Megan Woodland Donley, owner of Lotus Moon Yoga and Creative Healing Arts Center, in York, first discovered yoga through its ancient philosophy as a teen, and explored the physical practice of yoga (asana) later. “I took my first yoga class in 2005 and fell in love,” she recalls. Years later, Donley realized that she wanted to share her love of yoga and completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at The Yoga Path, in Lancaster, in 2010. She opened up her studio in February 2011 and this month celebrates four years in business.

Lotus Moon is located in the historic center of downtown York. “Our city is rooted in tradition, like yoga,” she says. “While it’s important to stay true to the ancient practices and philosophy of yoga, it’s equally important to make it accessible to people now in the modern world.” This notion mirrors the way she feels about her community. “Our city has some challenges and outdated ways of doing things. However, there is a renaissance going on and I believe we can keep the positive traditions of our city, preserve the history and move into a new and flourishing way of being,” says Donley, who notes that she feels a deep sense of purpose to be a force of consciousness and creativity downtown. “Our symbology is the lotus rising up out of the mud and the moon being the light in the darkness.”

While many of her students practice yoga for pain relief and overall better fitness, Donley notices that a greater majority seek inner peace. “A lot of our students come for stress management,” she says. “Yoga is about building a bridge between our bodies, minds and hearts. Those struggling with stress and anxiety will benefit from a regular yoga practice.”

Classes offered include Yoga 101 and Yoga 201 classes. “These classes are designed for the beginner or someone who needs a gentle yoga class,” says Donley. Sun and Moon Flow, which Donley teaches, combines hatha and vinyasa yoga. “My favorite way to practice is to combine stillness with flowing movement and breath,” she says.

In addition to yoga, Lotus Moon offers massage and bodywork, Reiki and workshops. The studio also serves as an art gallery. “Yoga opens us up to our own creativity, whatever that may be, for each individual,” says Donley, who is also a musician and artist. She plays original music with her band, The Wild Hymns, and studied art in college. From singing bowls and chanting to music concerts and art exhibits, Donley makes it a point to incorporate sound, music and art into the Lotus Moon experience.

Lotus Moon Yoga is located at 36 N. Beaver St., in York. For more information, call 717-424-2273 or visit LotusMoonYogaYork.com. 

 Erin Lehn Floresca is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.