Photo by Serhii Bobyk.
For the upcoming issue, we’re exploring A Day in the Life of a Yogi—broadly defined to include yoga teachers, studio owners, and wellness practitioners— using “yogi” as a thread rather than a title, connecting different practices, paths, and ways of being. You may or may not have experienced the spaces our local yogis have created; if you have, you’ve probably left feeling restored. We asked them to reflect on their daily rhythms. What goes on behind the scenes in the everyday life of a healing professional and business owner? We thought we'd ask.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
VERONICA SEDDA OF ZEPHYR FLOAT photos by visitvortex
How does your day usually begin? Do you have a personal practice or morning ritual that helps set the tone for the day?
Veronica Sedda: I am only as good as my morning coffee and workout. Normally I wake up between 5:30 and 6:30 am. Once I am properly caffeinated, my husband and I usually do a 30- to 45-minute workout in our little gym room. Then we feed our kitty and pup, followed by a 2- to 3-mile walk or jog with the dog on the rail trail. Moving my body and getting fresh air is vital to my mental health and sets the tone for my day.
What does a typical day look like for you this time of year?
Veronica: Normally, I would be taking massage clients, doing my dayto-day administrator work, and doing what I can to help my float facilitator with our clients, laundry, and cleaning up around the spa.
How do you prepare yourself and your space before working with clients or students?
Veronica: First, we check the float tanks' chemical levels, temperatures, and water levels to ensure they are perfect, adjusting if necessary. We also check that the space is all set up for our clients' comfort, restock the teas, fill our water jugs, fluff pillows, etc.
Our massage room is prepped with hot towels, and we make sure the tables are at the correct heights for our therapists and the table warmers are on. Next, we make sure we have a good music playlist for the day. I look over my massage schedule for the day and read my clients' intake forms. This ensures I am prepared for each person's treatment needs and aware of any add-ons I may have scheduled.
What does your workday look like once things get going? Who are the people you connect with throughout the day?
Veronica: Every day is different being a business owner and a bodyworker. What is amazing is, I connect with so many different people, on many different levels during the day. I have a connection with each person coming in for a service in my space, a connection with our regular clients and members. I have grown deep relationships with many of them, I connect with my massage clients in a deeper therapeutic relationship, and I also have an amazing connection with my trustworthy, wonderful employees and contractors I work with every day.
Honestly, the community we are building in this tiny space covers so many different levels of connection and care, and from what I have heard, the people that visit Zephyr even once can witness that kind of energy in the space. Whether it is just a catch-up with a float member before they go in, or a regular massage client I see often and still find a new way to alleviate their tension, or a first-timer visiting the Hudson Valley just for the weekend, all these connections feel equally meaningful in the healing facility we have the pleasure of calling our own.
What’s something about your work that people might not realize or fully understand?
Veronica: Shortly after purchasing Zephyr Float in 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. We caught it early, and thankfully I just had my final surgery in March of 2026. I am cancer free and grateful, but this last year and a half has been extremely stressful trying to navigate my own personal health journey while trying to improve and run a new business, especially as a first-timer. I am beyond grateful that I have an amazing team that has held down the fort for me more times than I would have liked, but I have no idea what I would have done without them and my husband these last two years.
What’s the most challenging part of the work you do?
Veronica: Float tank issues! My husband, Rick, is my savior for most of the major issues we have faced, but it has been a challenging road with a lot of learning curves. When problems arise, they often lack simple solutions, but I feel at this point in time we have upgraded all the essential tank components and we are becoming experts in the "saltwater field." I am also proud to say we have been capable of doing everything ourselves.
What’s the most rewarding?
Veronica: The post-self-care happy and relaxed face on almost every client after they have received services from us. This is why we do what we do!
Do you find time for your own rest or restoration during the day?
Veronica: Now that some personal big stressors are out of the way, the plan is to float once a month myself. I also am an avid gardener, and that is a major form of stress relief for me, putting my hands in the dirt is a huge form of restorative care. I am more of a doer, so I don't often find "rest" unless there is mindful movement involved.
How does the change of seasons affect your work or your personal practice?
Veronica: This is an amazing time for the spa when people are coming out of their cocoons and coming back in to see us. We do not truly slow down until late summer when people go on vacation and start spending more time outdoors. I am an outdoorsy woman, and the longer days, plants emerging from the dirt, and the bright sunshine energize me. I am ready for the "new year" as the equinox approaches. New beginnings, new growth, planting seeds (literally and figuratively), this is when I personally thrive. This year in particular I am ready for this new season in my life as well, cancer free and ready to focus on my dreams.
