tanayogastudio.com

06/02/2026

June ~ New Chapter

If you’ve been reading these notes or following my social media closely over the last few months, you might have noticed a few crumbs dropped here and there. And even saw the balancing act on a tight rope inside a cage I was trying to sustain.

To say the 2025–26 school year was a "doozy" would be a massive understatement. On one side of the glass, it was a season of profound professional testing. I found myself navigating a complex district "restructuring" that fundamentally conflicted with everything I know to be true about individualized education. Trying to protect the integrity of a specialized program while the system pivoted toward standardized "efficiency" was a deeply disheartening and exhausting process.

But on the other side of that very same glass? Life was exploding in the best possible way. In the span of these same months, I had a front row seat to my daughters wedding, and then the shock and awe of learning she is pregnant with twins.

Welcome to Chapter 3

It should come as no surprise to anyone, that when the scales of life tip you have to let something go. Making the choice to close a door is gut-wrenching. It is terrifying to step away from the identity you’ve built and work that still needs to be done. But earlier this week, a dear friend and amazing yogi reminded me of a truth found in the Bhagavad Gita: "You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."

This is the philosophy of selfless action. It demands that we show up, pour our entire soul into our work, fight for what is right, and then—with total dedication—detach ourselves from the outcome. I did my duty. But I do not own the system's choices.

Everything, and I mean everything, always ties back to TANA. There Are No Accidents. The storm in the school district didn't break me; it cleared the path so I could see exactly where I am supposed to be.

More to come …. Until then, let’s practice.

((big hugs))
Amy

"Nothing cures the aftermath of May like the lazy summer days of June."

IMPORTANT SUMMER UPDATES

Starting June 9th - TUESDAY TOTAL BODY (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/totalbodywithtrish) with TRISH is MOVING to 4:30pm
Summer is the perfect time for us to change it up at TANA Yoga and create more time for you to enjoy those longer nights outside. Mark your calendars, starting June 9th, 2026 Tuesday's Total Body with Trish is starting at 4:30pm! (TEMPORARY TIME CHANGE: we'll keep you updated

MORE MAT PILATES - 9am Friday's (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/FridayMatPilates) starting June 12th with Gillian
If you haven't tried our Mat Pilates class - now's the time! Join Gillian starting June 12th at 9am for some summer sweat sessions. If you're looking to build some consistency join her on Monday's at 5:30pm (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/GillianPILATES) too. PILATES is waiting for you.

MEDITATION with Brandy - MOVING TO WEDNESDAY'S 6:45pm - Starting June 10th! (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/sundaymeditation)
If you're one of the OG's then you remember our classes were 75 minutes and I fought hard to try and keep it that way. This summer join us for 5:30pm YOGA and stay the extra 15 minutes for Guided Meditation with Brandy. It's the PERFECT COMBINATION.

Click here for an update from TANA Yoga Studio!

04/27/2026

The Consequences of Being Yourself

A Note to Myself as Autism Acceptance Month Ends

There are a few days left in April—the month now coined by social media as "Autism Acceptance" month. If you know me, then you know I sit on the edge of a fence with the idea that one month is enough to dedicate to an alarmingly high number of individuals diagnosed with autism and their families, whose lives are forever changed.

On weeks like this last one, I also sit with a clear resolve that I wish I didn't care so much, because caring comes with tremendous disappointment. I learned this week that the little program I was gifted the opportunity to lead no longer exists. A choice out of my control, much like this burning sensation at the core of my heart for this work, that I didn’t choose; it chose me. And for the parents, students, and extended family members I’ve met on the path of my 30-year career, I know now—having known them and their child’s diagnosis—that it, without doubt, chose them. I’m better for knowing them and will forever be inspired by their resolve.

Something else you may or may not know about me is that I own and operate a yoga studio. Three years into writing my dissertation (it took me seven—zero regrets), I paused in the writing process to ask my husband if he’d support me opening a studio. He didn't ask if I was crazy; he just smiled and said, "Do you think you have time for that right now?"

I responded YES. Last year, we celebrated ten years in business, the last three as recipients of the "Best of the Illinois Valley." I say this to "toot my own horn," but to also remind you that when you know your WHY, the how does not matter. Victor Frankl taught us that meaning is the primary motivation of the human being. My "Why" has been the same for three decades: to provide a sanctuary of growth for those the world often overlooks.

