Recession Yoga and the Community: Santosha in the City

We yogis and yoginis often go on and on about the Yoga "Community".  We use the word a lot:  Community.   I use the capital "C" in Community on purpose.  I think of Community as something larger than ourselves as individuals.  We are collectively in this together, though individual in nature.  So I liked Webster's definition of Community as "a unified body of individuals." Getting into the meaning of things, the word Yoga actually translates as "to join" or "to yoke".  Union.  Uniting the Community through Yoga. While true in our heart, in reality we often exclude a large portion of our geographic community from our Yoga Community on economic grounds.

I have a basic philosophy when it comes to Yoga Community:  Yoga should be financially accessible to everyone.  Unfortnately, that has not always been the case here in Beaufort.  I plan to change that. 

As a business owner and a devoted Yoga practioner, it is very difficult to unite Yoga and business.  They seem to be counter-intuitive.  A friend told me that she thought "The Business of Yoga" was oxymoronic.  As a business woman, my mind says, "Cut costs.  Get as much money for goods and services as you can."  The yogini says, "No one should have to pay!  Yoga should be FREE!"  So how do we yoke, or unite, Yoga and business?  I still have bills to pay.. rent, utilities, insurance, props, mats... the list goes on.   So what gives?

I read an article in Yoga Journal a couple of years ago about a studio owner in New York who started taking donations from students instead of charging rates.  His "pay-what-you-can-afford" classes were a big hit with young people scraping by in the big city.  This spoke to my heart.  This studio owner was acting in the true spirit of Yoga. Now I see this happening everywhere, and I am thrilled to bring it to my Community.  People are getting into the idea of giving, as seen in two of the most respected Yoga outlets on the web,  YogaDork and Elephant Journal.

The answer to the debacle is Community Yoga.  Recession Yoga.  Pay What You Can Yoga.  Call it what you want...  just help me get the word out to the people who need it.  While we offer a variety of classes that are based on a fee schedule, Dancing Dogs also offers four pay-what-you-can-afford classes every week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings (starting March 13th).  These classes are all levels, which means suitable for all fitness levels and bodies.  Even if you have never practiced yoga before, you can attend. 

I've heard some talk from people around town asking about the "free" yoga.  Community Yoga at Dancing Dogs is a donation based class.  This means that the practioner pays based on their ability to pay.  The suggested donation is between $7 and $10.  If the practioner has an extra $2 and wants to come to a yoga class... they pay $2.  If that $2 was meant to buy lunch.... they pay nothing.  My goal is for people to be able to afford to come to Yoga class, on a somewhat regular basis.  If you can afford to pay for Yoga classes, you should make a donation.  While we want to bring Yoga to those who need it and can not afford it, our teachers' time is valuable, and we should all take care to remember that.  The whole karma thing.

If the practitioner can not afford to pay, and feels funny about coming for free.... we can work out a trade agreement, where the person can help check people in, fold blankets, straighten up the studio.  I am open to any way that brings people to the practice of Yoga.

The Sanskrit word "Santosha" means contentment.  I am content to do my part to bring Yoga to a new segment of people in Beaufort.  Santosha in the City.   I think it's good for the Community.

 
Special Thanks to Riann Mihiylov Photography for the beautiful photos.

Grand Opening Photo Preview

Here's a preview of photos from opening day.

Thanks to Riann Mihiylov of Riann Mihiylov Photography for these amazing images.

 

We packed them in for Sun Salutations!

  

Bhujangasana, Cobra Pose

 

Side Plank (Where's Side Plank Pete?)

Are we about to unleash the dog?

 

Partner work....

 

is yummy.  Thanks Kathy!

More photos to come!

The Wandering Yogi Dances With the Dogs

If awesome were inches, this would be the Sears Tower.

Super Awesome News!

We're excited to announce that Marty Crocker, the Wandering Yogi, is joining the excellent teaching staff at Dancing Dogs Yoga. Marty can be found teaching and performing massage all over the Lowcountry, and now we welcome his energy and essence to Dancing Dogs Yoga. Previous owner of the Beaufort Yoga Center, Marty started his training and practice in the Ashtanga discipline. Expect a flowing class with lots of hands on adjustments and plenty of laughs. Marty prides himself on offering clients what they desire, with compassion and keen sense of what the body is telling him. Thai massage was a way for Marty to enhance posture adjustments in yoga class, so when the chance came up to study with a Thai Monk, he hopped in the car and headed for the hills. Marty offers a class that is very hands on, full of wonderful adjustments and simple instruction. We welcome Marty with open arms and anxious anticipation. His first class is Friday, March 5th at 10:15am.

Anusara Awesomeness

Join ANUSARA INSPIRED™ yoga instructor Carol Morrissey every Tuesday night from 5:30-7:00pm for Foundations of Anusara Yoga. Anusara means " to be in the flow" or "flowing with Grace". A yoga practice is much more than mere technical instruction, at the heart of the practice there must be an attitude, an intention, that fills the practice with life. Students will receive comprehensive teachings on the 5 Universal Principles of Alignment. These Principles will allow the student to create an optimal blueprint from which to expand in both body and spirit. Each class will explore all major asana groups with modifications as needed to keep each student safe. Pranayama techniques are taught to help deepen the practice- as it is the breath that makes us shine. Students should expect a class that is mindful, uplifting and challenging- one that beckons them to step into the currents of Grace.

HOT Diggity Yoga

HOT Yoga starts next week. We'll heat the room to AT LEAST 85 degrees, and as you can imagine, our vigorous yoga session at this temperature promotes profuse sweating and makes the body very warm, and therefore more flexible. You may find yourself deeper into asanas than ever before, and in a safe environment. Please bring your own mat and towel, as we will likely SWEAT... a LOT. Mats and Hot Yoga towels available for sale. Four classes: Monday and Wednesday 5:30-7:00pm and Tuesday and Thursday 8:30-9:45 am.

Hatha 4 Haiti Update

We had a great turnout for Hatha 4 Haiti, welcoming some 30 yogis and yoginis into the studio to bless our space with the positive energy of SEVA, or service. We raised over $300 for our cause, which will be sent to the American Red Cross this week. Practicing with the intention of Hope, Help and Healing for Haiti, these wonderful people saluted the sun with all of their energy and vitality. I thank all of you for bringing your joy to our new space. Namaste. Thank you to all of the teachers who led salutations or sequences: Ginny Parker, Sally Moon, Livvy McIntosh. Kerry Autry, Carolyn Seabury, Amanda Hanlon and Kathy Folsom. Thank you ladies. I bow to your splendid essence! Thanks to Shoofly Kitchen for the AMAZING food, and to Carrie Carper and Adagio Creative for getting the word out!

Special congratulations to yogini Laura Kent, who was the winner of our Hatha 4 Haiti yoga mat! Laura wins a Jade or Manduka mat of her choice for her dedicated participation.


Rates and Fees:
$14 Drop-in Rate
5 Class Pass: $60
10 Class Pass $100
Yoga 101: $50
Workshops Vary
Community Yoga Classes are donation based. $7-10 Donation Suggested.
Work/Trade Available.