02/17/2026
From Martin:
I first visited New Dawn Yoga in August of 2022. Back then, I had been privileged with some wonderful yoga safe havens across Iowa. New to Cedar Falls, I hoped to find a new home base and community. Luckily, I landed at the doorstep of New Dawn.
I came through the studio a few times during my first semester at UNI, getting some great opportunities to take class from Sarah, the previous owner. Soon—after only a few times of getting to know me—she invited me to join on teaching staff. We learned we got our respective certifications through the same studio and had even been at the same events in time and space without even knowing each other. It was all so serendipitous.
I didn’t think I was ready to teach but she inspired me to go for it. I said, yes! Honestly, I might do anything Sarah could ask of me. She’s that remarkable of a woman.
Since taking on that role, New Dawn has helped shape and guide me through a spiritual transformation. I arrived to CF at 28 going on 29, still feeling like a boy. Now at 32, I’m beginning to understand what it is to be a man. Of principle, discipline, empathy, and kindness. I have made many mistakes while I’ve been in town here, and New Dawn has continued to be the space where I can continue to reflect, heal, and grow with a powerful, like-minded community. We honor the feminine, the equal, the just, the truth.
New Dawn has introduced me to all kinds of people who have become my friends and support systems. Professional and familial relationships, with everything in between. Some faces, I swear my soul had met before.
Then there’s Anna Love, our new and fearless leader. Someone who has taken the time and interest to get to know me a little more personally. Anna has gotten to know so many aspects of who I am, and continues to champion me through whatever life throws our way. I am happy to be her friend, and only hope to offer the perspective she shows me. To look at life lovingly, with a wink and a smile.
Being a part of this community, I have had countless moments of elevation, joy, and newfound bliss—which we have gotten to share together! Healing, in the form of a collective space and thread. A common mantra of love and light, as well as balance within all things. Honoring the light and the darkness, the various seasons of nature, and those of our own cycles.
New Dawn has seen me through many seasons and chapters. Now, during its 10 year anniversary, New Dawn is carrying me through an important pinnacle of my personal life, as well. As you know from my teaching, all things fall into alignment when you allow them to do so. I believe that’s exactly what New Dawn provides to each of us who has invested into this space and community.
Thank you to each member who continues to support New Dawn with their presence, energy, and resources. You make this all possible. I love my job because of each one of you!
As above, so below, and all that good s**t,
Martin Paulin