Yin Yoga Space PDX — Local services in Portland

I don't often write reviews, but I wanted to take the opportunity to do one for Yin Yoga Studio. I have been going there for a few months now, and this place is like no other studio. Solely focusing on the practice of Yin yoga makes such a difference when it comes to the space for practicing it within. I've practiced many forms of yoga for many years throughout my life, and while I've taken Yin from other studios, I've never had the experience that I've had with the teachers and this space.

To start, the space itself is warm and inviting and welcoming. It's a dark gray studio with gold accents, which I find lovely and refreshing and also provides a richer experience in my opinion because you feel more held with the space and cozy. Space is beautiful itself with wood floors, wood-beam ceiling and the design of it with candles everywhere just sets the mood and helps you to feel instantly calm when you walk in the door.

The teachers are amazing and really hold space for you, others, and the practice. The purpose of Yin itself is to hold poses for longer periods of time so they aren't trying to rush you through it but to help you listen to your own body and hold space for what you need in the practice. Yin itself is a great practice to help slow down the body and mind, and this form is s20. I came to this practice recently to try to find some calm in my body from ongoing rauma and grief in my life. I found pretty soon that this studio and practice in the way that they offer it is unlike the traditional yoga in the US mainstream that can be what I would refer to as "gym" or "Instagram" yoga as it is so much more than that. That has its place but this is on a different level.I find that it's a space that I can allow myself to slow down and whether I'm thinking about things or not it's helped me to work through some of the physical and somatic responses I have to everyday life or working through traumas or emotional things as well.

This studio really allows you to hold quiet, calm space for yourself to provide whatever it is you need to feel nourished within that hour. We are so busy with life and others that we don't often take the time for ourselves, to just sit, to be in our bodies in a way that's healthy and that provides deeper nourishing than other types of practices. Yin is not a practice that you have to hold like traditional yoga, I find it's the most passively active practice that I experience. The point is to sink in and allow and relax in on the floor poses that don't need to be done in specific alignment or strength but based on what your body feels and needs in the moment. And that practice translates to mental state as well. It's been so nourishing for my nervous system to try to get some calm in my body, and I can say it's the thing that is helping support myself through depression, trauma, anxiety, and grief.

This studio offers that and more for anyone who just wants to get a good relaxing stretching session, to those who are more spiritually inclined or even just want a safe and welcoming space to be in their body and do something self-nourishing care.

They also have really great events like a live cellist who will play during the course of a session, or a harp player or breath work, and a monthly yin/yang class. They support an inclusive and all welcoming environment for all races, genders and orientations and even provide late night donation based classes for those in the sex or service Industries as means for access/self care because they don't often get to with typical schedules offered at studios.

I'm very grateful to the owner and all of the teachers who contribute to making this studio what it is. It's truly a gem in the community, and there's nothing else like it (literally, it's the first in the US). This studio has been a lifeline for me as well as others I've introduced it to. I would definitely recommend checking it out and taking advantage of the free intro week as well. You...

This is the studio I have gone to the most lately, when I am in town. I love that they offer late classes and it is never super packed. I have been to some local studios with over 30 people in a class and it feels impossible to focus for me. It is also super easy to park nearby at night which does not go unnoticed! I enjoy the candles and the sound system is quality.

The only improvement across the board here would be to add some spice to the classes. Maybe a sound bath or some regular theme some days of the week. For teachers, maybe an intention or theme to narrate the class. My favorite yoga teacher when I lived in Seattle always had some quotes and area of life to contemplate that was different every class. She always had some wisdom or insights I enjoyed a lot and also helped focus when your mind goes every which way. Overall right now it’s not THE ONE. But it is a pretty...

I had a feeling I shouldn’t have booked this Yin 2 yoga class with Anika De Vore, and I wish I had listened to it. Her bio didn’t inspire confidence, but I decided to give it a try. I was feeling great before class, thanks to a wonderful session at another studio last Thursday. Unfortunately, from the moment I arrived, I didn’t feel welcomed. The class itself didn’t provide the relaxation and grounding I expect from Yin Yoga, instead, it left me feeling anxious. I don’t think she fully understands the healing and restorative nature of Yin Yoga, and it felt more like she was just going through the motions rather than creating a meaningful experience. I personally wouldn’t take another class with her nor would I recommend...