Bikram Yoga College of India Houston

Today The Entire World Did Yoga Together!

2009-01-20T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today the entire world practiced yoga together! Yoga means union in Sanskrit, and today millions of people around the world joined together to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama. What an incredible day; what an incredible experience!! Today is the first day in my entire life that I've felt proud to be an American. I've always been very, very grateful, but today was the first day I felt proud.

Of course he's just one man, we all must do our part. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "we must be the change we wish to see in the world". So Amen Everybody.... Let's get busy :-)
www.whitehouse.gov

Allison's Amazing Yoga Story!

2009-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Class Notes featuring Allison deWynter

Recently, someone asked me for what am I grateful. I didn't have to think more than a nanosecond before I replied that I am grateful that I am not dead or paralyzed and that I am extra grateful for the amazing benefits of Bikram yoga. Allow me to explain: In April, 2008, I was involved in a four-wheeler accident. It was my first time driving, and I could not control a turn. I went down a 20-foot ditch, blacking out half way down. Miraculously, I missed two trees on the way down. When I woke up, I was on my back in excruciating pain. Luckily, the four-wheeler was not on top of me, otherwise, I would not be writing this. I had no idea what damage I had done to my body, but I did suspect that I pulled every back muscle I possess. It hurt just to breathe.

I went to my doctor, thinking I'd get an x-ray, some pain killers and would go back home to spend the next few days in bed. The x-ray showed I had a compression fracture on the twelfth thoracic vertebra, and it was dangerously resting on my spinal cord. I was immediately admitted into the hospital and had spinal surgery a couple of days later. Holes were drilled through the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebra and the first lumbar vertebra. Screws were attached, and the doctor slowly decompressed the vertebra off my spinal cord. I now sport an 8-inch scar down my back, with all the hardware still in me. I do not have any residual spinal cord damage or slipped disks, which is truly amazing.

My doctor told me to take it easy for the next three months. I looked at him and told him I would be going back to yoga in a week. He looked at me like I was speaking Chinese! I told him, "I truly believe that yoga saved my life and kept me from sustaining even more injury because my core muscles are in such excellent condition; going back to yoga as soon as possible will help me recover even more quickly." I resumed class two weeks after my accident.

Just being in the room and sweating out all the toxins from the morphine I was on helped immensely. I surprised even myself at how much I was able to do. I thought the standing series might be difficult for my back, but it wasn't. However, I obviously could not do the spine strengthening postures. Nor could I do any of the sit ups. I had to wear a back brace 24/7 for three months, and although it was heavy and hot during yoga, it really did not get in the way. I really liked doing Half Moon pose because I believed that working my spine in all directions would help prevent scar tissue from building up and would give me the flexibility my back would need to continue in its repair. Turns out I was right!

I am now able to do all of the postures in their full expression. The last posture to finally fall into place was Half Tortoise. It took me a long time to go down with a flat back and also keep my hips down. Somehow, having my arms stretched out in front of me put too much pressure on my back at first; now it's no longer a problem. Sit-ups are still a challenge, though. I can manage one if I prop myself up first, then exhale and grab my toes.... But it's just a matter of time before I'll be able to do the sit-ups, too!

At my six week check up, my doctor was amazed at how well I had healed "for a person my age" (I am 53)! I wanted to slap him! I again reminded him that it was and is Bikram Yoga that kept me from further injury and has allowed me to heal so quickly. Even if all I could do was sit in the hot room for 90 minutes, that alone would have helped me heal. Combine that with all the positive energy and love that is generated during each class, and I couldn't help but recover.

I am forever and always so grateful for walking in and taking my first Bikram yoga class four and a half years ago. It has saved and changed my life forever. I love knowing that I will be doing this for the rest of my life, that I don't have to worry about osteoporosis in my later years because of all the weight bearing postures I do, that my muscles will remain flexible and toned and that all my organs get a daily work out. Plus, another awesome benefit is that I can eat what I want! It's nice to know I can eat my Milk Duds and truly get away with it! Many, many thanks to Joani and Mike, the cool staff at Fountain View and all my yoga buddies for all the love, support and encouragement I've received. I am truly grateful.
Namaste,
Allison

New Year's Eve Class Photo Gallery

2009-01-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a small group of photos from the New Year's Eve class.

