Open Door Yoga Studio

I've always dreamt about yoga.
I own a yoga mat.
I am loyal reader of yoga magazine.
I get jealous every time I see someone walking around downtown with a yoga mat sticking out of their bag.

So why the heck am I not practicing yoga?

Fear. Doubt. Expense. Time.

And then there was Open Door Yoga Studio.

Donation based.
No commitments, contracts or hassle.
Multitude of class times.

Welcome to my new world of self-chosen sweatiness.
Open Door Yoga Studio primarily offers Bikram Yoga classes, commonly known as Hot Body Yoga. The room is set at approximately 100 degrees. Students form two rows, the more experienced students take the front row next to the mirrors. Classes are held in a dimly lit atmosphere which lends itself to relaxation and focus. They last an hour and a half beginning with breathing exercises, followed by balance and stretching. There are no shortcuts. No one can leave the room without stopping the entire class. But there is guidance. There is hands on instruction. And there is peace. When the heat becomes too much, you find yourself in Savasna, or corpse pose. It is a time to breath. Gather and release. The body is capable of so much, and while it seems that sweating profusely and contorting your body into less than flattering postures would evoke insecurity, the experience is far from that. The heat is so intense that self-discipline and strength keep eyes from wandering, and egos from interfering. It was a wonderful, liberating, life altering experience.

blackberries from the farm

There's just something so great about being able to eat out of your backyard. It seems quite a few of my friends' gardens are overflowing and I've had the privilege of sharing their bounty... pears, figs, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and most recently blackberries. I made a delicious blackberry pie for my birthday (pictured above). But even better was this recipe for Blackberry Oatmeal Bars that I found at Naturipe Farms It's a bit like a cereal bar, chewy and gooey but not too sweet. I hope you enjoy them!