In 2022, Shawnee Langworthy opened River Flow Yoga in the heart of Northfield’s downtown. The studio filled in gaps left by the pandemic, which was a time of closure for other yoga studios and a generally isolating period for Northfielders. 

Langworthy’s journey to opening River Flow Yoga began when she suffered a back injury in 2000. Without the option to receive physical therapy, recovery left her feeling overwhelmed. However, Langworthy found a basic yoga video at her local library and started practicing at home. With the help of a few basic poses, she started feeling positive effects not only in her spine, but also in her newfound mental calmness and connection with her whole body. 

Now, Langworthy hopes she can help others feel that connection. River Flow Yoga wants to meet attendees where they are, having several different types of yoga classes and levels for people to enjoy. These include intro-level yin and slow-flow yoga, to sessions like barre and even hot yoga.

The studio space has also been used for creating momentum for justice within the Northfield community. Throughout March, River Flow Yoga has offered a meditation series where donations have been collected for the Northfield Community Action Center, with the final session taking place on Saturday, March 28.

According to Langworthy in an interview with The Olaf Messenger, this togetherness “builds community and a sense of shared purpose [so that] when you step into the studio, it’s like a community embrace, to know you are not alone.” 

To learn more about River Flow Yoga, head to the website riverflowyoga.org or Instagram @riverflowyogamn to see upcoming classes and events.