Former yoga studio remembered, as new business burgeons to life in former Shepherdstown space

Yoga Alliance-certified teacher and Jala Yoga owner Christa Mastrangelo Joyce mans the counter in Jala Yoga's new expansion into the first floor of its location at 119 West German Street in Shepherdstown. Tabitha Johnston
SHEPHERDSTOWN — It only took a few weeks after Jala Yoga closed its Shepherdstown location on Oct. 10, for the empty storefront to begin attracting interest from potential business owners.
While previous businesses located in the space, which expanded from 117 West German Street to include 119 West German Street in Nov. 2019, had little outside factors to blame their ending on, that was far from the case for Jala Yoga. With the continuing safety and health concerns resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, forcing the business to operate in a limited capacity, it was impossible for Jala Yoga to be able to afford to remain open.
“To say that this global pandemic changed and evolved us as a community, creating new needs and circumstances, is a bit of an understatement. But, really, through all the 14 years of Jala Yoga, change and evolution has been part of the thread we’ve followed,” said Yoga Alliance-certified teacher and Jala Yoga owner Christa Mastrangelo Joyce, in a goodbye statement. “The name ‘Jala’ means water and we have moved and transformed, much like water does. And so, I am choosing to focus now on the promise of evolution and continued transformation.
“I surrender to this changing season, to impermanence, to this incomplete and imperfect moment,” Joyce said. “It is a cracked cup. A deer on the edge of the forest with autumn leaves and drying grasses. A tiny drop of dew left as a tear on the grass.”
The closure of the Shepherdstown location was only part of the contribution to Joyce’s pain, as she was also forced to close the entirety of her business, which included a location in Winchester, Va. Yet Joyce tried to remain optimistic, in spite of her impossible situation.
“Awash in memory, I am both heavy and joyful,” Joyce said. “Of course, there is pain and grief, but why not celebrate the incredible life of what’s been?”
Local yogis expressed their heartfelt sorrow at the loss of their yoga studio and beloved instructor, in response to the news, on Facebook.
“I joined Jala a few years ago, during a very difficult time in my life,” wrote Katie Hall, of Shepherdstown. “Jala and my yoga practice became my safe place, a place of comfort, acceptance and growth. I continue my practice to this day, although mostly at home now. Thank you, Christa — I am so grateful for how I was introduced to yoga through Jala. It will forever be a part of my life.”
Other community members specifically wished Joyce well, as she planned her next step. Currently, Joyce is planning a yoga retreat in Greece for Oct. 2022. Her most recent, public yoga-related activity was in helping to lead a Winter Intention Solstice Event on Zoom, the evening of Dec. 21.
“Oh Christa, you and Jala have given and taught me so much! Your heart, acceptance and love and yoga teaching programs have been a bedrock upon which to grow. I will ever be grateful,” wrote Harpers Ferry resident Katherine Austin. “I wish you all the best in your transition and much joy and ease in your new journey.”
Although the physical reminder of Jala Yoga’s loss to the community is no longer visible, with the filling of the business’ former Shepherdstown location, it will not be forgotten in the hearts of many people, whose hearts and health were strengthened there through the work of Joyce and her staff.