Flexible Schedule? Try The 8:15pm Class

2009-01-14T01:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Great Souls,
It's wonderful to see everyone's New Year's resolutions in full swing! I am awed by your commitment and fortitude, and by the way you are all caring for one another and making space for one another in the larger classes.

I wanted to suggest that if you have some flexibility in your attendance, and you practice at our South Blvd studio, weekdays you might consider coming to the 8:15pm class rather than the 6:30pm class.

Monday through Thursday we've pretty much reached capacity in the 6:30 class but we still have plenty of room in the 8:15. Plus, another benefit of taking 8:15pm class is the fact that you are very unlikely to eat anything after class.... So if one of your resolutions is weight loss, then this might be the perfect class for you! Finish class, have a coconut water, throw your yoga gear in the washing machine, take a shower, and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.... Sleep with the angels :-)

Plus, keep in mind that your lesson package is good at both of our schools - feel free to visit our FV location and take class with us there.

So Glad You're Back!

2009-01-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year - so much energy, excitement, and enthusiasm! And I particularly love seeing those of you who are back after having fallen away for a couple of years. What a great delight to see you all again :-) I'm looking forward to sharing time in the hot yoga room with you.

Of course we're busy and things are bustling, but the minute you step into the silent yoga room to set up your mat, you can feel the peace and joy. It's a palpable sensation, and to help in sustaining that I've included the "Ask The Teacher" Q&A from this month's newsletter.

Please keep in mind that you can apply the technique given in the answer to any situation, included but not limited to, disliking the sound of the teacher's voice, disliking the student on the mat next to you, annoyance with your spouse, frustration with a co-worker, and so on. A peaceful heart must be cultivated, but it's so worth the effort.

Ask the Teacher

Q: I really love the final savasana of class and take my time to savor it. Every day lately, a student arriving to take the next class comes in and stands over me, waiting for me to get up so she can put her mat down. She sighs loudly, fidgets, and the other day she even "accidentally" nudged me with her foot! Now I find myself tensing up when the class ends; I feel angry and upset instead of peaceful and happy. Can you please help me with this odd problem?

A: Yikes! I wish I could say I've never heard of such a thing before, but unfortunately I can't say that. This sounds like a particularly aggressive and virulent form of someone's attachment to one spot (their spot!!!) in the yoga room!

I find it helpful to remember that people bring all of their psychic baggage into the yoga room with them, and often this includes selfishness and insensitivity. Over time these qualities will naturally begin to transform into selflessness and compassion, but that's not going to happen in time to help you with this particular problem.... So you have several approaches to choose from:

The next time this happens, sit up immediately and ask her to step outside so you can talk to her about this. Explain to her that her behavior is hurting you, and ask her to stop. This will give her an opportunity to quickly become more compassionate and conscious and to grow as a person, as well as a yogi.
Try to befriend her - see if you can work out a system whereby you agree to put another mat or towel down for her as soon as you get up. That way you can relax, she can relax without needing to police the room and she gets the spot she wants without ruining your class / peace.
Ignore her and lay there until the next class starts. This will help her develop detachment in her yoga practice (be prepared to take extra vitamin C to ease the bruises from the nudging ;)
Take class in a completely different spot yourself. This will help you develop detachment in your yoga practice and no need for extra vitamin C!

Regardless of which choice you make, right now start practicing the following incredibly powerful metta (loving kindness) meditation. Chances are that if you begin to practice this meditation immediately, you will not need to take any of the actions above, but if you do, a happy and peaceful outcome will result.

So, any time during your day or night, or especially during yoga class, think of yourself and say the following phrases with deep feeling:

May I be happy
May I be healthy
May I be safe
May I have ease of well being
May my heart be filled with peace

Then call to mind a benefactor, someone who has helped you and made your life better. Repeat those same phrases i.e.:

Dear Bikram,
May you be happy
May you be healthy
May you be safe
May you have ease of well being
May your heart be filled with peace

Then think of someone you love with all your heart. Repeat these same phrases, thinking of them and feeling that deep love and best wishes.

Now, think of someone neutral. Maybe your mail carrier, or a grocery clerk or the person you see every morning walking their dog on your way to work. Offer them the blessing of those phrases.

