New Yoga Studio Offers Zen Space To Find Inner Peace In Raritan

RARITAN, NJ — When Gertrude Scocozza first began practicing yoga she quickly discovered the benefits it made to herself physically. She followed this path taking a health coaching class and teacher training where "everything just changed" for her.

"It just became more involved in my personal practice, in my personal life, and I knew one day I wanted to not only teach, but open up my own studio," said Scocozza to Patch. "That way I could provide that to everyone else, because it just gave me a sense of home, a sense of belonging, and this is really, really beautiful, beyond the physical aspect of it."

Following her dream, Scocozza of Raritan opened A Peace of Om Yoga in her hometown at 107 Sherman Ave. last week.

"I wanted to give a space to people, especially in the community, because I live right here, that they can have a calm, Zen environment," said Scocozza to Patch. "The moment you walk in the colors, the lights, the environment itself is very welcoming and just purely calm. And in today's world, it's nice to have that when you open those doors and you feel that sense of literal peace."

A Peace Of Om Yoga is not a heated practice and instead, Scocozza says it provides her and others the opportunity to heat and energize from the inside out.

"You get warm, you energize, you do sweat - it's an active class - but it just gives everyone an opportunity to feel peaceful in their physical practice," said Scocozza.

After every class, Scocozza offers a complimentary Ayurvedic herbal tea bar to build that sense of balance and community off the mat.

"I just want people to be able to hang out for a little bit, get to know each other, talk about either their practice or, you know, whatever goes on around them, but just to have that sense of belonging," said Scocozza.

Scocozza who is a 500-hour registered yoga teacher offers multiple different classes. She also teaches and is certified in therapeutic chair, Yin, restorative, and kids. She has some Thai Yoga influence, Thai massage influence in her practice as well.

All of her classes are listed on the schedule for people to learn about different styles of yoga and see what works for them. Live-stream classes are also available.

All of the classes are about an hour long which is "enough time just to connect to their breath, connect to their body," said Scocozza, which is what she

Scocozza is hoping through her practice to give everybody that connection to their body.

"Everyone's wellness journey is individual to suit their needs and I created this space to offer guidance to pursue that for all beings, whether it's your first yoga class or one of many," said Scocozza. "This practice is an opportunity to begin each day again, one breath at a time."

A Peace Of Om Yoga offers classes, drop-ins, and upcoming events including a Valentine's Day candlelight restorative class on Feb. 14 and a self-care workshop on Feb. 15.

For more information or to sign up for classes visit linktr.ee/apeaceofomyoga or facebook.com or instagram.com/apeaceofom_yoga.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.