Heart Full

It seemed everyone was anxiously awaiting the opening of Kula Williamsburg. Even the Brownstoner couldn’t help but run a shout-out for this much anticipated opening. I couldn’t wait to try it and see if it was similar to Tribeca. I was giddy that I still qualified for the $30 for 3 classes first-timers special, even though I’d been to the Tribeca studio. I noticed they’ve maintained the same pricing structure, and many of the same teachers that teach at Tribeca are also in Williamsburg. But the Brooklyn studio (at least to me) seemed to have a decidedly Williamsburg feel. I’d read that they had used reclaimed wood from the Catskills to give it it’s cabin like architecture, and while it nods to Williamsburg with its industrial/ steel accents it has a more minimalist-retreat like aesthetic, with a sauna in the back, and a working shower (yum!). My favorite piece is the wooden sink with its flirty mermaid in the corner. This studio also has a small cafe, called the shakti-shack. I haven’t tried any of the treats yet, but I fully appreciate the inviting smells of their baked goods that greet me before and after class. It adds to the retreat-like feel.

The classes I took have all been fantastic, the studio still new isn’t as packed as the Tribeca location, but still very well attended. So there’s enough yogis to generate heat and help you find depth in your poses, plus the extra room allows you to play with transitions and movements that would have been restricted in the Tribeca space. The classes are familiar, they’ve brought over the kula flow, honey flow, Kula Hour and Multi-intenso as a few examples, and they’re all just as sweetly challenging as I remembered.

Having been transplanted to Brooklyn a few months ago, several veterans warned me to “get to know the bus system”. I have stubbornly refused, the dizzying matrix of multi-color routes intimidates me. And I figured after one or two classes at Kula, I’d go back to a local studio, so there wouldn’t be any need for me to learn the bus system. But having become a recent kula junkie, I’ve accepted that the bus is the fastest and easiest way to get there, making the  B62 my new BFF. I also once confidently told my husband that generally “people go to studios that are convenient”, and don’t make a pilgrimage to follow a teacher even if they want to — time on the road means less time (with family) at home, not an easy sacrifice. But to take classes at THIS studio, I’m doing all the things I said I never would.

Back in 2008, Kula Yoga Tribeca was one of the first studios I visited with my newly minted Yoga Pass Book. I gave it perhaps one of my worst studio reviews. After my first admittedly unusually bad experience, I couldn’t understand why it got the amazing reviews it did. I have since become a believer. In part due to the guiding light of my inspiring friend Yadana, but also because after awhile I went back. I discovered some teachers who taught at other studios, and I liked their classes. I had also heard that Kula had undergone some renovation and had expanded their studios and dressing areas, so it wasn’t so cramped. The renovations did open up the space a lot and allowed more air circulation so it wasn’t stifling. The classes were still packed. But since 2008 I’ve learned this is a good thing. It’s hard to believe I’d do a complete 180 — but practicing in a cramped sweaty room with poor air circulation not only brings you to the precipice of blacking out, but opens you up to poses that may not otherwise be possible. There’s also something to be said about the ecstatic energy. But not all their classes are sweaty, Kula’s gone a long way in redefining the standard asana practice. They’ve introduced new styles and flows that I haven’t readily seen anywhere else. Their honey flow class — part asana, part restorative, and all yumminess shouldn’t be missed, their esoteric classes will move your mind and your body.

Now, I still don’t get the vibe that it’s the most friendly studio around. And there still isn’t a lot of sanskrit — which given all the controversy around that maybe that’s not a bad thing, and there still is a long hike up the stairs  (which my pregnant friends have found problematic), but if you’re in good health, good condition, and are looking for a challenging asana practice no other studio turns you inside out quite like Kula. Seriously.

Vrksasana is one of those deceptively difficult poses. Almost everyone thinks they can do it with the sole up to the top thigh. It doesn’t seem like it requires much flexibility and yet somehow it does. When people discover it’s not so easy to put the sole of their foot to the top part of their thigh, they let it slip to just at or slightly above the knee. A dangerous mis-alignment driven soley by the ego. Tree pose is a difficult asana, it requires open hips, chest as well as developed calves and thighs.  Not to mention an intense sense of concentration. This is one pose you don’t want to cheat but rather grow into. With my tight hips, I struggle with it every time, and half the time my ego wins. I think to myself “but i JUST DID IT yesterday, and jam my heel straight up to the danger zones. But learning to breathe in it, balance and encourage the opening is what will bring the practice further. Easier said than done.

Summer in NYC is just about one of my favorite times of the year. Still, even for the most centered yogini the city can get to be a bit much. The crowds, the smells, the sights. Some days it feels everything is smogy and noisy. So how does one find reprieve in the city that never sleeps? I considered a retreat. Yet even the most budget friendly one was taxing on the wallet, between the airfare, food and accommodations I was easily running up $2k or more for 5-7 days. But there are local retreats as well Sivananda and Ananda both run affordable oasis  just outside of NYC.  Yadana and I almost booked dorm beds at Sivananda for a weekend getaway. The overall cost would only run between $140 – $160, quite tempting. Instead, almost as an afterthought Yadana suggested hiking up the Appalachian trail. Would I be free that weekend? YES! And just like that we were off to Grand Central for a weekend walk. The Appalachian Trail isn’t too hard to find, it’s a whistle stop on the MTA North, but we managed to miss it anyways. Lucky for us the friendly conductor was willing to help us out.

The trail is far more scenic than I imagined. Walking through the forest became a meditative experience, and the way the sun glinted off the trees was nothing short of magical. The forest seemed to embrace us. The air breathed better, walking itself just by itself was enough, out there we didn’t need a purpose or destination, we could finally let go. Astonishingly, I didn’t want to come back to the city that I profess to love. There’s a tranquility there that I haven’t found in any of NYC’s streets, parks, or alcoves. And there’s a rare feeling of plenty that I imagine is generated from the forest.

Seeings as I brought my mat anyways “just in case”, I couldn’t help but do a couple of poses.. of course, tree.