It may be hard to pinpoint what elements are needed to come together to create beauty- but we know…read moreit when we see it, hear it, smell it...experience it.
Yoga Love Project (YLP) is beauty.
Tucked away in a little nook in Huntington's sometimes bustling downtown, as if you've discovered a yoga speak easy. There are all kinds and levels of yogis and yoginis. There are vegan mostly glutin-free yogis in harem pants that can wrap their limbs around their limbs with a smile - with no need to warm up, Weekend
-only yogis, new yogis that walk in with hope-excitement and a Groupon in hand (hopeful to find a new yoga home or to try it for the first time), there are fancy yoginis in fabulous yoga tights and strappy tops, a few kids on occassion, mostly women- but typically a few men ...
From the minute one walks in - there is a welcoming, inclusive aura. The vibe is chill. Take off your shoes, roll out your mat or use one of theirs, grab a block, a yoga blanket, and find your spot. There is a good rotation of teachers -
From the studio founder/owner, Chantal-to new graduates of the teacher-training program.
Each class includes a dharma talk at the beginning (short or long, depending on your perspective, interest, and capacity to sit and listen to some Wisdom being imparted on the monthly theme. This month -February -the studio theme is "breaking old habits" - which is perfectly timed with the natural waning of people's new years' resolution resolve. The classes are often themed to different degrees- sometimes the theme is woven throughout the class and reinforced by certain postures, the music, the dharma talk and seed sentences. Sometimes a class can resonate with such beauty - that it sticks with me all day. And beyond.
Encouraging to take what I felt and did on the mat, beyond the mat- into my life - to share it with all I come on contact with.
I am very tuned into detail - and I won't lie- occasionally - there are classes- or elements of a class- I don't love for one reason or other - maybe my mood or that of the teacher - but I go back again and again and always - without fail- am challenged, encouraged, and feel Held. I feel a part of the ylp community.
It is clear the teachers all put their heart and soul into their "work" -- each is a little different - but one can hear new music, or awesome new play lists which they are happy to share, they may quote poetry, or chant Kirtan on their hand-made steel drum (Dave's Sunday class is....well- just come to it), Nancy may wrap you up in blankets - offer subtle assists and send you into the deepest, calm- in her deep relaxation class.
Kristen may get you charged up with her incredibly creative, often intricate and elaborate vinyasa flow- she leads the room in a dance with the softest, sweetest voice - inviting you in.
Maria leads a tight one-hour Friday night class that rocks. Somehow She feels the energy of the room and knows what we need. She mixes a great playlist, a concise dharma message and a perfect flow and savasana - every time. One of my first classes at the studio was with studio owner Chantal Vice- and I'm not exaggerating when I say that studying (I'm doing yoga teacher training now at the studio) with Chantal has been really life-enhancing. She is next level. Each class - and I can say this about most all of the ylp classes- is a work of art. Intricately incorporating sound, movement, themes, connection, yoga philosophy, humor, self discovery, and growth. Janice - a seasoned, grounded, loving yogini- teaches many weekly classes. Each slightly different and each- a solid, beautiful intense full experience.
Dave's soulful Sunday - is just a divine experience most days. Consistently inconsistent and never boring. Always changing - dave leads us in dharma, asana, contemplation, music, chant, with so much humor.
There's a small tempting boutique - not overpowering - some nice clothing some Jewelery - Chantal offers free tea (I think it's free- omg -if not I owe her a few bucks) and sprays to clean your Mat.
The studio is clean. Well-lit. Comfortable. On occasion it's a little too hot or too cold - and they try to maneuver the thermostat to make everyone happy. The bathroom is clean and there's space for your stuff.
I've taken a few interesting workshops- recently a 2 hour - Thai yoga workshop with dave and it was great.
So that's my Speil. I love the vibe and the people. The yoga and the energy.
Namasté
