04/17/2026
📣 Congratulations to Allen Lazarra - he's in our Student Spotlight for April! 👏
Allen has been a steady figure in our studio since Feb 2024 - he's spent over 250 hours here, and every one of them has been a delight for us! Allen exhibits a sincere curiosity and openness to the practice. Walking in with his black sunglasses and lighthearted chuckle always brings a smile to our face! 😎 He also has great taste in music and is usually sporting one of our favorite band t-shirts :-)
What keeps you coming back to your mat?
"In a world so filled with darkness, yoga and the Gruvn Studio/community bring light, balance and connection into my world. There is always a positive energy, a vibe, in the studio that lifts my spirit – a grounding that creates a pause from the world and my daily routine.
Can you share a benefit of your practice that's helped the most?
"Without a doubt, the creation of a Sankalpa, an intention that guides me daily, was an achievement. My Sankalpa is...to greet each day with gratitude, act with integrity and kindness, care for those around me, and learn something new each day. This intention gives me direction, and a way to center myself when the day pulls me off course."
How do you enjoy time off the mat?
"I read voraciously, sometimes three or four books at a time, not to master ideas but to live among them. Reading is how I keep my inner world expansive, even when the outer world feels constrained. Music is also a passion of mine. I study jazz guitar with reverence and frustration both in equal measure. My desire clearly outpaces my ability. Lastly, my five grandchildren are a continuous source of joyful exhaustion, helping them to be children while learning to navigate this world. They teach me patience, boundaries, and unconditional love."
Allen, you are the epitome of what gruvnYOGA tries to embody - THANK YOU for sharing your light and wisdom with us! 🙏
