Unity Yoga

Commercial & 10th

Anusara Yoga

Teacher: Shelley

Drop in: $10 first time

$15 regulard

SUMMARY: Spiritual and uplifting this class challenged me to observe my body in new ways and new postures. Expansion of the mind and connection both within the body and to those around you was a big emphasis. Some quotes: “every moment is an opportunity to either connect or disconnect,” how to experience ultimate freedom? “We are not free until we are all free.”

SETTING: Unity yoga/tea house is a non-imposing building tucked away on a shady bike path just off of Commercial Drive. There is a massive asian themed mural decking out the side of the building which faces the Drive. The building has a tea/reading/socializing room where you sign up for classes and can purchase natural goods as well as a small studio space that could use some updating.

STYLE & PACE: This particular class was demanding but (for me) not strenuous. The teacher was vivacious and the poses were challenging but also inspiring. I experienced a classic lunge with a bind feeling for the first time in a mental space of ease and opening.

“Anusara yoga is a school of hatha yoga which unifies a life-affirming Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment (www.anusara.com)”

SCENE: As fore-warned by my co-attendant this Saturday morning session is the one all of the teachers attend for it’s dynamic and intensive nature. Mostly 20-something experienced yogis of mixed gender as well as approximately 30% middle aged women of various body types. A few new young female attendants such as myself.

MY EVALUATION: Great, dynamic, awe-inspiring. If you have a habit of viewing yoga as painful, strenuous or demanding this might not be the class for you although it might just help you break out of those negative views. Physically challenging poses require a strong awareness and connection with the body in order to avoid injury.