Good Sweat
Om Yoga to close in June: A Q&A with Cyndi Lee
Cyndi Lee: "The fruition of meditative practice is strength, stability, and clarity, and I feel like that’s really helpful when things are unexpected."
When Cyndi Lee announced Monday that her studio, Om Yoga, would be closing its doors on June 27, yogis around New York collectively gasped.
It turns out that even after 15 years, Om, an institution of the city’s yoga scene, was not immune to the crazy twists and turns of New York real estate.
We spoke with Lee to find out how she and her teachers are coping with the abrupt closing, and for news about the future of Om.
We were so shocked and saddened to hear the news. What, exactly, happened? Well, we just lost our lease [at 826 Broadway]. We were close to the end, and about three weeks ago, the landlord didn’t give us the option to renew. She gave us 90 days notice and rented it to someone else. She just didn’t want a yoga studio there anymore.
What has the reaction been from the teachers and the rest of the community? I announced it to the teachers Monday before the main announcement went out. And before that, I had a private meeting with the senior teachers. I took them out to dinner, and we had dirty martinis. In general, people are shocked and sad, and I’ve told all of the teachers that I’ll do anything I can to help them, and I will.
And what about you? How are you holding up? I’m a little bit further along in the process, because I got the notice a few weeks ago. So I’ve already processed that shock and I’m looking forward to the future. I’m at a place right now where, honestly, I feel fine. I think this is what we practice for. The fruition of meditative practice is strength, stability, and clarity, and I feel like that’s really helpful when things are unexpected. It’s like a vinyasa, and we’re in the space between poses.
Also, it sounds cheesy but I’m just super grateful that the causes and conditions arose for me to build that yoga studio and that the community grew and developed, and it’s been beautiful. I feel really proud because there has been no badness, only goodness, and I think it’s time to celebrate that.
So what’s next for Om Yoga? We’re really excited about our online presence expanding. We’re excited about putting classes and trainings online and developing an app, which we were already doing. We’re going to go full speed ahead on that and develop our teachers network. We still have teacher trainings all over the world, and I’m still traveling all over the place. I also have a new book coming out in January, which I just finished and sent to my editor yesterday.
Congrats! And where do you expect your teachers will go to teach? It’s too soon to answer that question. My senior teachers—Edward Jones, Frank Mauro, Joe Miller, and Brian Liem—have all committed to staying with Om till the very last day. And we’re going to do our summer teacher training in New York, and we’ll be filming them for online classes. Om isn’t really going away, it’s just not going to have the same house, and you’ll still be able to take classes with our teachers, and me, in real life and online.
Would you consider teaching at other studios or opening a new location at some point? Maybe. At this point, I’m just sitting with it, to tell you the truth. As far as forward motion, I’m doing it with care and mindfulness, as we do with all of our practices. I want to be fully present for the studio’s last few months.
You know, I’ve gotten hundreds of emails in the past 24 hours, and every single one is a love letter. And I’m sitting there crying. The things that people are saying and sharing…I’m just really feeling the love. —Lisa Elaine Held
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What Cyndi neglects to mention is that much of the OM community that has been with her since the beginning in 98, does not want to practice yoga online. The senior teachers at OM are truly incredible and any NYC studio would be more than lucky to have instructors of their caliber and would follow them to a new studio.
Cyndi neglects to mention that many OM students (who have supported her since day 1 in 98) do not wish to practice yoga online. The senior teachers at OM are truly incredible and any yoga studio would be more than lucky and thrilled to have them. OM closing is a huge, huge loss.
As an OMmie who did my training in NYC but currently live in another state, I for one CANNOT WAIT to be able to see the familiar faces and practice online. The opportunity to continue to develop my OM yoga practice as both a student and teacher is so exciting to me. I understand that the NYC studio closing will be a huge loss for the community there, but I love the idea that I’ll be able to connect from my home in a town where quality yoga is hard to come by. Thank you Cyndi!
I didn’t start practicing at OM till 2000 (still in their original location on 14th Street), and I remember the emotional upheaval of moving from that space to the current space. What that showed me was that the sangha was not about the walls, doors, windows and floors, but about the community and the teaching. And while I understand the sentiments of the other posters (and not being a fan of practicing to DVD’s), it will be helpful for those of us who no longer live in NY to have a way to practice with OM’s senior teaching staff.
Really beautiful interview and it’s inspiring to hear that Cyndi lives her life as gracefully as she practices and teaches.
Om was about the people, the teachers, the students, the space, the energy people created together inside the space. I will for sure not practice online. Please…I’m offended the online idea is being pushed so much.
I’m really bummed about OM closing too, but I can’t help but feel like this new online incarnation will be an awesome treat for Ommies who can’t make it to NYC and for all those people in NYC who may not be able to shell out the money for an expensive, exclusive yoga class. I just think its a sign of the times and will give us Om veterans a wonderful opportunity to support it and make yoga accessible to everyone. Of, course, it would be nice for there to some kind of physical studio space somewhere. Maybe Cyndi will consider it on a smaller scale if she gets the support.
I’m heartbroken. I love going to OM, it’s part of my life and just being in the presence of my favorite teachers lifts my spirits every time. Thank you, but I’m not feeling goodbye energy. I know I’ll be seeing you again.
Wow, nothing in life is permanent.. even Om yoga! :(
I will miss you live and in person, but will find your classes and be happy
Jai ma for the blessing of a wonderful studio and following. Best of luck!
Whenever I was in my NY home, I went to OM for a few classes.
I am truly sorry that it is closed.
It is a real loss for everyone who
knew OM.
Thanks for all the years of “real” yoga.
Pam Montreal/Manhattan/Montgomery VT.
What happens nor with my Gift Card?
What Ms. Lee fails to mention is the impact she has had in inspiring and supporting New York City educators in developing yoga curriculum for public education. She has those students who have benefitted from her studio to be sure. Moreover, the development of technology and the increasing implementation of technology in education augers well for exposing more students to yoga via online classes. Ms. Lee is unique in that she has been able to differentiate and provide for the different needs of her students. To the dedicated teachers of Om Yoga online I say Onward Bold!!
I heard about the closing of om yoga studio from a yoga student of mine who came from paris to practice at OM in NYC. I am amased by cyndi’s calmness and looking ahead for a futher future for OM, supporting the teachers and staying present for the student’s practice. I did the teacher training program of OM YOGA a few years ago and now teach yoga in Paris. I will be very happy to be able to practice regularly on line with all senior teachers from OM YOGA. Thank you cyndi for your love and attention…And see you soon on line… Laurence…
Check out http://www.meetup.com/yogawithlivemusic for other options!