The ability to sustain anything over time is to stay true to yourself. The Bhagavad Gita says, "Yoga is the practice of tolerating the consequences of being yourself." (Thank you, Bridgett, (https://www.instagram.com/bpiacenti/) for that beautiful reminder today). It is, as you said, the "freedom" and reminder that today is all you have—start there, work with that—the good, the bad, the ugly.

Last week, my saving grace was home and TANA. My yoga practice allowed me to become still so I could soften around the edges—the hard expectations I put on myself and on others—to help me "arrive at tolerating, and maybe (just maybe) accepting, life as it is."

To my colleagues, this community and the world, as we close out this month: I know many of you feel the weight of "restructuring" and the pressure to trade your "Why" for others' "How." Please do not let the hard lines of a system restructure your soul - your purpose. I have learned that the students we serve—the ones who truly flourish under high-support and neuro-affirming care—never had the luxury of being anyone other than themselves. They spend their lives tolerating the consequences of their neurodivergence in a world that often demands they change.

The least we can do, as the professionals entrusted with their growth, is to find the courage to do the same. Stand in your truth. Soften your edges. And never forget your "Why."

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." (Victor Frankl)

((all my heart))
Amy

May Offerings & THINGS tugging at my heart (in a good way)

We’re thrilled to keep you energized and inspired! Check out our updated class schedule on our website and find your favorite sessions waiting for you. Your journey to wellness continues at TANA Yoga Studio—let’s keep practicing together!

I'm excited to share our latest newsletter, where I dive into some incredible podcasts that have been inspiring me and giving me perspective.

Get ready to elevate your mind and body with our latest newsletter, featuring inspiring playlists, must-read wellness books, and exciting updates from TANA Yoga Studio that you won't want to miss!

Click here for an update from TANA Yoga Studio!

04/07/2026

The Light That Remains: Wintering, Glitter, and the 21-Year Cliff

I have been loving the moments of warm sunshine lately. It tells me we are shifting from winter into spring - a transition that always makes me a little anxious. After the long, quiet interior work of "wintering" in our meditation practice this year, the spring sun arrives and tells me I have to wake up. It asks me to come out of those dark protective moments of winter that allow me to hunker down and hide.

This winter cracked open a stored kind of grief. Not just the type we associate with death, but the grief that comes with leaving something behind, or the terrifying act of letting go. It wasn't until the temperature hit 70 degrees recently that I realized how heavy I was feeling. So, I sat with it. I sat with my journal entries, the podcasts I was gravitating to, and the hardest part of all - my inner voice that only speaks when I stay still long enough to hear it.

My father died 43 years ago. Even after four decades, this month finds me missing him with a sharpness that defies the passage of time. I read somewhere: "The sun shifts forever, and we simply learn to walk in the light that remains." Through this lens, grief is like GLITTER.

You can read the rest of my post HERE (https://substack.com//note/c-236537640?r=ka5gu&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web) .

(big hugs) and LOTS of GLITTER xo
Amy

April Event ~ Podcast I Loved ~ Our Fabulous Classes

Spring Awakening with Brandy: April 18, 2020 (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/springawakening)
An Ayurvedic workshop for seasonal balance. A gentle, educational workshop exploring Ayurvedic practices to support your transition into spring.
This workshop is designed to help you transition from winter into spring with intention and care, using Ayurvedic wisdom and gentle, embodied practices to support energy and overall balance.
Spring Awakening is not about rushing forward or doing more. It is about aligning with the season ahead in a way that feels grounded, clear, and sustainable. If wintering helped you slow down, this workshop offers guidance for what comes after the pause, without losing the steadiness you've cultivated.
Don't pass on this one ~ REGISTER TODAY (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/springawakening) !

Podcast Worth Listening To (https://youtu.be/OQLNyoCZZV0?si=Qw7gL7Pir6j2HYv0)
"In a new song "Home" that Sara wrote after listening to Anderson's talk with Stephen Colbert, she sings, "What is broken cannot heal 'till it's known and loved by name." In this moving conversation she shares "Home" for the first time and talks with Anderson about the "medicinal" nature of sharing one's grief with others."

Our Class Schedule
Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 6am All Level Yoga with Teresa (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/TeresaInPerson)
Monday/Wednesday - 9am All Level Yoga with Joanne (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/JoanneINPERSON)
Monday - 5:30pm Mat Pilates with Gillian (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/PILATES)
Tuesday - 5:30pm Total Body with Trish (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/totalbodywithtrish)
Tuesday - 6:45pm Guided Meditation with Brandy (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/sundaymeditation)
Wednesday - 5:30pm All Level Yoga with Amy (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/yogawithamy)
Thursday - 4:30pm Toning with Trish (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/toningwithtrish)
Thursday - 5:30pm Gentle Yoga with Dani (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/gentleyoga)
Saturday - 9am All Level Yoga (Rotating Instructors) (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/SaturdayINPERSON)

Exciting Additions Coming - Summer, 2026

TANA (There Are No Accidents)

Click here for an update from TANA Yoga Studio!

