Origins

Our Story

Abhaya began as a wish. Abhaya was founded in 2010 with the intention to create a home for yoga in Brooklyn, where people could feel free, safe, and supported. I was inspired to create a community-based yoga center with a focus on high-quality education and studentship, and for those really interested in diving into the path of yoga and awakening. Abhaya birthed its mantra FEAR LESS LOVE MORE which was expressed by the community, the style of yoga, and the method. We had a special gem at 10 Jay Street with our vast views of the city and the water for five years. We flourished for 5 years in this sweet corner spot on 10 Jay. While the space was beautiful, our community was even more so, so strong and so sweet. As Dumbo changed and grew, as all things do, our 10 Jay Street home was no longer an option. The building was being sold and we had to move. We saw this as a blessing in disguise as it was a push for us to look to our plans of expansion.

We moved in 2015 across the street to 48 John St, a little space but quaint space. While we saw this as a transitional space, it provided us with an intimate environment for teaching that was proven to be quite needed and valuable. While the world of yoga turned more and more commercial, we stayed committed to the quality and intimacy of the practice. Our John Street space became a potent container for all of us.

After years of trying to expand in the DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park area, without fruition and with much frustration, we started looking into new burgeoning areas. Letting go of the Grand Expansion Idea to build a larger multifaceted center, our intention was to start with a small satellite studio to complement our DUMBO home. Gowanus was at the top of our list to explore. While we found basic storefront spaces, we were looking for something different, a place that shared the spirit of home that we’ve come to associate with Abhaya. . Our search was in vain, until we fell upon this incredible warehouse on 9th Street. With high ceilings, arches, original architecture, and Brooklyn flair, we were struck. It wasn’t the “small satellite” that we had in mind, but somehow it seemed like it could become a reality. With supportive business minds and new partnership, it seemed Abhaya was going to have a rebirth. Simultaneously, after years of searching in DUMBO for a more optimal home, we found a perfect DUMBO space one week after we found the Gowanus warehouse. The timing was interesting and unexpected. We went back to our business support team and found that birthing the projects together could be possible and even advantageous. Abhaya was finally ready to spread our wings to better serve our mission and our students past, present, and future.

While our locations have shifted over time and the current market of yoga has changed incredibly in over 8 years, our intention at Abhaya has always remained… we are here to serve the healing, awakening and expressing of freedom and love in the body, mind and heart in community.

We are here for you. Welcome Home.

Owner – Meet Tara

Tara Glazier ( ERYT 500+) founded Abhaya Yoga in 2010 with the vision of creating a community oriented center for yoga and education in Brooklyn. Tara’s love for art, dance, spirituality, movement, and healing can be seen through the tapestry of incredible teachers and offerings at Abhaya, that all serve the greater purpose of yoga; to connect and serve.

Tara had an early ambition that moved her away from her home at 15 years old, to pursue a professional career as a ballet dancer, at North Carolina School of the Arts. Directly to follow high school, she was chosen as a Trainee with the Hartford Ballet, yet continued into the University program after an injury. The injury was a great gift of Grace opening the doors of modern dance and a new love for teaching. She graduated with BFA in Dance Pedagogy from the University of Hartford/ Hartt School, Tara moved to NYC to pursue a modern dance career. It was in NYC where she fell deeply in love with yoga and spirituality and began her studies: Jivamukti, Atmananda ( 200 hr Yoga Alliance Certified), and Anusara. While simultaneously working at Ballet Tech, Tara was promoted to Director of Faculty in 2003 where she recruited and trained upcoming ballet dancers under the direction of Eliot Feld.

After receiving Anusara Certification, in 2008, Tara became a full-time yoga teacher in NYC and began traveling internationally to offer retreats and trainings. The many injuries that she experienced propelled her to learn more and train in therapeutic yoga. She has studied with masters in the field of yoga therapeutics, chi-gong/ tai chi, Ayurveda, and subtle body work ( John Friend, Scott Blossom, Doug Keller, Dr. Naina Marbelli, Devron Wong).

After 15 years experience teaching yoga and 10 years teaching therapeutic trainings, in 2013 she codified The Abhaya Method as a way to heal and awaken body/ mind/ heart through an integrated approach of gross and subtle body techniques.

In 2015, she felt inspired to make greater change in the world of yoga by founding the Non-Profit 501c3, Abhaya Yoga Foundation. Abhaya Yoga Foundation empowers, educates, and serves disadvantaged and sensitive populations by offering the connective power of yoga to those who may not normally have access.

After eight years of business, it is her honor and great fulfillment to be a part of an energetic, inspired community of students, teachers, healers, and educators. It is her hope for the future to grow Abhaya and the Abhaya Yoga Foundation; share the healing capacity of the Abhaya Method, and continue to offer high quality yoga experience and education through the Abhaya Yoga Teacher Training Programs.

It is a great gift for Tara to create a “home” in Brooklyn back to her roots, where she began her yoga teaching career in 2001. Tara is grateful to all of her teachers past and present ( Adyashanti) who continually help her to trust into the profound teachings of yoga, meditation, and healing. She appreciates the many lessons along the way that have continually challenged and yet stoked the fire and committed passion for her craft and deep love for yoga, teaching yoga, and service.