What do you hope people feel or take away after spending time in your space?
Veronica: That their mental and physical health is important. That their nervous system and body need love. That we are a safe space for experiencing relaxation and healing. That Zephyr is a welcoming, no-frills, just calm cool vibes kinda place. That authenticity and mindfulness fill the space. That they have the opportunity to escape all of it here, just for a few hours.
Zephyr Float
111 Greenkill Ave, Kingston
845-853-2400, zephyrfloat.com
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
ANNIE GIRVIN OF WHOLE SKY YOGA
photos provided by Whole Sky Yoga
What does a typical day look like for you this time of year?
Annie Girvin: Either waking up before the sun or with the sun. I’m up early most days in the year, since I'm either teaching first thing in the morning or I'm doing my yoga practice
I'm a coffee fanatic, and I love just one cup a day, so after I get done teaching, I have my coffee. Then I start my administrative part of the day, working on things at the studio: responding to emails, working on projects and upkeep. Then I can move on to some more fun stuff, thinking about different workshops and ideating for the season ahead.
Afternoons, I'm back at my personal office and continuing either administrative work or working on marketing projects, and then cooking dinner like people do, going for a walk. There's always a walk somewhere in the day.
How does your day usually begin? Do you have a personal practice or morning ritual that helps set the tone for the day?
Annie: We now hold 7 am sunrise yoga classes, and we have a very dedicated group of folks who come in at that time, and they're so consistent with their practice. It's a more rigorous practice early in the morning,
We check in with ourselves and then go about our days, because real life happens. As one of my favorite Buddhist monks says, it’s about tending to your own garden. You have to tend to your own garden and water the positive seeds. I just love tending to this space, and it feels like part of my practice.
How do you prepare yourself and your space before working with clients or students?
Annie: For me, to prepare for people to be in the space is being in the space myself, either straightening up or getting my mat set up, getting the room in order for students to come in. It’s really a practice in and of itself, just getting everything together. I like to just sit for a couple moments after that and then welcome people into the studio. I want it to feel welcoming, to feel like it's a nice place to be, every time someone comes in.
What does your workday look like once things get going? Who are the people you connect with throughout the day?
Annie: The studio has a very wide range of folks who come in. We get all ages; people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, up to 80s. One of my teachers is in her 80s. It's definitely a wide variety of people, and I love the community so much. Everyone contributes in a different way, their own really beautiful way, to the space.
What’s something about your work that people might not realize or fully understand?
Annie: It's my favorite job I've ever done. I love having this space. I love tending to the space. I love being the vehicle for people to have that community space. It feels like during time in the yoga studio, nothing else matters. I really love offering that, being that hub for people.
What’s the most challenging part of the work you do?
Annie: It can be challenging to have to adapt in the moment, to balance everybody's needs, because they're all coming to me with different ones. And doing it in a way that's kind and respectful but also makes the most sense for the business.
What’s the most rewarding?
Annie: I'm ushering this space for people, and it feels really good to do that. All of the merchandising, the marketing behind it, figuring out the best ways to optimize my finances and making it accessible for people to be able to join as a member and be part of the community. Finding ways to allow people to come into this space in a way that is curious and observational, so that they have autonomy over their body, their mind, and their breath as they're practicing—making these observations instead of judgments. I think it allows people to go deeper into their practice and into their personal experience,
Do you find time for your own rest or restoration during the day?
Annie: Those little moments of coming early and talking to your friends or neighbors before or after class, talking to people. It's kind of like the special, sacred time that I find with yoga classes. It's finding that community within your class and also within the space in general; I find that restorative, and I think others do too.
What do you hope people feel or take away after spending time in your space?
Annie: What I'm trying to do with the studio is just create a really welcoming community space. To make this welcoming, blossoming environment for folks to want to be part of. You do you here. You figure that out for yourself. I want people to understand what they’re doing and to feel supported, so they won't be discouraged. I want people to like the Whole Sky experience. The journey of the student is such a beautiful one in any realm of learning, and what you're curious about, you'll inevitably learn more about, because you'll be drawn to it.
Whole Sky Yoga
3588 Main St, Stone Ridge
845-687-6060, wholeskyyoga.com
Photo by Angelique Hanesworth
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
LIZ GLOVER WILSON OF STONE WAVE YOGA
What does a typical day look like for you this time of year?
