Aiming to “put down more mats on mother earth as our way of incorporating everyone we could reach into the practice of yoga and meditation” – Ruah opened in 2014. And, for the last 7 years, they have been doing just that. Spring of 2021 they moved their studio to Annapolis Town Center and we believe a proper introduction is way overdue.
Q: For those who don’t know, can you tell me a little bit about Ruah Studio?
A: Ruah is a socially responsible yoga and meditation studio. Our practice is ongoing and ever-changing. We welcome beginners, silver starters, experts, and the stiff or reluctant—that means everyone. We are defined by our mission to put more mats on the mother, which means we not only serve the community that can come to us, but we also reach out to those underserved and without means or access.
Q: How long have you been with Ruah? Can you tell us more about Ruah’s start?
A: First and foremost, I love yoga. I started Ruah to fulfill my personal interest in bringing yoga to underserved communities through the generosity and enthusiasm of the community I am part of. In our eight years, we have trained many yogis to teach and spread our mission. We have given away as many classes as we have sold. We started the first and only program of yoga and meditation in our local detention centers and have donated mats to most of our local schools. Ruah has also spearheaded a huge warm coat drive for five years in conjunction with the public defender’s office. The teachers we have trained have created incredibly diverse programs from yoga for vets to yoga for caregivers in an oncology ward.
Q: Do you ever get to collaborate with other tenants?
A: Heck yeah! We were able to do yoga with your dog featuring treats from Sweet P & Salty Dog Swag, and I couldn’t serve the delicious wine after my Friday evening class without the help of BIN 201!
Q: What is your favorite part of the Ruah community?
A: The people we serve.
Q: What is it like having your studio at the Annapolis Town Center? What are some of your favorite aspects of the new location?
A: We love the beautiful space and the way there is always someone wandering. We have met so many new friends and our old friends are finding their way. We love how the energy is bringing people back out and offering so many things to do before and after class.
Q: Ruah has been holding a ton of events recently! What has been one of the most memorable or your favorite?
A: I love our little Yoglets (kids) running around all week in summer camp. I was also very moved by our violinist, Alex, who played for a class out on the green.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who might be considering yoga for the first time?
A: Just come. There is a way for everyone to begin.
Q: What can guests look forward to for the rest of the year?
A: We will be offering meditation, special workshops for headstands and arm balances, a beginner series, and our teacher training is already beginning to fill up! Plus, our Grand Opening on October 9th.
Q: What is the best way for people to find out more about these events?
A: We are on Facebook and Instagram, but the easiest way to find our schedule is to go to our website at www.ruahstudio.com or download our app. We are huge fans of the old-fashioned drop by and say hi. We hope to see you on the mat or for a cocktail at any of the places we can walk to after class.