02/04/2026

Wintering (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52623750-wintering)

“Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered." (K. May)
Recently I was at my sisters home. It was early in the morning and I was heading to my favorite corner of her home to listen to Brandy's last meditation of the 21 Day Meditation challenge. Yes, I went at my own pace. Peace over Perfection. In the quiet of meditation this morning, I felt a deep gratitude for winter. Surrounded by a space perfectly curated for rest, I was reminded that this season is often where my deepest growth lives. It's also what prompted me to ask Brandy to continue her meditation into these final weeks of winter. Whether you joined her for the 21 Day Meditation or you're just looking for a way to get through the next six weeks (Punxsutawney Phil (https://weather.com/news/video/groundhog-day-punxsutawney-phil-sees-shadow-six-weeks-winter) ) I invite you to join Brandy starting February 9, 2026. (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/WINTERINGmeditationseries)

More exciting offerings coming soon to TANA Yoga

Spring Equinox Yoga and Meditation: March 22nd (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/Springequinox)
Join Brandy and Dani as they celebrate the changing season with a rejuvenating Spring Equinox yoga & meditation class as day and night come into perfect harmony. Dani will lead you through a 60-minute grounding slow flow, followed by a 30-minute guided meditation led by Brandy. Through intentional movement and reflection you will release the heaviness of winter and welcome growth, leaving you refreshed and ready to bloom.
All Levels Welcome. Come as you are.
Non-Members: $25
Members: $15 (use coupon code)

Spring Awakening - An Ayurvedic Workshop (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/springawakening)
Join Brandy and learn practical ayurvedic concepts in a way that feels approachable. In this workshop you will also experience gentle practices that help you integrate this knowledge into your body - not just your mind. Come away with the following.
~How Ayurveda understands the seasonal shift from winter to spring
~How spring energy influences mind and body
~Simple daily practices to support clarity, lightness and balance
~Tools you can carry with you throughout the season
Note: No prior knowledge of Ayurveda is needed; all teachings will be accessible and grounded in everyday life. Spring is a season of renewal. This workshop offers a supportive space to slow down, learn and reconnect with your body's natural rhythms as you step into this new season.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Give the gift of YOGA.

An author I enjoy and a new book from her. Look at her entire library.

One of my favorite podcasts - The Diary of a CEO. There are so many good conversations but this one in particular is wonderful. KEYWORD: STRENGTH training ~ no worries, Trish has you covered (Tuesday & Thursday's).

Click here for an update from TANA Yoga Studio!

01/13/2026

Happy New Year

Happy 2026 everyone! This note is reaching you a little later than planned, mostly because I've been sitting with a theme that I'm personally navigating this year. The Shift.

In the spirit of that shift, I'm changing how I share my personal reflections. While this newsletter will stay focused on the heartbeat of TANA Yoga - our classes and community events - I've moved my deeper ramblings to a new platform. This gives you the space to choose how you engage with my personal stories. If you'd like to read my full January message on overthinking and moving forward, you can find it here (https://amyperona.substack.com/p/the-deferred-life-hypothesis) .

Thank you for an incredible 2025. If the start of 2026 is what's to come for TANA Yoga and the amazing instructors, this is sure to be our best year yet.

((big hugs))
Amy

Group Classes (https://www.tanayogastudio.com/classes/)

Check out our class schedule and detailed descriptions on our website at tanayogastudio.com, and find the perfect class that resonates with your personal wellness journey. We can’t wait to see you on the mat!

Events (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/Events)

Full Moon Yoga - Sunday February 1st
Join us for a full moon yoga and meditation class as we celebrate the Snow Moon Sunday February 1, 2026 at 10am. Dani will lead a 60 minute gentle, slow flow class, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation led by Brandy.

Spring Equinox - Sunday March 22nd
Join us to celebrate the changing season with a rejuvenating Spring Equinox yoga & meditation class as day and night come into perfect harmony. Dani will lead you through a 60 minute grounding slow flow, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation led by Brandy on Sunday March 22, 2026 at 10am. Through intentional movement and reflection, you’ll release the heaviness of winter and welcome growth, leaving you refreshed and ready to bloom.