Now you're ready for your personal nemesis, the yoga spot vulture! Call her to mind and begin to repeat the metta prayer. At first it might feel a bit "sticky," but within several rounds you'll feel it and you'll mean it, and then you'll be free. Additionally, keep in mind, you can use metta anywhere, at any time and with any one, both inside and outside the classroom. All any of us can really do is work on changing ourselves, but thankfully, when we do that, the entire world around us changes.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR OUR TEACHERS? CLICK HERE TO ASK.

New Energy For Our Blog!

2009-01-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

You know, it's taken me a while to get excited about this blog, and to understand what's exciting about a blog, but those days are over! I get it now! So you can count on regular, interesting posts. Check back often for news, teachings, insights, and more.

For instance, did you know that if you practice Bikram Hot Yoga on a regular basis you must replace your electrolytes daily? Otherwise you're going to start to feel headachy, tired, and flu-ish. And there are not enough electrolytes in Smart Water to do the job. Use an electrolyte replacement tablet, or put EmergenC in your water, or drink the Zico coconut water after class. Replace, restore, replenish your electrolytes.... It's very, very important!

Newsletter Greeting

2009-01-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

I was chatting with Cheryl the other day about posting a section of our monthly newsletter on the blog each week so that students who are not signed up to receive it still have access to the info. So the first week of the month we'll post our greeting, and each week thereafter we'll post another segment.... And if you'd like to receive our e-newsletter in your inbox each month, just fill out a registration card at either school and we will definitely make it happen!
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Caliente Times - BY Houston Newsletter - January 2009

Warm Greetings, and Happy, Happy New Year!

You know, there is not one person I've spoken to who is unhappy to see 2008 finish, and it seems that everyone is excited about the new year rolling in. It feels like there are so many wonderful opportunities in front of us right now; the air is charged with possibility!

We have some great changes in place at BY-Houston too. Beginning Monday 1/5, we've added the 5:30 a.m. class on Mondays at our Fountain View location. You early, early birds can give a personal "thank you" to Tony for that. He lobbied for it, he's going to teach it and he's very excited about doing so.

And speaking of Tony, this is his 10 year anniversary teaching Bikram Yoga! Our yoga community is so incredibly blessed because he's spent eight of those years teaching with us.... And rumor has it that he plans to continue doing so, on into old, old age! Thinking about this I'm reminded of several years ago when a dear friend of Bikram's, Baba Rampuri (a holy man visiting from India) gave a talk at our South Blvd school. In that talk one of the many powerful things he said was that "the purpose of a yogi's life is to give blessings to others."

There is truly no doubt that Tony is the embodiment of a true yogi; genuine goodness flows through him and from him, and his life blesses everyone who knows him. Thank you, Tony! We love you dearly! BY- Houston would not be what it is, and it would not be complete, without you.

Also this month we welcome Kate Henninger to our team of truly great, certified, Bikram Hot Yoga teachers. Many of you know Kate as one of our beautiful, front desk goddesses and may not realize that she recently attained her longstanding goal and graduated this winter from Bikram's teacher training. You will soon have the pleasure of having one of her classes and hearing her tell you in that sweet voice, and with that incredible smile and grace, "Lock your knee. Lock your knee. LOCK YOUR KNEE!"

Of course, with Kate at teacher training we needed to add a new person to our front desk staff. How lucky were we to find Eric Townsend? He brings the most wonderful energy to the morning shift at our Fountain View school, and his gentle peacefulness and warm smile is definitely contageous!

And finally, a special thank you to everyone who attended our late night New Year's Eve fundraiser class! Not only was a great time had by all, but we were able to make a sizable donation to http://www.wildernessconsevancy.org/
It's a wonderful thing when our personal yoga practice extends out to the world in such a powerful way.

And this powerful energy is just getting started! Use January as your warm up for February, and get ready for our annual Bikram Yoga Challenge Fundraiser, in honor of Bikram's birthday and to raise funds for Karma Is Action http://www.karmaisaction.org/
Bikram says, "Do this yoga every day for 60 days and I'll give you a new body, a new mind, and a new life!" And of course, we give you the t-shirt :-)

Wishing you endless blessings for a fantastic year,

Joani, Mike, and the Staff of BY-Houston

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everybody.... And what a great New Year's Day this has been!

