New York City has become one of the western meccas of Yoga. As the holistic approach to healthcare is becoming more popular, yoga studios are now as common as pizza joints in Manhattan, and the trend is spreading fast into Brooklyn.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by so many different studios to choose from, each offering its own spin on the oldest form of exercise, dating back some 5,000 years. If you are looking for a place to practice yoga or receive other holistic health services in Brooklyn, Namaste Yoga and Tranquility Center (336 Grand Street, 718−874−3484) is a unique gem, which stands out from the rest.
For starters, it is the only yoga studio in Brooklyn that is by donation. Debbie Desmond EYRT, RP, the founder of Namaste, wants the benefits of a yoga practice to be accessible to all, no matter your income or how the economy has effected you. There is a requested donation of $15, and students give what they can.
So, why should you want to practice yoga at Namaste? “Yoga unites the mind, body, and spirit, will help boost energy levels and bring balance to your life,” says Debbie. The teachers at Namaste are very present and aware of the way the body and mind shifts between seasons and even from day to day or morning to night. The classes are taught from the heart and tailored to the needs of the individual student. Whether you are young or old, beginner or advanced, no matter what kind of shape you’re in physically or mentally, you can trust that the down to earth, knowledgeable and friendly teachers at Namaste will guide you through a safe, healthy, feel good yoga class.
Namaste also has the only Yoga Alliance−recognized 200−hour teacher training program in the borough. The Yoga Teacher Training includes classes in anatomy & physiology, pranayam (breath work), voice lessons and much more. The program is interactive and dynamic, and Debbie makes sure that students learn by experience instead of just sitting in a class room.
The Yoga Teacher Training at Namaste is intimate with a maximum of eight students allowed in a class to make sure everyone gets the individual attention they need to become excellent yoga teachers. The next course starts this October.
A variety of therapeutic massage and body work, from Thai Yoga Massage to Reiki, is offered at Namaste. The best part about getting any of the treatments at Namaste is that you get a complementary session in the steam room before or after your treatment.
Upon entering the doors at Namaste, you truly feel welcome by the comfortable homey vibe and the warm hearted community. After a class here you’re not rushed out the door like most New York yoga studios, instead you’re offered a warm cup of homemade tea made mostly with herbs that grow right in the beautiful garden. The only downside of the experience at Namaste is that at some point you’ll have to leave.
