A Vision, A Mat, and a Leap of Faith

It All Began With a Vision

By PJ Hunter

I remember the moment vividly - not because I was graceful, but because I wasn’t.

It was 2009, and I was living in San Francisco when my daughter invited me to a donation-based hot yoga class. I had no mat, no clue what “flow” meant, and zero idea what I was getting into. But I showed up anyway, barefoot and curious.

Somewhere in the middle of that steamy room, sweating and trying to figure out what a “Downward Dog” even was, something shifted. My body didn’t quite understand the shapes, but my spirit did. As awkward as it was, something clicked.

And when the class ended, I sat on my mat in silence - completely overwhelmed in the best way. I felt peace. I felt joy. Not surface joy, but something deep and holy. Like my whole body exhaled for the first time.

That moment stayed with me. I didn’t know it yet, but a seed had been planted.

For years, my practice become the foundation to balancing my physical health and my mental wellbeing, coming back to the mat through all the highs and lows of life. But it wasn’t until 2021 that I truly answered the call. I had been holding onto a quiet dream - to teach, to build something, to create a space where people could come just as they are and feel held. I didn’t have a full plan, but I had faith. So I said yes.

I enrolled in yoga teacher training that year. I was nervous yet excited. I didn’t know where it would lead. I wasn’t sure how I would fit it in to an already full schedule. But what I did know was this: something had been placed in my heart, and it was time to take that leap of faith to explore how this journey would unfold.

Fast forward to today - Peace & Joy Within Yoga is no longer just a dream. It’s a living, breathing space. A family-rooted studio built on love, community, and accessibility. My prayer from day one has been to create a place where all are welcome. A space where yoga doesn’t require the “right” clothes, the perfect body, or a big budget. Just a willing heart and a little curiosity.

We are just getting started. I’m the only teacher for now, but soon we’ll grow. We’ll offer more classes, welcome new voices, and open our doors even wider to incredible teachers.

If you’re reading this and wondering if yoga is for you - it is. If you’ve felt out of place before - come as you are. If you’ve been craving connection, rest, movement, or something deeper - there’s space for you here.

This studio was born from a vision, yes - but also from a deep love for people. For healing. For community. And I believe, with all my heart, that the same peace and joy that found me in that first yoga class is waiting for you too.

See you on the mat.

With love,
PJ