Liz Glover Wilson: My days often fill quickly with planning wellness programs, meeting with facilitators, and responding to student questions. There’s a creative momentum that builds this time of year, and it can be both exciting and demanding. At the same time, that rising energy can easily pull me toward overworking, so I have to stay mindful of maintaining balance. I try to pace myself, prioritize what truly matters, and build in moments to pause. Self-care is so essential. It’s a daily practice of listening to my body, honoring both the desire to grow and the need to restore, and finding a steady rhythm between the two.
How does your day usually begin? Do you have a personal practice or morning ritual that helps set the tone for the day?
Liz: My day always begins with a conversation with God before I even get out of bed. As soon as I rise, I try to get outdoors to ground myself—connecting with the earth barefoot and taking a deep breath of fresh air. For many years, my mornings have been rooted in prayer, meditation, reading scripture, and contemplation. I also journal daily, without restriction or theme—I let it flow, and each day is different.
How do you prepare yourself and your space before working with clients or students?
Liz: I work across a wide variety of wellness programs, from yoga to fitness classes to personal training. I manage many facilitators and also work directly with clients/students as a teacher. Spaces are always clean and welcoming. For me, the most important thing is staying authentic and true to myself. I’ll often review notes on a client or class beforehand, and I make sure to hydrate—sometimes with water, sometimes with tea. If you show up as your genuine self as a teacher, coach, or guide, you never have to worry about “performing.”
What does your workday look like once things get going? Who are the people you connect with throughout the day?
Liz: The wellness space has many moving parts, so no two days are exactly alike. My day might include paying bills, developing new programming, hiring, handling paperwork, reading, or finding inspiration. I’m constantly responding to questions, navigating concerns, solving problems, and thinking creatively about programming and scheduling. I get the pleasure of interacting with many different people throughout my day—from all walks of life, political and religious views, bodily needs, and wellness goals. I love the variety that each day brings.
Photo by Angelique Hanesworth
Photo by Angelique Hanesworth
Photo by Eye Spy Photography
What’s something about your work that people might not realize or fully understand?
Liz: Wellness is deeply personal, and people can be very sensitive about their individual journeys. A significant part of my work involves navigating those sensitivities with care, compassion, and respect, while doing the best I can in each moment. There are also many behind-the-scenes expenses and challenges that often go unseen. In addition, facilitators bring their own personal experiences and challenges, which can sometimes impact programming and interactions. I do my best to hold space for all of it and maintain a sense of peace and balance wherever possible.
Stone Wave Yoga is entering a new chapter with a move into a new space. What has this transition been like for you?
Liz: Recently, Stone Wave found itself in need of a new home—and quickly. I wasn’t sure where that path would lead, but when I reached out to Angelique Hanesworth of Kaleidoscope Arts Center, I immediately felt a connection and knew it was the right direction. From our first meeting, everything fell into place with ease and grace. This transition feels like more than just a move—it’s a coming together rooted in purpose and possibility. The space is warm, creative, and deeply community-focused—somewhere I know we will feel at home. While I will miss our previous space, this moment has reminded me that community, love, and support are not tied to a place—they live within the connections we create. After nearly nine years, my heart is full, and while that space held so many meaningful moments, what matters most are the relationships formed
What’s the most challenging part of the work you do?
Liz: Accepting that I can’t make everyone happy.
What’s the most rewarding?
Liz: Helping people feel happy—sometimes without them even knowing I had a part in it.
Do you find time for your own rest or restoration during the day?
Liz: Yes. My peace comes from within, and I make it a priority to move my body every day. That might look like running, walking, yoga, biking, or taking a class. I love being a student—it keeps me fresh and inspired. I also prioritize communications with family and friends, which warms my heart and feeds my soul.
How does the change of seasons affect your work or your personal practice?
Liz: The natural elements—the moon, the sun, the wind, the earth—all influence my practice. Each season calls us into something different. As an Ayurvedic coach, I pay close attention to what each season invites: cooling practices, reflection, or sometimes heat and higher energy.
What do you hope people feel after spending time in your space?
Liz: Love. Simply to feel love.
Photo by Angelique Hanesworth
Stone Wave Yoga
Now at Kaleidoscope Arts Center
2651 State Rte 55, Gardiner, NY, 845-419-5219,
stonewaveyoga.com
