Heartland Yoga was established with the intention of creating a beautiful, sacred space where students could practice yoga and heal. Betsy Rippentrop, the owner of Heartland Yoga, was first drawn to yoga for “stress management”, however watched her life become transformed in a much deeper way by her yoga practice. Steady calm, greater patience, genuine acceptance of herself and others, a healthier body, and a deeper sense of well-being and peace emerged the more she committed to spending time on her yoga mat. She wanted to create a sanctuary where others could also grow, heal, and experience their personal journey through yoga.
The name of the studio reflects the tenet in Indian yogic philosophy that believes the soul is housed in the heart center. The soul’s light is often hidden but is thought to shine brightly in saints and yogis. Everyone contains this brightness in their heart, but we must learn to let go of the tensions, frustrations, traumas, and false beliefs that conceal this light. Yoga is a tool to help people surrender everything that really isn’t them, and step into their own light. Yoga literally means “union with self/spirit”. The reason we practice is to remember and become reacquainted with our true nature, which is light and balance and ultimately, bliss.