A new yoga studio in the Village: I’m actually surprised it took this long.
Well, now that I’m starting to come out from under this bout of illness, I’ve been out and about and noticed a sign up for a new yoga studio in the Village. AS I stat ein the title, I’m surprised that so much time has passed since the departure of Village Yoags and the opening of a new studio, what with the somewhat rampant popularity of yoga in Portland these days. However, with commercial space at such a premium, maybe it’s not so surprising after all.
The pace is called “Ashtanga Yoga Portland”, and the offer classes at a few locations around town. There is a website, at www.ashtangayogaportland.com and here is a short blurb about the particular style of yoga practiced. I’m quoting from their site:
Ashtanga yoga is an advanced and challenging form of hatha yoga primarily introduced to the west by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. The practice consists of vinyasa, connective movement that together with smooth, deep breathing (ujjayi), gaze (dristi) and locks (bandhas) create heat in the body that burns off toxins and poisons that we carry with us. This powerful and vigorous practice purifies and realigns the body, cultivates a feeling of inner peace, and is at its essense a meditation in motion.
I am a long way from being a yoga practitioner - I have about zero flexibility, so someone else is going to have to try it out and let all of us know how it is. Actuall, and this is a bit of an unrelated side note, but my flexibility has improved lately. After accompanying Jr. V to one of his Tae Kwon Do classes at the SW Community Center in April, I got somehwat interested and began taking classes from Master Brown (who teaches the “first kicks” classes at SWCC) at Kim’s Tae Kwon Do in Sellwood. Much to my surprise, I’m actually pretty good at it. It’s my first experience with any kind of martial art. So maybe one day I’ll be able to stretch enough to get through a yoga class without looking like a total walrus.