07/07/2026
I turned nine in the month of January, in Mrs. Green’s third grade class. I can distinctly remember her face and her demeanor. She was so calm, with a crown of curly reddish hair. Dare I say, she was even gentle, certainly a feet, when dealing with third graders. I entered fourth grade, also at nine years old, under the direction of Mrs. Wallis and had an entirely different experience.
Nobody knew (not even myself until the a-ha moment,) that I desperately needed glasses. During an afternoon of math equations I mistook a number 9 for a 7, while trying to solve the problem from my desk, and repeatedly got the problem wrong. In frustration, Mrs. Wallis stabbed her middle finger at the chalkboard over and over, and called me stupid.
My goodness…..what a difference a few months came make. What a difference on the inside and on the outside.
I started the second half of fourth grade with a healthy dose of skepticism about whether or not all adults had my best interest at heart, and a new pair of glasses. Things shifted. Ultimately, I grew from the experience. But it left its mark. It hurt. For sure.
In numerology and spirituality, the number 9 symbolizes completion, universal love, and humanitarianism. As the highest single-digit cardinal number, it represents the end of a cycle and the wisdom gained from previous experiences, acting as a bridge to new beginnings.
Because of its indestructibility, the number nine has been revered by mathematicians and mystics. Because of this digital root pattern it is an un-dilutable symbol of cosmic truth that always returns to its core essence.
I am delighted by so much about our little grass roots studio turning nine. We are certainly indestructible, as was evidenced by surviving Covid, certainly, but also by remaining so vibrant as more and more studios and movement options continue to open around us.
I would like to think that my ninth year of studio ownership and moving through the world as a student of the practice also mirrors my ninth year of being a human on this planet. There have been moments where I’ve felt so held. There have been moments where I have felt so helpless. As I sit in the gratitude of having this beautiful community to caretake for these past nine years, what I feel most of all is the love that we foster within our walls. What I am left acknowledging is that every day offers a new opportunity to begin again and to move forward with wisdom and appreciation for all the past versions of ourselves that have ushered us to this moment.
Thank you all, for so much. For showing up. For embracing the realness of what practice looks like. For continuing to entrust us as guides, these nine years in. Nine thousand “Thank You’s” would not be enough.
With Our Deepest Love and Gratitude,
Jennifer and the Shanti Yoga Team
