Trikonasana in the Triangle

Trikonasana in the Triangle

Happy New Year!

I didn't make any resolutions this year. However I did decide to do something new, with the convergence of both a passion for yoga and the desire  to get out and about. I got in my head to try atleast one new yoga class at every dedicated yoga studio within the NC triangle area this year, and write about it. 

I'm doing this for adventure, for a change of scenery, to shake up my routine, to learn more about yoga and likely learn more about  myself in the process.  I want to see what other places have to offer, explore workshops, teacher training programs and yoga styles. I will be forced out of my comfort zone and out of my little town bubble- atleast once a week, maybe more, maybe less. I also hope to share my findings with you too- maybe entice a few people to try a new yoga studio in the area- or to try yoga for the first time! 

There is a lot to consider when looking for a yoga "home"- location, teaching style, ambiance, culture & cost. I have been super lucky here in Wake Forest, I can take quality yoga at the Kerr & Factory YMCA and for the past few months have become a regular at Wake Forest Yoga an absolutely stunning studio, I really love going there, the teachers never fail to teach a warm, inviting, & engaging classes.

I decided to start this new journey the first weekend in January. It's possible this project might take several months, even a year- depending on how many places there truly are in the area. So far, the numbers look staggering in Raleigh - Durham- Chapel Hill alone! I will do a formal count, potentially narrowing it down to 50 studios or less. It's unscientific, and in the true spirit of yoga I will be compassionate with myself when or if things don't go as planned!

Yesterday was my first adventure, I trekked down to Cary to visit the  NC School of Yoga, pretty much on accident, a misread on another studios schedule caused me to quickly look for a later occuring class in the Raleigh area. I called up the NC School to make sure the 5:30 Hatha was still taking place and I was informed that it was still on, but that I had to pre-register online, and that I would need the address as it is not listed on the website.  So I got myself registered ( they just needed my name and contact information)  and headed their way from downtown Raleigh. I had some time to kill before class and I was nervous to pop in too early so I did some research on the school and became intrigued with the idea of gurus, and the focus being on "pure teachings of classical Yoga". They also offer teacher trainings and specialty workshops such as restorative yoga, meditation, prenatal and kids yoga. This enchanting school  / ashram is located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Cary, large properties, and the homes are set back from the road. The yoga room is located in the walk out basement of the main home, recently remodeled, is fresh, clean and welcoming. Payments for classes are on the honor system, it was $14 drop in fee.

The decor brought me back to some of the mountain yoga studios I had been to in Colorado- lots of images of deities, framed pictures of gurus, incense burning at the entrance.  I imagined the surrounding landscape in the spring would be amazing. I was the only person in the class tonight, my teacher was Sarah. After a bit of chit -chat the class began. I did some poses I had not done in a while- such as shoulder stand, plow, bridge and some intense breathing exercises. The Shavasana time was part guided meditation and I left the class feeling content, well stretched,  even a bit energized while never breaking a sweat. I am glad my journey started here! Thank you Sarah and NC School of Yoga.