Spring Awakening - An Ayurvedic Workshop for Seasonal Balance - April 18th
Join Brandy for a gentle, educational workshop exploring Ayurvedic practices to support your transition into spring.

This workshop is both informative and embodied. You’ll learn practical Ayurvedic concepts in a way that feels approachable, and you’ll also experience gentle practices that help you integrate this knowledge into your body—not just your mind. In this workshop, you can expect to:
• Learn how Ayurveda understands the seasonal shift from winter to spring
• Explore how spring energy influences the mind and body
• Learn simple daily practices to support clarity, lightness, and balance
• Gain tools you can carry with you throughout the season

No prior knowledge of Ayurveda is needed; all teachings will be accessible and grounded in everyday life. Spring is a season of renewal. This workshop offers a supportive space to slow down, learn, and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms as you step into this new season.

Price Changes Effective February 1, 2026

To continue providing the high-quality environment, equipment, and expert instruction that our community deserves, I’m implementing a modest increase effective February 1st, 2026. As the costs of studio maintenance, equipment, and general operations have risen, this adjustment ensures TANA remains a sustainable and thriving space for all of us to practice and grow.

All Membership Packages: $5 increase.
Walk-in/Single Class Rate: $15

Why this matters: In my practice, I’ve learned that “anything that pulls you is worth pursuing.” I am deeply pulled to keep TANA a premium space for you to practice, rest and grow. This change allows me to maintain the standard without compromise.

Thank you for your trust, and for showing up for yourself on the mat.

With gratitude,
Amy Perona, Owner

All monthly members will receive an email within the next few days detailing these changes and the steps for a smooth transition.

TANA Crewneck Sweatshirts

If you'd like to pre-order a TANA crewneck email: [email protected] include your name, size, and color preference (brown or sage green). Once I've received your order I will send a confirmation.

Please use this opportunity to also share any requests for apparel that you'd like to see us bring in.

This and That

A quote I recently heard and loved
"Not lazy, wintering."

Podcast I'm loving right now
NPR: Upfirst - quick dose of the morning news (https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTUnDkuKUkhiueKcVWoP0?si=03a232fbb94d4160)
The Diary of a CEO (so GOOD) (https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX?si=ad8a8462c6034c73)
Explain it to Me (https://open.spotify.com/show/1vSUO6Bg4abtjRF7fnGpT1?si=e3fd6cc1bac34ecc)
Wisher than Me with Julie Louis-Dreyfus (https://open.spotify.com/show/3zaHNdVeLiqOSXwxdoWcij?si=b4e947abd10c4af0)
Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky (https://open.spotify.com/show/7dDylFHK53JErijICKMatH?si=2682434d96564753)

A Playlist for YOU (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Xae0qiNxnCbXnoDfw5GLB?si=JZLzIE_uShSViPcaBqFiCg)

Click here for an update from TANA Yoga Studio!

12/03/2025

gratitude sale starts now!

take 15% off all orders over $40 through December 1st. thank you for shopping small this holiday season ♥️

11/16/2025

Join us in December as we close out the year with some HOLIDAY CHEER!

https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/HolidayEvents

11/07/2025

As we head into the final two months of 2025, we want to share a couple of key updates and take a moment to express our immense gratitude for your practice this year.

Class Schedule Update
Starting next week, we will be pausing the Friday 9:00 am class for the months of November and December. We understand this may affect your routine, but please check our website or app for many other morning options available throughout the week! We'll re-evaluate this time slot for potential return in the New Year.

A Year of Growth and Gratitude
The energy you bring to the studio every day is truly what makes TANA Yoga special.

To our dedicated students who have been with us since the very beginning—thank you for a year of steady, consistent practice and for helping us create such a strong foundation. And to the many new faces who have joined us this year—we are so grateful you chose TANA Yoga as your home for wellness. Your enthusiasm has filled the studio with fresh energy!

Speaking of community support: We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honored that you voted us Best of the Illinois Valley! This award belongs to every single person who steps onto a mat here. Thank you for your belief in us.

Looking Ahead
With only eight weeks left in 2025, we are excited to focus on deep, restful practices to carry us through the holidays and set the stage for new beginnings. We look forward to connecting with you on the mat in the final weeks of the year, and we can’t wait to share some exciting plans and new offerings we have lined up for 2026.

Thank you again for making this year one of our best yet.

