I confess, I walked in when the TRX (I think that's what it's called?) class was winding down and I was a little scared! (More to the point, I was exhausted just watching it! Woah, kudos to the women in the class. But also a little curious and if I had more time out here in PA, I might go try it... perhaps next time!)
But I went for yoga because yoga is what I do. I was determined not to completely skip out on my yoga practice, as usual, during my trip back east to visit family. I found two really great studios to try and Moondog is one of them. I have pretty high standards as a teacher and a regular practicioner - I am already in the midst of working towards my 500RYT. I say this not as a "bragging point" but as a note to other people who are NOT new to yoga and wondering if they'd like classes here. I need to be challenged and that can either be through new and difficult asana or through learning to pull back and just allow myself to be in the space that I'm in, soaking up different and new things. I am SO enmeshed in my yoga community back home and so used to a very specific way of doing things that I'm finding it challenging - and refreshing - to step into unfamiliar territory.
So - first of all, the Moondog space is lovely.I was a little put off by the front windows, at first (I don't want to be on display while doing yoga) but it's a low traffic area, so it wasn't an issue. Plus, towards the end of class I really enjoyed the view of the night sky and the glow of the street lamp outside. It was very peaceful. The studio was clean and bright, yet still cozy. I loved that she set us up in a circular formation rather than lined up. I took "all levels" taught by June, the owner - she's got great energy around her and is very good at managing the rasas in the room. There was a definite sense of community in this space and she seems to really connect with everyone that walks through the door. There were lots of great little details here that I appreciated. She has her loaner mats hanging up which is such a FABULOUS idea I think I'll implement at home with my own mat. (I always hate rolling my mat up after practice, still damp with mat cleaner spray or, let's be honest, I don't always clean my own mat immediately after - sweat.)
The class itself was great. I was still feeling jetlagged and off kilter so it was exactly where I needed to be. I am not into "power" and "hot" yoga, I'm very much into the meditative practices so I also loved that she spent some time on that at the beginning and end. I cannot stand when people rush through savasana as an afterthought. I was also happy to see so many people in the class - again, there was a definite sense of community. Before class, there was lots of boisterous talking and I say this as a positive. I am not a fan of the "everyone be quiet before class" rule. I think community and connection and joy and fun are important. (There was no talking DURING class, so don't worry!)
I am very eager to go back and hoping to do so tonight. This little studio has immediately endeared itself to me and I hope it continues to thrive. I'll proudly wear my "Moondog Yoga tshirt back home in Seattle. :) read more
