Heart Full

Michael was the first person I met at YogaVida, which isn’t surprising since he’s often behind the desk greeting each practitioner.  But what is surprising is his warmth and smile. It seems genuine, the kind that you can’t rehearse or “fake”, but an actual warmth that’s coming from somewhere good. I think it was that warmth that sold me on the studio, and ultimately what keeps bringing me back.

NYC: When did you start yoga?

Michael: About 4-5 years ago, closer to 4.

NYC: What brought you to yoga?

Michael: A friend. I was drawn by how it was presented, everything was suggestive…open.

NYC: Where was your first class?

Michael: (big smile) Costa Rica! But the first place I started doing yoga was at Yoga to the People, that’s where I met Hilaria.

NYC: What benefits do you feel yoga has brought to your life?

Michael: Balance. I feel like I have more to offer people now.

NYC: So .. do you miss your old job in finance, the stability and structure? I mean .. that would be one of my biggest fears if I ever left my job…?

Michael: Yes! (smile / laugh)  And I’m still getting over it. But I’m happier now that I ever was.

And it shows. Really.

Starting off the new year, with my unfortunate gym membership debacle I was on the look-out in a big way for the best value yoga studio. Enter Laughing Lotus. I couldn’t get enough of the classes there during my one-week unlimited try out, it was conveniently located to home and office, and it could very well be the most friendly yoga studio in Manhattan, even the its’ incense infused scent lingering in the hall is friendly. When they posted their special $128 / mo of unlimited classes (mats, filtered water and cookies included), I couldn’t turn it down.

Nearly three weeks later, I’m still loving my classes here. The vibe, the larger than life colors, and the unbelievably friendly students have placed their mark permanently in my comfort zone. But what I have missed, are adjustments. I haven’t quite put my finger on it yet, but the teachers here seem adjustment disinclined. Not to say, they never touch you, they just hardly do. On the rare occasion that they do, I find myself wishing that they wouldn’t, for example in savasana I can hear the instructor roving doing a half-massage half reiki assist, and she made her way ALMOST to me, but not quite. Leaving me, deliciously disappointed.
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Pure Yoga, possibly the largest yoga studio in New York City, had a reputation even before it opened. Housing 6 studios, 80 classes a week of every imaginable kind of yoga, it’s an emporium not unlike Equinox, the zen central for work-out-aholics.

Its’ simple beauty is breathtaking. The well placed wood works, creamy colors, and babbling water fixtures, evoke calmness and balance. It’s not just classes offered here, clients can drink tea and graze peacefully in a central lounge, that is more than 10x the size of my two bedroom. They’re also personally assessed by experienced yogis who help them create a customized development plan. When it finally is time to go to class, mats are laid out with geometric precision, a puffy towel and cork block greet each practitioner. It’s 5-star luxury for a reasonable (Manhattan) membership price $140 /mo and $95 activation fee…. Activation fee, I hadn’t heard that in years, not since I signed up for Equinox.
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Hidden away on the second floor of the ever bustling 14th street is a simple studio that goes by, Yoga Yoga NYC . I discovered it using my New York Yoga Pass Book. I noticed they offered a good number of classes in Ashtanga , an invigorating practice that I wanted to experience more thoroughly. Unlike any other studio I’ve visited, there was no posting on the entrance indicating their branding, and the door was so nondescript I mistook it for a storage room, and continued up the stairs. I probably would’ve continued walking up to the roof, if I hadn’t heard someone open the door, seemingly “looking” for someone. My spidey senses figured it was me.

The layout couldn’t be more basic, a single roomed loft, with partitions for changing rooms. I was thrilled to notice there wasn’t a computer (running Om software) in the make shift reception area, and the woman behind the desk had a genuine smile. I even liked the hand written attendance sheets, and the organic mess of post-it notes. It was personal.

I was nervous about the class. My Ashtanga practice was spotty at best, and Ashtanga classes tend to be fast paced, and sweaty. My first class crushed my ego, which could be why I’ve been shy about repeat visits. But I had nothing to worry about, the intimate setting imparted a kindness, and a no-judgments environment. The instructor was clear, in both her direction and her adjustments. She also customized her modifications specifically for my needs. Making difficult poses seem more approachable.

In this lost city, it’s refreshing to see a yoga studio that doesn’t seem like a business, even if said business is wellness and care. It’s inspiring to see sky when you do your sun salutations. It’s nice to actually write your name, rather than spell it out for their database entry. It’s nice to see literature offered rather than sold. It’s a heart-full experience to tell people your name, and believe they’ll remember it. And they did.