Embracing change.

It’s been 1 year and 8 months since I last came to this page to write. In fact, there’s now a shiny new button on here called “AI Assist.” The friendly robot offering to do the writing for me.

But as you’ll notice, as proof in my poor use of punctuation, it will always be me. I promise to do the writing. It selfishly brings me joy and keeps me sane.

This as-of-late feature of ‘writing it for you’ also reminds me … the only guarantee in life is change. And yes, we have been witness to a lot of it. Haven’t we?

So, where did I go over the past almost 2 years, you probably haven’t been asking?!

I’ve been busy embracing the changes in my life and enlarging the font size so I can see this page better.

When I first began writing here, I had two toddlers. This morning, one drove the other to school, because they’re both in high school now. In my early writing days, it was about zoo memberships and surviving the pandemic. Today, it’s college tours and more volleyball tournaments than any human should reasonably endure.

And just like life, The Mat Project was also busy growing and shifting, too. Over the past several years, we’ve:

• Awarded five yoga teacher training scholarships and mentorships - providing over $13,000 you’ve graciously donated.

• Taught hundreds of hours of trauma-informed yoga in places where it may not have been accessible otherwise. Thanks again to your donations.

• Donated mats and supplies to support mindfulness in underserved communities, which you’ve also help fund!

And the list keeps going, which makes my heart so happy. Thank you! Seriously. Thank you!

So what’s up lately? I’ve been focused on creating new ways to expand my mission of serving mindfulness and ease —but in a way that benefits all of us. Because if there’s one other thing besides change that’s guaranteed… It’s stress. And stress does not discriminate. It affects all of us in its own unique ways.

In the past, one of my favorite ways to raise funds for The Mat Project was through donation-based yoga classes around the city. It’s a double gift—you get the joy of yoga, and so does someone who may never have had the chance otherwise.

However, something I’ve come to realize over the past 8 years is that yoga isn’t everyone’s interest. (Shocking! I know!)

For example, my husband finds his zen by spending more time on the green than an actual lawnmower. (That was a lame golf joke. They pop up in my Instagram feed now that I said the word “golf” so much over the summer.) But we all need an outlet. We all need moments to unwind.

So here’s the exciting next change… or as I like to refer to it, our evolvement.

The Mat Project is in the process of shifting into - Better Together Wellness.

More details soon, but just know this—whether it’s on a yoga mat, relaxing with a cozy blanket, or spending time on a golf green—I’m very interested in building something that brings more calm, more connection, and more togetherness into this busy, ever-changing world.

No downward-facing dogs are required… but always encouraged. I hope you are doing well. I’ve missed you!

Please feel free to follow along as we ease into this next transition/change. It was always the inevitable, and I’m grateful and excited for it.

I am beyond grateful for the past 8 years of The Mat Project.

It’s the same me, just evolving.

I would be honored if you came along with!

Today is just for reflection. Next week I’ll be sharing more. Thank YOU, again.

Be well.

Alysia