The End of The Portland Yoga Studio.

The cozy Portland Yoga Studio closed suddenly this week. It has been difficult for all involved, students and teachers. As an optimist I look to the future and can only imagine that this end makes it possible for fantastic new beginnings. Roll with the transition.

With most classes halfway filled to capacity, some overflowing with students, the community seemed thriving. In recent weeks, teachers watched their flat fee wage increase to a per student rate, there was talk of painting the studio, workshops were being scheduled. Most teachers, me included, depended on their classes as a significant portion of their income.

PYS offered affordable yoga to local teachers, social workers, massage therapists and other caregivers in the neighborhood. In this tough economy I loved both our low rates, and the fact that our studio wasn't "stealing" clientele from other studios. Although SE Portland is pretty saturated below fiftieth, Montavilla has no other studios. Being close to 82nd Ave, the very idea of wellness seemed a monumental shift toward revitalization of the neighborhood.

Students at PYS meant a lot to me. Three classes a week for almost two years! I have watched several students' bellies grow with pregnancy, developed friendships, shared a love of music together. I developed more confidence as a teacher through students' thoughtful questions. I learned to trust the fact that one person can make a difference in the world.

Thanks PYS, you will be missed!

Love, light and yoga in 2012.

Fawn
Read more »