the core, and awaken the shoulders and arms.  Each section of the practice is intentionally designed to prepare the body so that, by the time we arrive at the peak pose, you feel supported, steady, and ready to explore.

Props and variations will be offered along the way, making the practice accessible and expansive for everyone— from those curious to try the pose for the first time to those looking to deepen and refine it.

Come ready to play, learn, and experience the satisfaction of building toward something challenging in a supportive environment.

Rate: $33

Wed. 4/8 @ 6:30-8 pm: Have you ever wanted to learn how to do a headstand?  Headstands are an incredible posture that build both strength and stability, increase body awareness and promote nervous system regulation. 

In this this headstand-focused practice, we will also explore the power of changing perspective.  As we turn the body upside down, we challenge habitual ways of thinking, inviting clarity, resilience, and a willingness to meet discomfort with curiosity, expanding our view of what is possible - on and off the mat. 

Expect a thoughtful build toward headstand that includes intentional strength-building, shoulder stability work, and progressive inversion drills.  Together we’ll cultivate the courage to move beyond what feels familiar. 

Class taught by Maegen Reed (@maegreed_)

Rate: $33

Wed. 4/15 @ 6:30-8 pm:

Spring invites us to open.

After the inward pull of winter, the body naturally begins to crave more breath, more space, and more expansion through the chest and spine. Backbends are one of the most powerful ways we can awaken that energy.

In this special Wednesday evening workshop, we’ll explore the art of backbending through a thoughtfully designed Aligned Vinyasa sequence. The class will include intelligent warm-ups to prepare the shoulders, hips, and spine, along with strengthening work to support a safe and sustainable backbend practice.

You’ll learn how to remove common blocks that limit backbends while discovering how strength, mobility, and breath work together to create a more open and supported heart center.

The evening will close with an extended candlelit savasana, accompanied by the subtle resonance of crystal bowls and pyramid tones to help the body integrate the practice.

Rose tea will be served as we settle into the calm and spaciousness created by the work.

Come move, open, and welcome the renewing energy of spring.

Class taught by Jennifer Kelleher (@itstheceremony)

Rate: $33

Sat. 5/6 @ 11 am-12 pm: Organic Vinyasa with Bella! This class is a seamless integration of classical yoga and modern flow and mobility. In this 60-minute pop-up vinyasa, creative, alignment-forward sequencing builds intelligently, guiding you through a dynamic flow that balances strength, mobility, and ease. It’s an opportunity to deepen your relationship between mind, body, and heart on and off the mat. Expect a well-structured yet fluid practice that is both precise and playful, with space to land in relaxation and meditation.

Class taught by Bella Arikian (@balancexbella)

Rate: $33

Open & expand: heart opening & balance flow

This 90 minute workshop is a deep dive into the art of creative and expansive movement through a precision-based, alignment-forward vinyasa flow. Rooted in intentional sequencing, each transition is thoughtfully designed to build strength, stability, and openness throughout the body.

While exploring heart-opening backbends, we’ll also focus on active hip integration and balance— creating a practice both grounding and elevating. Expect targeted work in shoulder stability, hip mobility, and standing balance, all woven together through seamless, creative transitions that allow each posture to naturally evolve into the next.

This is a practice of both expansion and control— opening the front body while cultivating strength and awareness in the back body and legs.

Through breath-led movement and refined alignment, you’ll develop the stability to support deeper expression, leaving you feeling open, steady, and fully connected to your practice.

Date: Wednesday, 5/6 @ 6:30 - 8 pm

Rate: $45

Bella Arikian (@balancexbella) currently lives in Montana, where she hosts retreats. For more information on her upcoming nature therapy retreat, August 21-25, contact her here: mailto:bellaarikian@gmail.com

FREE & DONATION-BASED OFFERINGS: yoga for everyday life + study group + book club

SUNDAY SANCTUARY — COMMUNITY REIKI: Every month this past year, Sunday Sanctuary has brought Reiki peace of mind and body to communities throughout the peninsula.

On April 5, it comes to Ocean Bliss in Belle Harbor.

Join us and other peace seekers and nature lovers there for the restorative interlude described by Dan Guarino of The Rockaway Times as Reiki in Rockaway.

The circle will gather over Jamaica Bay in the airy comfort of Jennifer Kelleher’s aptly named Ocean Bliss studio.  We are so happy and honored to participate with Jennifer, the Ocean Bliss community and its wonderful contribution of wellbeing to Rockaway.

Here are some details of what to expect in Sunday Sanctuary sessions

An easy flow of:

- Gentle greetings and Intentions
- Inspiring theme of the day 
- Guided Visualization into expansive peace and beauty
- Reiki Healing by practitioners with advanced qualifications
- A natural flow into stillness. 

Doors open at 12:15.  Please enter and leave in silence, allowing the relaxation to steep in your system.  The session is typically 60 minutes. 

This is a community event that takes place the first Sunday of each month.  Donations are accepted and not necessary. Please pre-register via our schedule page.

Each of our neighbors brings so much to the circle with their good intentions and reverence for our unique coastal community and the inspiration of the sea.

Come for the peace of your mind and body, and for the wellbeing of our community.

With love, 
Your neighbors Elsie Maio, Dana Humphrey and the Sunday Sanctuary Dream Team

STUDY GROUP: Join us for a relaxed monthly gathering where we explore the deeper teachings of yoga, mindfulness, and conscious living through meaningful discussion and shared learning.

Each study group is centered around a book.  Once we finish one, we begin the next together.  You’re welcome to join at any time.

Current Book: Radical Compassion by Tara Brach

In this powerful and practical book, Tara Brach introduces the RAIN practice— a simple four-step meditation for meeting difficult emotions with awareness and compassion: Recognize. Allow. Investigate. Nurture.

Together we’ll reflect on the teachings, share perspectives, and explore how these ideas can support our everyday lives.

Meets: First Tuesday of each month Next Gathering: April 7
Preparation: Please read the preface

All are welcome.  Free to attend.  Bring the book, yourself, and an open curiosity!

* Please pre-register via our schedule page.

YOGA FOR EVERYDAY LIFE: Join us the last Sunday of each month for a special class that explores how to carry the peace and presence we find on the yoga mat into our daily lives. Yoga is not just about creating flexibility in our bodies— it also opens our minds and hearts.

Each month, we'll explore different topics that may include yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, open discussion, breathwork, meditation, and/or gentle movement. Together, we will discover how yoga can help us nurture deeper connections with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us.

Donation-Based Offering. $15-$25 suggested donation. Donations can be made via cash, Venmo (@jennifer_kelleher), or Zelle (917-318-1168).

* Please pre-register via our schedule page.

BOOK CLUB: Please join Sarah and friends for a discussion of: HUMAN KIND by Brad Aronson on April 21st from 5:30 - 6:30 pm.

It’s a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, filled with inspiring true stories about how one small deed can make a world of difference.

"The most uplifting and life-affirming book in years." (Forbes)

“This might be the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. It’s lifted my soul and brought me to tears in all the right ways.” (Jane Green, author of 18 New York Times bestsellers)

Named best inspirational book of the year by the Independent Book Publishers Association and chosen as an International Book Awards winner, Human Kind is the heartwarming, feel-good book we all need right now.

All are welcome.  Free to attend.  Bring the book, yourself, and an open curiosity!

* Please pre-register via our schedule page.