Community Yoga Phoenix

A space created by and for the community… it’s been nothing but joy and growth and a pure pleasure to start and operate Community Yoga. Without question one of the most important and wonderful decisions I’ve ever made. The “business” just keeps getting better, new students constantly while those who’ve been with me for decades remain. What a gift!!

There are transitions happening for me, the timeline is unfolding. There are simple ways to keep this place going and growing. There are a few sweet possibilities to explore… reach out if you want to discuss. I’m excited to attract someone with the utmost integrity and ethics. It’s what this community of students is all about and their energy needs to be matched.

I reiterate: I’m only interested in working with those with the capacity to keep the ethics of yoga guiding our conversations: collaboration, a strong moral compass and a commitment to honesty. This place is too special for any other option.

Read the flyer below - some common questions I’m receiving are already answered. 💕

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The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, occurring when the Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted most directly toward the sun, resulting in the longest stretch of daylight of the year. How cool — we’ll be tilted together, directly toward the sun! Take that in for a moment.

Throughout the month of June, we’ll be celebrating Solstice with a special series of yoga classes, workshops, and community events at our studio, with 50% of all proceeds benefiting St. Vincent de Paul’s Homelessness Prevention Program.

Some of you may remember last year’s solstice events — workshops, sound healings, Kirtan, and more. Between event proceeds and direct donations, together we raised over $8,700 in 2025. SVdP’s approach addresses the root of the issue by directly supporting rent, utilities, and other immediate needs for people experiencing housing and food instability. I hope we can match — or even surpass — what we raised last year. We can do big things when we remove anything veiling the brightness of our light.

I’ve personally experienced financial vulnerability, and I know how meaningful support can be during difficult times. Over the years, family, friends, and this yoga community have shown up for me in extraordinary ways — delivering meals when I was injured or sick, helping after a car accident left me unable to work, and even stepping in when I was at risk of losing my home. At one point, someone even gave me a car. Not everyone has access to that kind of support system, and that’s where we can help.

Throughout the month, we invite you to use this fundraising series as a reason to come to a few extra classes, reconnect with practices that nourish you, try something new, and spend meaningful time with the teachers and community you love. Perhaps you can see this as a chance to create a mini-retreat for yourself without leaving town — an opportunity to tap into the bright and healing light you possess. If you can’t make it or want to donate more, find the link ☝🏼

A heartfelt thank you to the teachers who have volunteered to participate: Alisa, Angie, Ellen, Laura, and Mary Beth! Thanks for reading this far and for being a part of Community Yoga. 💕Evon

Mother’s Day can bring celebration, grief, gratitude, longing, or complicated feelings — sometimes all at once. Beyond the holiday itself, I’ve been reflecting on our shared human capacity to create, nurture, and grow. A few thought snacks:�• What are you bringing into the world through your attention and effort?�• How do you feel nurtured?�• Where are you being asked to grow beyond an old version of yourself?
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A few community updates…
I’m currently navigating a longtime knee issue that is demanding my full attention. I’ll continue teaching classes, but for now I won’t be demonstrating poses. Thank you for your patience and kindness during this very humbling season.

Wednesdays with Ellen will look a little different for a while beginning May 20th as she heads out of town. Many of you know and love from Desert Song — she’ll be subbing five consecutive weeks.

And lastly… the gathering is almost here, and I can already feel the energy building. In a world that can feel fragmented and heavy, hundreds of voices gathering in chant, prayer, meditation, and devotion feels especially meaningful right now. I’m also thrilled to share that , Krishna Das’ longtime tabla player, will join at Community Yoga on Thursday, 5/14. I still can’t quite believe we get to host evenings like this in our little corner of the desert.
Much love to all of you ❤️ Namaste, Evon

Hi everyone,

I want to share a clear update with you.

After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to renew the lease at Community Yoga. Even after negotiations, the rent increase would require changes that don’t feel aligned with my values and vision.

I will be relocating back east this fall. While I’ll be leaving behind a lot of good here in AZ, I’m also going toward something special in NY. This has not been an easy choice to make. And yet, as our practice reminds us, whatever decision is made, the practice is to meet it fully and make the most of what’s here.

The good news is that I’ve worked with the landlord to extend our time in the space through September. This allows us to close out this chapter together and celebrate the studio’s three-year anniversary the weekend of September 19th. Mark your calendars for this bittersweet celebration!

Between now and then, I’m exploring whether someone will take over the space. If so, there may be continuity. If not, the studio will close.

If you or someone you know would have a serious interest in taking over a fully built-out, ready-to-use yoga space, reach out to me directly. Any new tenant would also need to go through the landlord’s application and approval process. I’ll share a clear update as soon as a decision is made on this front. Until then, there won’t be additional updates, and I appreciate your patience.

I’ve chosen to be transparent so there are no surprises, and at the same time it’s important that you are not burdened with all of the behind the scenes details. You’ve been so thoughtful and supportive, and I truly appreciate it. I also want to shift my focus back to supporting you in your practice.

Now, everything continues as scheduled. Join me in a class or one of our special events. I look forward to being fully present with you over these next few months, savoring every moment. This is an incredible place we have all built, and I never take it, or you, for granted.

With boundless gratitude,
Evon

Hello Community,

In last weekend’s dharma talk, we explored Impermanence, one of the central teachings in yoga and Buddhism. Everything is always changing. Not occasionally—constantly. Not some things—all things.

Most us are conditioned to experience change as a problem. We’re wired to seek stability, to feel unsettled when something shifts. In yoga philosophy, this conditioning is described through the 5 kleshas—the patterns that shape how we perceive reality. We mistake what is changing for something that should stay the same. We cling to what feels good, resist what we don’t like, and fear what we can’t control.

So the practice isn’t just accepting impermanence—it’s questioning the way we’ve been taught to see it.

This is where I find myself right now.

The ownership of the Community Yoga building complex has changed, and the proposed rent increase is very substantial. Our three-year lease ends in August. I’ve been exploring other spaces since last summer—there were early signs this might be coming—but haven’t found one that supports our needs.

At the same time, there’s a strong pull toward my hometown in New York - for several reasons. The most time-sensitive involves my mom making decisions about leaving her home—the one I grew up in—unless she has more support. There’s a narrow window where I could step in.

With my son still here in Arizona, a home I love and can afford, and a yoga community that is deep, steady, and meaningful, this isn’t a simple decision. It’s layered, time-sensitive, and deeply personal—while also impacting a community I care about tremendously - you.

For now, the practice is to see clearly. I have considered many of the obvious paths (a new space, pricing changes, class structures) and am exploring all possibilities with care and honesty. I remain open to creative ways the studio might continue, even if I step away.

Nothing is changing immediately. Classes and workshops continue, and the rhythm of the studio remains steady for now. I will share more as soon as there is clarity on my path forward. Until then, join me at our beautiful space, and reach out if you’d like to talk.

Love you,
☮️ Evon

Mark your calendars! I love teaching this class every year and look forward to holding space for celebration, remembrance, reflection. Hope you'll join us! Much love, Evon