48 Comments
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Benjamine Heath's avatar

This takes me back to OM yoga above the Strand bookstore! I was 20 years old, had just done my first yoga class, and I immediately signed up for your 30 day yoga challenge—mainly because I was super poor and I got a discount if I signed up. I did all 30 days, every morning with Christine! I fell in love with practice, and I'm still at it 18 years later. OM yoga always felt like a retreat and an oasis in the heart of NYC.

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Glad to know we were able to make yoga classes possible for you financially and that it created a lifelong practice for you!💕

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Bradley Bateman's avatar

Right time, right place…… right person….

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Henry Schroy's avatar

Hi Cyndi! I loved reading this! I'll always remember that studio and those times 🙏🏼❤️🌈🔥🎄😍

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Henry! So nice to hear from you. Those were the good old days, right?

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Julia Meehan-Thompson's avatar

Hey 👋 Cyndi, I am a paid subscriber and would like to join the meditation on April 6th, how does it work pls? 🙏 x

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Hi! I will be sending an email to all paid subscribers very soon with all thr info. Looking forward to seeing you!

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Julia Meehan-Thompson's avatar

Thank you Cyndi 🙏

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Kelley O Neel's avatar

Thank you Cyndi - for all that you bring to us. You are a touchstone for me that I am beyond grateful for.

Namaste!

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Thank you!

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

I wish so much that I had been a part of Om Yoga, but the description of the space just took me right to Yoga Goodness. I was remembering helping you paint lamps and furniture for the new space, while the workmen installed lighting and fans, and our two beloved dogs, Leroy and Cinco ran around sniffing at everything. Good times. Also the middle path is such a beautiful practice. I love most about your yoga classes that you make sure everyone is at once in their own embodied practices ,but are also engaged in a community of yogis at the same time. I will always crow about what an exceptional yoga and dharma teacher you are. Thanks for sitting on my head and for making me a part of your community! ❤️

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

❤️🙏😊

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Mona Seyferth's avatar

I feel home when I read this about the "old" and first OM Yogastudio - even I never saw it.

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Mona, we made OM happen in Berlin! I miss you and all the OMmies there. xoxo

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Cindy's avatar

Cyndiiiiii - its Cindy Thompsen

Looking forward to this book.

Om was my home, and even though I worked/trade at the one above the Strand....

14th street will forever be my favorite.

Miss you and all of it now and forever.

XOXO

Cindy

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Ooooh, it's so great to hear from you! OM was so totally your home and you were a major part of the OMness of it all. xoxoxo

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Silvia's avatar

What a nice story Cyndi! Can’t wait for part 2. Truly enjoy all your posts

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Thank you so much, Silvia!

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Dafna Sarnoff's avatar

Thank you Cyndi! I remember every detail, especially the shoes in the hallway. Also practicing there right after 9/11 with the teacher playing Amazing Grace. Thank you for that space and the next one! xx

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Hi Dafna! So many good memories, right? So glad you were a part of it all. xo

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Larissa's avatar

So beautifully written Cyndi, your words created the experience, and I viscerally felt it.

What a space in time that continues to give! How grateful I am that you took that leap and I have had the gift of practicing with you 🙏

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Thank you! You are part of the OM lineage, too. xo

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Deborah Livingston's avatar

Oooo, what a delightful post! You are a terrific teacher with the monthly pose and the spirit of cooperation both of which build community. Alas, I was not a part of the studio, but found you later and am better for it.

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

But you were at Yoga Goodness which continued the OM vibe!

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Marcella Eby's avatar

Outstanding I love being in the present day sharing and hearing about you 🌼

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Thank you!

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Sandy Gross's avatar

Can’t wait for this book!

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Me, too! It's gonna be a while, though.....

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Kelly Norton's avatar

First of all Congratulations to you and Brad in celebrating your March 11th "date", such a wonderful love story!

And I so enjoyed your Part 1 post as to your upcoming "New Yoga City" book. What a beautiful insight for those of us who have not experienced your NYC OM yoga classes.

This helps to explain why you are so approachable & inspiring to all, myself included.

Your experience, background, talents, creativity, & huge heart are the perfect combination!!

Clearly you made a positive impression & created a new movement in NYC, WOW, talk about an accomplishment!!!

Feeling so lucky to have you continue to bless us with your time & talents-

Thank you, thank you, thank you Cyndi!!!!

Kelly

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Thank you, Kelly. So glad you liked reading this piece. I really appreciate your comments!

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Ann Trail's avatar

Another wonderfully nourishing column! I was not part of this OM community in NYC, but I had a similar experience in Seattle during the mid aughts. A woman about my age opened a yoga studio. I went because I was going through a divorce and I thought I just needed a place where I could be in my body and not know anyone (not have to make small talk). And the studio grew, and I grew, and it was wonderful. The growth has continued through meditation with my discovery of Cyndi’s online Sangha and in-person retreats. Love these posts! ❤️❤️❤️

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Yoga studios are good like that. Thanks for reading!

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