Yoga is a way of life for me … and has been since I discovered it a few years back. I have since become a yoga instructor and teach in my native state of South Carolina. I’m convinced that there is a yoga for everyone, fast pace, slow pace, or no pace. It depends on what you’re drawn to and what brings you that oh-so-sacred inner calm.
But the fact of the matter is that sometimes even yoga discriminates. Whether we like it or not, classes are pricey. Unfortunately, those with less dough on hand have less of an opportunity to partake. Until now. This year, donation-based yoga has given even the poorest yogis the opportunity to downward dog to their heart’s content.
Popping up in studios across the country like Yoga By Donation, where Bob Vaccaro launched one of the first donation-based studios in New England on Jan. 1, 2009, these classes provide quality yoga to people at all levels of physical and financial abilities. With no set or even suggested fees, all donations can be anonymous and all are appreciated. With 18 instructors working collaboratively and paid from donations, they offer 34 regularly-scheduled classes each week.
At Bayfront Miami Park in Miami, you can be a part of a free outdoor yoga celebration, with classes offered Mon., Wed. and Sat. And the setting is stunning, held outdoors by the bay. Participants can enjoy the stunning view and feel invigorated at the same time. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis and the instructor determines when the class is full.
If you’re looking for a free yoga class in your area, check out Siamese Dream. The site offers free yoga class listings and studio directories — to search or to list.