"Yoga is like music, the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul, create the symphony of life."
-- B.K.S. Iyengar

yoga in the c(om)munity

EAST END ZEN: Yoga in Da' Hood!

In 2003 we (my buddha pup, Nubes and I) moved into an area in Vancouver known as Mount Pleasant. This area is a pocket of the city with funky artist types,
young families with kids, immigrants, thinkers, dreamers and the occasional harmless "misfit". It's an area that has odd old dilapidated houses, lofts, tons of 70's condos and rental units, amazing renos and new modern single family dwellings. We are a few minutes from the downtown core and the highway, a short walk to funky shops and cafes on Main street. Mostly it's quiet and feels very safe. It is an area that is gentrifying, growing, like an amazing sunflower, right before our eyes. Yet it's still an area where you know your neighbors and your dog has it's favorite friend to chase and your kid can go next door and play video games. It's an area, to me, that feels like an urban oasis... a community.

For some time now we have been happy to be the ultimate wandering yogis, taking
the yoga from place to place creating a yoga space where ever the people need
it. A few months ago as we drove pass generic yoga studio after studio, it dawned
on me that it would be amazing to have a space in the East End where you could
not just practice your yoga but, meet your neighbors and other cool active minded
people. A place where yoga was the focus, but taking the yoga beyond the mat was the practice. Since opening up my own studio space is not currently an option we play and do the yoga dance at my flat or when the weather is warm enough, in da' park!. The studio will come soon enough!!!

These classes are meant to be completely about community and for community. Nubes and I live in the community, play in the community and truly want to teach our yoga in the community. I have come to the realization that just as our Mount Pleasant community evolves and grows, so too our East End Zen Classes shall mirror that growth (slowly) and with a carefully nurtured evolution process. To that end we are completely committed.

The "goal" is to provide quality, kick ass yoga, that is affordable (so far the "by
donation" concept is working well, so we'll keep that going), accessible (in the heart of da 'hood), enjoyable (every class is a true spirit fe(a)st) and plain ole fun, (if you can't laugh among friends and at yourself, then when?). Nothing flakey, no additives or preservatives just the "real deal".

Our ultimate vision (Nubes and I), with each class, is to transform the cavernous
gym space of the Boy's and Girls' Club into our/your own private yoga den. A warm, safe, sacred, sanctuary of practice. We want friends, neighbors and extended families from far and near, old and new, to fill this fully equipped, yet mobile yoga studio with your bodies, your sweat, your energy and your fire. The stuff found in deep stretches that flow with beautiful breath... magic baby, freakin' magic! Eventually our practice and the chi we create will extend beyond our space and inspire and invite other new faces and bodies to bless our yoga SANGHA ~ (community) oasis...

Just about any yoga class can be a challenge if the student wants it to be. The classes will come from a place where everyone, all levels, will find their own challenge comfortably. My job as the teacher is to guide you through your practice
not push you through my vision. We will get to our place, a SANGHA of strength and suppleness, together, with time and patience.

As we grow together breath by breath, sweat droplet by sweat droplet, as we move
towards creating a truly "chill" grassroots yogic SANGHA we extend an invitation to you to come on out and indulge in the barefoot dance with us. Kick back in this, our BLISSFUL REVOLUTION! We hope to see you soon.

Peace & jah luv,

Yo! n' Nubes

P.S. Check out our Community Forum! join up!!! It's free and it's just for you active minded, bodied and like spirited yogi's...chi connect, yoga chat, link up with new friends & catch up with old friends!!! We also have our HOOD RATS: StreetZen group activities happening with rock climbing, mountain biking, Grouse grindin', kayaking, bush and urban retreats, meals, sweat lodge sittings and so on, and so on, and so on!

feedback

"I really enjoyed the company of the people there, I walked away making some new
friends. I would recommend it to ongoing practicing students because of the teaching technique and Yolanda's approach to guiding her class through her postures."

-- L.J.

"Yo!...Thank you so much for your kind support. You truly make people feel comfortable. In terms of the 1st class, it was great! I felt absolutely fine after that, but it was a challenge to maintain some of the postures, but your tips were quite helpful. I look forward to the new class and to your wonderful teaching."

-- R.A.

"All good! You were very patient with those of us who are new to yoga and weren’t quite sure what we were doing. And I also appreciated the fact that you were always very encouraging in terms of doing as much our old inflexible bodies would permit!"

-- J.J.

"I really like this class and I feel confident with the instructor. She is genuinely concerned with each individual in her class. She encourages each one to challenge the body for strength and will power. Thanks Yo!"

-- K.C.

"Yo, I cannot say enough good things about you. You have such a wonderful, warm, calm energy about you and I felt like I had known you for my entire life. I felt very comfortable in your classes, I loved your gentle teaching style and hope that after many years of practice I can enjoy the same level of inner peace and confidence you exude."

-- V.P.

"I was a bit apprehensive about starting out on my yoga journey a few months ago, but yo! has been an amazingly patient, inspiring and talented instructor who has helped me immensly achieve my goals. As a dentist i have had back pain and stiff neck problems and i must say i had no idea how helpful yoga with yo! would be in diminishing this problem! thank you yo!"

-- Nazeem