Beginning with our first ever, late night New Year's Eve class (check back here for the photos) through our 12 noon class, and finishing with our 4:30pm class, the New Year has been celebrated, welcomed and baptized with the powerful energy of Bikram Hot Yoga!! Nearly 150 yogis launched 2009 by taking class today - and our fundraiser for Wilderness Conservancy http://www.wildcon.org/ was a huge success; we raised well over $1,000 for this incredible charity! I am so very grateful to all of you - Thank you very much!

I'd like to offer a special "thank you" to Andrea Bahry, one of our gorgeous front desk goddesses, for sticking with the idea of this late night class for a couple of years, and for manifesting it so beautifully this year. And another special "thank you" to Cheryl Alexander for teaching it, and for helping to make it the wonderful event that it was. We are blessed with the most incredible staff.... everyone's talent, passion, compassion, and love combine to make BY - Houston the extraordinary place that it is. So here's to the New Year, "2009 - The Year of Great Blessings"!

Yoga Journal Interviews Bikram!

2008-12-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Great Souls,
The new issue of Yoga Journal has a wonderful interview with Bikram. It's on the back page, and it's totally entertaining - it's sooooo Bikram!!

Thank you, Andrea, for emailing me and letting me know. It's funny, I'd unwrapped the magazine yesterday and flipped through it, but never saw the back page. I so enjoyed reading it this morning!

Of course we'll laminate and post it at both schools, so if you don't have a copy you can read it while you're waiting for class to start. I love that his next project is world peace.... one yogi at a time.
Happy Almost New Year,
Joani

Congratulations To Our New Teacher!

2008-12-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

Good job Kate! Getting that first staff class under your belt is a huge accomplishment!!

Kate Henninger is our newest, certified BY teacher, having graduated this winter from Bikram's residential teacher training, held this fall in Acapulco. You can see her picture on our website on the "About Us" page.

Of course she will continue to help run the front desk, but now she will also be teaching and we couldn't be more excited. Next step (admittedly a ways down the road)? Opening her own BYCOI after completing her apprenticeship with us!

Christmas Day Class - Wow!

2008-12-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

How many yogis does it take to pack the hot yoga room on Christmas Day?

74 or so - imagine that?!!

74 intrepid souls rocked the hot yoga room yesterday for the noon class at SB. And cudos to Cathy who taught her largest class thus far! Thank you Mauri, for being the front desk goddess with your usual grace and laughter, and thank you Beth, for convincing me that people would show up to take a 12 noon class on Christmas Day :-)

Now can we work the magic twice in one week and jam pack our first ever New Years Eve, late night 10:30pm class?

Let's do it!

This one's a fund raiser for Wilderness Consevancy so buy your ticket early at the front desk of either school - 2008 should be easy to say goodby to (what a year!) - welcoming 2009 in final savasana and for a good cause will definitely tip the good karma scales in your favor! Let's collectively make 2009 the "Year of Great Blessings"!

Holiday Schedule Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukah and New Years!

2008-12-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

We have a modified schedule for the holidays.... many of our staff will be going out of town, taking some much needed time off and enjoying their families. Please check the schedules below and come to class as often as you can; there's nothing like yoga for keeping the holidays happy and light so that you can enjoy your family as well :-)

You can pick up a little "pocket" holiday schedule at each of the schools to keep in your wallet or your glove compartment, and please keep in mind that we will be offering the 6am early morning class, as well as the 8:00am morning class at our SB location (except on Christmas and New Years Day) throughout the holiday season.

Fountain View Holiday Schedule: updated 12/29

Mon 12/29 - we will have the 10am, 4:30 & 6:30pm class (no 8:15am or 8:15pm class)
Tue 12/30 - we will have the 10am, 4:30 & 6:30pm class (no 5:30am, 8:15am, or 8:15pm class)

Wed 12/31 New Years Eve - we will have the 10am and 4:30pm class only, but remember, we will offer a late night 10:30pm NY's Eve class at our South Blvd location!

Th 1/1/09 New Year's Day - we will have the 4:30pm class - start 2009 with a powerful Pranayama Breathing!

