It can't be denied that there are a multitude of excellent vinyasa flow classes to chose from in the greater San Diego area. However, you'll be hard-pressed to find a class as exceptional as the Friday 9:30 to 11:15am class taught by OB Namaste Yoga Center's owner, Elka Haeckel-Hauck. This energetic, strength-building class brings the body to it's physical edge and at the same time allows the heart and mind to soar, due to the smooth fluidity of the movements and impeccable instruction.
Last Friday's session was no exception. Elka brought the class into presence by inviting everyone to practice with satya, or the truthfulness inherent in our bodies that day, while at the same time keeping the concept of santosha, contentment in mind. In other words, being mindful of not pushing too hard - or even not enough - and being at ease and happy at the same time.
With compassionate ingenuity and her beguiling Brazilian accent, Elka led the group through a series of sun salutation variations that warmed everyone up to a nice cleansing lather. Many traditionally practiced hatha asanas, including standing and arm balancing poses were interspersed throughout the class, as were intensive hip releases and heart-opening backbends. While in most classes, the finishing twist before savasana brings the mind into position for deep meditative relaxation, Elka provided hands-on aromatherapy to further guide each student into complete bliss.
Yes, this class had it all. However, it could possibly have had more... as Elka mentioned that she would be even happier to have the class run for three hours, rather than the almost two she taught that morning! Mmmmm - we'd all flow straight into Nirvana after a class like that!
Namaste Yoga Center is located at 4893 Voltaire Street #B, San Diego, CA 92107. This studio also belongs to the San Diego Yoga Cooperative, which means you can buy a Studio Hopper Pass and attend classes at Namaste, The Little Yoga Studio, and Prana Yoga Center. Please see the related article for more details.
If you're ready to get your flow on with Elka, please be advised that if you've never taken a vinyasa flow class before, it is recommended that you attend the Intro to Flow class first. Also, because the room is slightly heated, it is a good idea to bring a towel with you, as this is definitely a cleansing, sweat-producing class.
Comments
Great article and review on the yoga center.
It is nice that Elka works with all the classes the way she does.
It is great to see Namaste Yoga Center in San Diego getting some well deserved attention. When I am in town on business I use Namaste to knock out the stress associated with my job and being away from my family. Very good classes and teachers who are really into their practice!
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