With deep gratitude,
The TANA Yoga Team
Amy, Teresa, Joanne, Dani, Brandy and Trish

For the Holidays ~ Give the Gift of Yoga

10/01/2025

Full Moon Yoga & Meditation (https://tanayogastudioBOOKACLASS.as.me/Fullmoonoct)
Sunday, October 5, 2025
with Brandy & Dani
10:00am - 11:30am

Welcome to October!

After a year of planning, my daughter's wedding was a perfect day, and I was able to be fully present with my family and embrace the moment. It’s true, though, that we can only carry so much. Over the last three months, I had to step back from my full-time commitment to the studio and my own practice to focus on what was most important. I hope you will accept my apologies if you felt my absence. In my place, I hope you felt the unwavering presence of the amazing team I've built at TANA Yoga. I am beyond grateful for them.

As I return to my mat, I'm looking forward to the changing season and finding comfort in the cooler weather. Thank you for voting us the Best of the Illinois Valley two years in a row—we will continue to live up to this recognition.

This month, I’m excited to share a note of inspiration from our wonderful meditation teacher, Brandy Gilbreth. I simply don't have enough words to express my admiration for her. I'm thrilled to be joining her as she leads a retreat in Ohio this November. Join Brandy on Tuesdays at TANA Yoga for a guided meditation class at 6:45 pm (in person or via Zoom).
((big hugs))
Amy

An Inspiring Note from Brandy

After three consecutive miscarriages, finding out I was pregnant with Goldie was although hard to admit, more terrifying than it was joyful. Even as we moved int the second trimester and beyond, I still found myself anxious, worried and fearful.

Throughout my pregnancy, TANA remained the only place I could go to come
back to myself, to let everything else go and simply be. My home away from
home. There’s an energy at TANA that cannot easily be found outside its walls. I know you feel it too.

Beyond the energetics, Goldie was the most physically challenging of my
pregnancies. But every day I showed up at TANA and moved my body, my
discomfort was eased and I was able to sleep easier at night. I moved slower an slower, and every movement became increasingly more challenging with each week that passed. The combination of breath and movement never failed to cal my mind and ease my heart, though. Yoga was my anchor throughout pregnancy.

Each class invited me to slow down, breathe deeply and listen closely to my
body’s wisdom. On the mat, I found moments of peace amidst the uncertainty
and intensity of pregnancy. I went to Joann’s class on my due date and was
applauded for simply showing up and sent home with countless well wishes for a smooth delivery and transition to a family of five. I went to Trish’s class two day past my due date and cried at the end with a heart filled with gratitude for all that TANA had given me throughout my pregnancy.

The breathwork and mindfulness practices we share prepared me to approach
labor not only with strength, but with trust and surrender. When the time came, I leaned on my breath, on the resilience I had been nurturing, and on the dee connection my yoga practice fosters between body, mind, and heart My contractions started on the morning of June 8 th and my body was ready. I used my practice to ease me through labor - child’s pose, low lunge, cat/cow all brought me relief and again, brought me back to myself. After eight hours of labor, I delivered Goldie while in a yogi squat in a matter of minutes and with minimal, easeful effort.

I carried all of you with me into that sacred moment—the teachings, the
encouragement, the quiet support of a community who believes in this practice. For that, I am endlessly grateful.
I truly believe that it’s because of my dedication to my practice and the endless energetic giving of TANA Yoga that my Goldie girl is the easiest, calmest, go with the flow baby. My little yogi.

Thank you for being part of my journey, and for reminding me again and again
that yoga is not just movement—it’s preparation for life’s most profound
thresholds.

Your love and support throughout my pregnancy, delivery and into life with a
newborn, has not gone unnoticed. It has brought joy and peace to this journey
that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to find.
Eternally grateful for each of you.

xo
Brandy (https://www.tanayogastudio.com/instructors/ -gilbreth)

Click here for an update from TANA Yoga Studio!

09/22/2025

May this week bring ease

where last week felt uncertain.
May we give ourselves permission to pause,
to breath without rushing,
to trust what's unfolding in its own time.

May hope meet us in the smallest ways
a kind word, a sunrise, a smile
the reminder that we are not forgotten.

May we remember:
healing is not about hurrying forward,
but letting grace set the pace.

Choosing rest.
Choosing trust.
Choosing to believe again.
It's all sacred work.

Even if the way feels tender or unclear,
We are not lost.
We are becoming.

And when doubt creeps in,
may we remember:
we are guided,
we are loved,
we are allowed to begin again, gently.

This week at TANA Yoga Studio

Click here for an update from TANA Yoga Studio!