Be the change you want to see in the world.
It was a message first imparted by Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi; today, founders of a new yoga studio in Davisburg are taking the idea to heart.
The Yoga Oasis, grown from cooperative efforts between seven yoga instructors who wanted to bring their passion for the ancient practice to the community, opened in July.
‘When we share and teach yoga, we exemplify the change we want to see in the world,? said instructor Kim Tombrella. ‘I can’t bring peace to the world, but I can find it within myself and share it with those around me.?
Tombrella, who lives in Clarkston, said she first began practicing yoga to help ease her fibromyalgia, a chronic condition of widespread pain, fatigue and tender points throughout the body.
But, while yoga helps relieve her discomfort, Tombrella and the other instructors at Yoga Oasis acknowledge the physical benefits of a regular practice are secondary to emotional and psychological effects.
In fact, the Yoga Alliance, a national nonprofit organization setting standards for the certification of yoga instructors and programs, lists ‘stress relief,? ‘inner peace? and ‘focus on the present? among its top ten reasons to practice yoga.
Likewise, in a tip sheet for managing stress, the Mayo Clinic says the ‘ultimate goal of yoga is to reach complete peacefulness of body and mind.?
Each instructor at Yoga Oasis, Tombrella explained’noting a variety of ages, teaching methods, and personalities? possesses ‘special, unique gifts? and each is prepared to help both newcomers and experienced yogis and yoginis develop at an individual pace.
Barb Heuerman, who’s been teaching yoga in Clarkston, Waterford and Lake Orion for the past 10 years, hopes students will take what they learn on the mat back into the world.
‘Difficult things happen all the time,? Heuerman said. ‘In yoga, when you feel something difficult within a pose, you learn to intentionally try to relax with it. Often we react harshly before we realize we could have found a different way if we’d relaxed, found our center, then reacted in peace and calm.?
In addition to teaching at Yoga Oasis, Heuerman also teaches classes and Shala’yoga teacher training’at Jules Yoga and Fitness in Clarkston.
It was, in fact, the completion of a recent training that led to the new studio. After finishing a 200-hour teacher certification, her students took her shopping in Davisburg as a way to say ‘thanks.?
It was there, within the Michigan Healing Center on Broadway, they came upon a space to set up a space of their own.
‘I owned a studio at one time, but I didn’t want to delve into the business side of it again; I’m not good at that aspect,? Heuerman said, noting she’s seen the yoga studio co-op implemented before, although she doesn’t know of any in Michigan.
‘But I was definitely interested in doing something as part of a group.?
At Yoga Oasis, all seven teachers work together to pay the rent and operating expenses. Administrative and other duties are also shared among the group, as well.
‘It’s truly a cooperative,? Heuerman said. ‘We wanted to bring yoga to the community, with a sense of community, and show that it’s accessible to everyone.?
Regardless of age or physical ability, Yoga Oasis teachers explain, there’s no ‘right or wrong way? to practice, and beginners should try to leave expectations or assumptions at home when heading to class.
‘It’s not about anyone else, it’s just you and your mat,? said instructor Natalee McGinnis, who at 19 is the studio’s ‘youthful, energetic? teacher. ‘And it’s not about pushing yourself as far as you can’it’s about being aware of your body, having self-acceptance and realizing that, maybe today you don’t have to go as far as you went yesterday, or the last time you practiced.?
Instructor Joan Price, who takes a little good-natured ribbing along with a heap of admiration and praise for being the center’s ‘senior? teacher, at 60, agreed.
‘The teachers will help you find comfort,? she said. ‘Everyone is different. Some might say, ‘no, my knee won’t go there, so I’m going to put it here,? and that’s OK.?
And while the physical benefits are secondary, those who maintain a regular practice seem to reap the rewards.
‘A strong body is a handy by-product of yoga,? said Una Hepburn, a long-time yoga practitioner and recently certified instructor. ‘We come to the mat to challenge ourselves, learn how to stay present, then take it off the mat. You first work with the mind and then you’re saying ‘oh, look what the body’s got now.??
Classes are based on Hatha yoga principles, and teacher adaptations ensure classes are suitable for all levels of experience, she explained.
In addition, a chair yoga class provides options for those unable to comfortably sit on the floor, and a therapeutic yoga class uses props to gently stretch, tone and breathe relaxation and rejuvenation into the body.
An Ashtanga class, which provides a more aerobic experience, is also offered.
Classes are offered seven days a week, with morning, afternoon and evening sessions available. Fees are $10 per class; most sessions run an hour and fifteen minutes.
The Yoga Oaisis of Davisburg is located behind the Healing Center at 661 Broadway in downtown Davisburg.
For more information, call Barb Heuerman at 248-892-0120, Una Hepburn at 248-321-3529 or email yoga.oaisis@yahoo.com.
Check out the center’s website at www.yogaoaisisofdavisburg.com.