Fr 1/2 - we will have the 10am, 4:30 and 6:30pm class
Regular schedule of classes resumes on Sat 1/3 with the 8:15am class
*Special note - beginning Mon 1/5 we will be adding the 5:30am class to our schedule on Mondays!

South Blvd Holiday Schedule: updated 12/29

Mon & Tue 12/29 & 12/30 - last class will be 6:30pm (no 8:15)

Wed 12/31 New Years Eve - last class will be the 4:30pm class until much later that night when we will offer a late night 10:30pm class so that you can welcome the New Year in final savasana and celebrate afterwards with your Bikram Yoga Family!

Thu 1/1/09 - we will offer the 12 noon class - start 2009 off with a locked knee!

Regular schedule of classes resumes on Fr 1/2/09

We wish the happiest of holidays and an abundance of blessings in the new year!!

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

2008-11-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

Our TG holiday schedule is as follows:

South Blvd Location:

Wed 11/26 we will offer our regular schedule of classes with the exception of the 8:15pm class. 6:30 will be the final class that night
Thur 11/27, TG day, will offer the 8 & 10am class
Fr 11/28 we will offer the 8am, 10am, 12noon, and 4:30pm class
Sat 11/29 we will offer the 8am, 10am, 12noon, and 4:30pm class
Sun 11/30 we will offer the 8am, 10am, 12noon, 1nd 4:30 class
Our regular schedule of classes resumes at 6am on Mon 12/1

Fountain View Location:

Wed 11/26 we will offer our regular schedule of classes with the exception of the 8:15pm class. 6:30pm will be the final class that night
Thur 11/27 TG day, we will offer the 8:15am and 10am class
Fr 11/28 we will offer the 8:15am, 10am and 4:30pm class
Our regular schedule of classes resumes with the 8:15am class on Sat 11/29

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with a keen sense of gratitude and deep joy!

Regular Schedule of Classes Resumes Mon 9/29!

2008-09-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Early birds get ready to sing (or crow ;)
Night owls get ready to hoot.
Our regular schedule of classes, including the 5:30am at FV, the 6am at SB, and the 8:15pm at both schools resumes again this Mon, 9/29.

Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding as we weathered the aftermath of Ike.

Until just yesterday we had staff members living at the school, staying in our visiting teacher condo, and staying in our guest house because of the power outage. In spite of being displaced and terribly inconvenienced everyone continued to do their jobs and run the schools with a smile on their face and compassion in their heart.

I am proud of, and grateful to, our entire yoga family, students and staff alike. Thank you all so much.

In closing I'll share with you something Bikram said when we were finally able to reach him after the hurricane. I'll preface it by sharing a joke he gets great delight out of telling over and over again as a set up for the following teaching:
"It doesn't matter what you have if you don't know how to use it".

He always says "I have the biggest swimming pool in Beverly Hills. So what? It doesn't matter because I can't swim"!

So after finding out that we were okay, the schools were okay, and that our staff was okay, he said "Thank the God! I can teach you everything about life but I can't teach you how to swim! We were all so worried about you guys. Now we don't have to worry" :-)
Love and Blessings,
Joani

Schedule of Classes for Next Week

2008-09-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

We will have the same schedule of classes at both schools next week.

Many of our staff, and much of the city, is still without power. We are all having to manage our lives and our time a bit differently right now.

The Fountain View school will offer the 8:15 and 10am classes as well as the 4:30 and 6:30pm classes

The South Blvd school will offer the 8 and 10am classes as well as the 12noon, 4:30 and 6:30pm classes.

Hopefully we will be able to return to our regular schedule of classes. We will keep you posted.
Namaste,
Joani

2nd School Open - Fountain View Has Power!

2008-09-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Great Souls,

Our Fountain View school will open tomorrow, Wed 9/17, with the following schedule:
8:15am, 10am, 4:30pm, 6:30pm. There will be no 5:30am or 8:15pm classes until the city lifts the curfew.

We are so blessed!

Both schools are open! Both schools have water as well as electricity! And on top of this great good fortune we have the most glorious weather possible! See you very soon.
:-)
Joani

After Ike - One School Open On Tues 9/16!!!

