Let's take a journey back to the beginning. The name Runa, stems from an old Norse word, meaning secret; or secret knowledge. We all show up on our mat (whether we realize this or not) with our own stories, our own past, and our own future that we're heading towards. And that is what you work through on your mat, because so much of what you experience is through the lens of your own stories.

 

When we were designing the studio concept in 2018, we knew that we wanted to have a big, beautiful mandala for people to have as a focal point while practicing, and also to give this bright, beautiful space some vibrancy and life. We commissioned a local artist out of Duluth, Minnesota named Tom Rossman.

 

Inspiration brought us back to the Viking, Norwegian, Icelandic roots, and we found the Vegvisir. The Vegvisir is thought to be a compass that would help guide you through rough weather and point you in the right direction. 

 

We knew we wanted to use the Vegvisir as our logo. It is said that if it's carried, one will never lose their way in storms or bad weather, even if the way is not known. It can show, point or indicate the way. The Vegvisir is the wayfinder.

 

And that is how we came up with the name for our yoga retreats: Wayfinder Yoga Retreats.