It all began in July 2021 with a social gathering where Angelos, then new to Groningen, was asked to share his yoga practice. From that very first session, something special sparked. Blessed by surprisingly sunny Dutch skies, what began as a small meetup quickly blossomed into a weekly ritual known as “Yoga in the Park”. This was never just a class; it was the birth of our community. We practiced, laughed, and grew together, and a cherished tradition was born as we always ended by hanging out together, simply enjoying each other’s company.
As our circle widened, so did our offerings, naturally evolving through the talents and generosity of our members. Saoirse stepped up to teach her first class, marking the beginning of our collaborative, community-powered teaching team. When autumn arrived, it was another member’s connection that opened the doors to our first indoor home at the Magma community center, allowing our practice to flourish year-round. Our teaching family grew to include Christa with her monthly workshops, and we were gifted with Sandra’s Kundalini classes and the enchanting sound of Pascal’s flute during Savasana. These moments often ended with us sharing a cup of tea, deepening the connections forged on the mat.
Our journey continued to unfold organically. We brought our practice to welcoming spaces like Sangha Cafe, hosted dance-related workshops, and regularly gathered for community picnics in the park. These Sunday picnics, where everyone contributed food, became a beautiful expression of our shared spirit.
Our story even reached a wider audience, featuring a video interview in the university newspaper UKrant. The power of our community was further highlighted when a member shared her own heartfelt story, a beautiful testament to the transformative power of Yoga in the Park, which was also published by the UKrant. Our community yoga classes also served as a compelling case study for a master’s student in journalism at the University of Groningen.
A new chapter began in August 2023 with our move to the community center at Nieuwe Sint Jansstraat, where we settled into a rhythm of two weekly classes. The community’s love for deep relaxation was further nourished when Angelos returned from India in January 2025 and began offering soothing sound healing sessions. We also started organizing yoga-related movie nights, further enriching our gatherings with shared inspiration. It was an honour to share our practice with the wider city as well, when Angelos was invited to lead a class for the International Day of Yoga celebration in Groningen in 2025. As with any living community, our journey has seen collaborations reach their conclusion; autumn 2025 marked the end of our collaborations with Saoirse and Christa.
Now, as we look to the future, our Grassroots story continues! We are seeking a new home from January 2026, ready to co-create the next chapter, together. This is, and always will be, our community.