Breaking the Cycle:
Why Inner Fire Yoga is Opting Out of Black Friday
Hannah Moran, Yoga Teacher & Director of Operations
As the vibrant colors of autumn fade into the calm of November, a familiar buzz fills the air: the frenzy of Black Friday. It’s a time marked by long lines, flashing deals, and a rush to acquire more. While we understand the excitement and opportunity such events can bring, we’ve decided not to engage in any Black Friday sales this year.
This choice is rooted in the very essence of what we teach and practice within the walls of our studio: the philosophy of yoga. Beyond the asanas and breathing techniques lies a deeper path—a guide to living in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. Some of the most profound teachings come from the Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances), the ethical precepts of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Today, we’d like to share how these principles inform our decision and offer an alternative way to navigate this hectic shopping season.
Embracing Aparigraha: Non-Possessiveness and Letting Go
One of the Yamas, Aparigraha, teaches us the value of non-possessiveness and the art of letting go. It asks us to examine our relationship with material possessions and question whether our pursuit of “more” aligns with what truly nourishes us.
Black Friday can pull us into a cycle of desire and consumption. The promise of a good deal tempts us to purchase items we don’t need, filling our homes and minds with excess. Aparigraha invites us to pause and reflect:
Do I truly need this item, or am I acting out of impulse?
Is this purchase bringing me closer to peace, or is it adding to my distractions?
At our yoga studio, we strive to create a space free from such distractions—a place where you can reconnect with your inner self. By opting out of Black Friday sales, we hope to inspire our community to practice non-attachment and to recognize that joy and contentment don’t come from things but rather from within.
Nurturing Santosha: Contentment in the Present Moment
Another guiding principle is Santosha, one of the Niyamas, which emphasizes contentment and finding peace with what we have. In a world that constantly encourages us to seek external validation or satisfaction, Santosha reminds us that everything we need is already within us.
The energy of Black Friday often feels the opposite of Santosha. It’s a day built on the premise that what we currently have isn’t enough—that we need to strive for better, newer, or more to be satisfied. But as yoga practitioners, we know that the feeling of “enough” comes not from external possessions but from cultivating a sense of gratitude and presence.
At our studio, we encourage this practice daily. Whether through a grounding meditation, a heart-opening yoga flow, or simply sharing a moment of stillness, we aim to guide you toward contentment. This is why we choose not to partake in the rush of sales—because we believe true abundance cannot be discounted or purchased.
Reimagining the Season
Instead of focusing on acquiring more, this season can be an opportunity to practice the principles of Aparigraha and Santosha in daily life. Here are a few ways you can embrace these teachings during the holiday season:
Simplify Your Space: Before considering new purchases, take time to declutter. Letting go of unused or unnecessary items can be a liberating act, creating space for what truly matters.
Practice Gratitude: Shift your focus from what you want to what you already have. Start or deepen a gratitude journal practice, listing three things you’re thankful for each day.
Give Intentionally: If you’re inspired to give gifts, consider experiences or thoughtful gestures instead of material items. A yoga class, a handwritten note, or a shared cup of tea can be more meaningful than anything wrapped in a box.
Spend Time, Not Money: Devote your energy to connections and self-care. Share moments with loved ones, attend a yoga class, or simply carve out time to be with yourself.
Supporting Your Inner Journey
Our decision to opt out of Black Friday sales is not about judgment or disengagement from the world around us. We still have a retail store, after all! Instead, it’s a conscious effort to align with the values we hold dear. Our studio isn’t a place for shopping mega-deals; it’s a sanctuary for transformation. We don’t want to contribute to the noise of consumerism but instead, offer a refuge where you can find peace amidst the chaos.
This season, we encourage you to look inward. When you step onto your mat, let it be a reminder that you are enough, just as you are. When you meditate, breathe in the fullness of life, and exhale the false need for more.
We are here to support you—not with discounts or promotions, but with practices that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Whether through a gentle flow, a grounding workshop, or a conversation over tea after class, our commitment is to guide you on the path of peace and self-discovery.
Closing Thoughts
As yoga practitioners and teachers, we recognize that the journey isn’t always easy. Detaching from material desires and finding contentment in the present moment takes effort and intention, especially in a culture that constantly encourages us to do the opposite. But this is precisely why the teachings of yoga are so transformative—they remind us of what truly matters and guide us back to ourselves.
This November, as the world rushes to chase the next deal, we invite you to slow down. Instead of seeking satisfaction in things, seek it within yourself. Instead of rushing out to buy, come in to breathe.
We’re here for you—not just this season, but every season. Thank you for being part of our yoga community. Together, let’s honor the spirit of yoga by embracing simplicity, gratitude, and peace.
Namaste and Happy Holidays!