2008-09-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed! Neither school sustained any damage and we have electricity at South Blvd, so we will open with a modified schedule on Tues 9/16.

So that everyone remains in compliance with the curfew we will offer the 8am, 10am, and 12noon classes as well as the 4:30pm and 6:30pm classes (there will be no 6am or 8:15pm until the curfew is lifted).

Please visit here for updates regarding the Fountain View school as well as any changes to the schedule.

See you soon :-)
Joani

2008-09-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

IKE'S VISIT & DAYS WE WILL BE CLOSED

2008-09-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Great Souls,
You know that neither rain, nor sleet, nor major holidays ever cause us to close.... However Ike is a different story!

So that our staff can prepare for Ike's visit, and so that we can prepare the schools, we will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

With any luck (divine protection and blessings) we will have power and avoid damage and will reopen with our regular schedule of classes on Monday morning. Please check back here for updates regarding the hurricane and all things yoga.

Wishing You a Safe Relationship with Ike,
Joani

LABOR DAY SCHEDULE

2008-08-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

Of course we're open on Monday, 9/1, Labor Day....
Our Fountain view location will offer the 8:15am and the 10am classes.
Our South Blvd location will offer 8:00am, 10:00am, and 12noon classes.
Our regular schedule of classes will resume on Tuesday morning.
Have a wonderful holiday, and remember.... Yoga makes every day a holiday!

July 4th Holiday Schedule

2008-06-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

We will have our normal schedule for the week and weekend of July 4th, with exception of the holiday itself, July 4th. Here is our schedule for the day of Friday, July the 4th, 2008 for South Boulevard and Fountain View. The regular schedule picks up again on Saturday, July 6th.

South Boulevard: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 (noon)

Fountainview: 8:15 a.m., 10:00 a.m.

Best Yoga 2008: Best of Citysearch 2008

2008-06-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce, we are the Audience Winner for "Best Yoga 2008", Best of CitySearch Houston 2008. Thank you for all of your kind words and votes for Bikram Houston, we truly appreciate all of our amazing students.

Vote for "Best Yoga Studio"- Best of CitySearch

2008-05-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Every year yoga students in Houston have an opportunity to vote for their favorite yoga studio, as well as write reviews on CitySearch. Please do us the favor of voting for us. To ensure that our votes are not divided between the two schools, please vote for the Fountain View location. As you know the two schools are co-owned, the teachers rotate between the two schools, as do the students - a vote for one is a vote for the other. If you have time, write a review. You will need to use your email address but they will not spam you, we promise! We’ve made it easy for you, just click here and it will take you right to the voting.

Special Guest Teacher This Saturday 3/29

2008-03-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Great Yogis,

At the beginning of the year we raised funds for Karma is Action with a raffle and a pot-luck dinner. Well, in true Texas fashion we raised more money for the charity than anywhere else in the country!

So as a thank you to all of us, Kathryn Banks, the founder of the charity, will be visiting us this Saturday, 3/29, and she will teach a class at each school - she will teach the 12 noon class at SB and the 4:30 class at FV. There is not a class that immediately follows either of these two classes, so there will be plenty of time after class to hang out and visit with Kathryn.

Please come, take class, and meet Kathryn. Be inspired by her love and her commitment to use her life to make a difference in the world. She is truly the embodiment of Gandhi’s teaching “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”!
:-)
joani

Good News!

2008-03-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

We have added a parking lot at our South Blvd location! It will be ready for use this Monday 3/24 - whoo hoo! It's really an extension of the existing parking lot, and once the striping is done (next weekend) there will be an additional 35 - 40 parking spaces, bringing on site parking to well over 70 spaces.

This will make a huge difference, especially with the large evening and weekend classes.... No more circling the block praying for divine intervention so you can park and get to class!

We never dreamed we would use that grassy knoll for parking. At various times we contemplated turning it into a garden / picnic area / dog park. We thought about building more staff housing, a retail space or an additional yoga room.... all great ideas, but not it's perfect use.

Who knew that adding more cement to our inner city could possibly make so many people so happy and add so much good to the world? Students, staff, neighbors, and of course Mike and I are delighted at this turn of events.... now the stress relief you receive from class will have nothing to do with where to put your car when you arrive!
:-)
joani