25 Years From the Heart—Celebrate With Us!
Desirée Rumbaugh Returns for Our 25th Anniversary
It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since our grand opening in the fall of 2000! Before that, we were each teaching independently at the Dominican Center at Marywood and in other spaces around West Michigan.
The name From the Heart Yoga was born in 1997, inspired by the Sanskrit word Kula, often translated as “Community of the Heart.” The idea came from the Kularnava Tantra. At the time, that might have felt a bit esoteric—so Behnje chose From the Heart Yoga Center, a name that beautifully captured the essence of how we wanted to share these practices.
In 2000, we opened our doors on Fulton Street alongside Prasad Café. From the very beginning, our vision was community: a juice bar and coffeehouse, massage therapists upstairs, a full schedule of yoga and tai chi classes, and a vibrant calendar of workshops. Over the years, we’ve welcomed world-class teachers whose generosity and wisdom—alongside Behnje and Rick’s dedication to teaching locally—helped shape and grow the yoga and tai chi scene in Grand Rapids. Teachers such as Sifu Lee Hoa Yen, Desirée Rumbaugh, Prof. Douglas Brooks, Jamie Allison, Shantala (Benjy and Heather Wertheimer), John Friend, Sianna Sherman, Sonam Targee, Kathy Reider, and many others have all left their mark here.
At the same time, Behnje and Rick continued to guide students in deepening their knowledge and practice through weekly classes, workshops, and teacher trainings—cultivating a strong, dedicated community that has grown together over the years.
One of our very first events was a weekend workshop with Desirée Rumbaugh—and she has returned every year since. This fall, we celebrate not only 25 years as a studio, but also 25 years of welcoming Desirée to share her knowledge, experience, and heart with our community.
This anniversary workshop will be something truly special. We invite all students—past, present, and those yet to join us—to be part of this milestone weekend. The in-person format is offered as a single, retreat-style immersion. We’ll also provide a livestream option via Zoom, with recordings available for 30 days.
Please see details on the Events Page—we’d love for you to celebrate with us!
Deep Gratitude and Love to Everyone that has offered their love , dedication, and support over the years...We Love You All!!!
Behnje and Rick
About From the Heart
From The Heart is an educational center rooted in the traditional practices of Yoga and Tai Chi with the understanding that they are continually changing and evolving art forms. Heartfelt Intention is key in Yoga and Tai Chi practice , combine that with solid alignment and growth happens naturally. Through these practices we cultivate a deeper connection to the heart, to each other as students, and to the community in which we live.
Directions to Location Here:776 Leonard NE, 2nd floor. Park on side of building or street parking available on Eastern ave. To Enter... walk around front of building to access 2nd floor entrance on WEST SIDE of Building.
With Love,
Behnje and Rick
Yoga
At our Center, we take great honor in sharing this ancient practice. With intensive training and years of experience, our teachers bring an unparalleled knowledge to every class. Once the foundational integrity is strong, the transformational power this method offers is limitless.
Tai Chi
We offer an exquisite method of Tai Chi from the North of China. For twenty nine years, Rick Powell has studied with Master Yen Hoa Lee, the descendent of this method. From this dedication, he offers the integrity of the lineage and a deep understanding of the subtleties in each form.
Upcoming Events
We host international teachers including, Sianna Sherman, Desiree Rumbaugh, and Dr. Douglas Brooks, for weekend workshops and intensives. In addition, we bring in many other great teachers, scholars, healers and musicians to inspire and enhance our practices.
Reviews From Our Community
“Since studying at From the Heart, I have truly come into “living” yoga beyond the mat. The overall mind/body/spirit connection has not only become very real and made me more aware on all levels of my own personal growth, but has also enhanced my connection to community and the world around me. I am more grounded, peaceful, observant, grateful and authentic.”