Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Review of 889 Yonge

I hope to move into the yoga studio at 889 Yonge st. "Our Tea Garden is the heart of the experience - a place to sip our tea and just be". 889yonge is listed with the Passport to Prana, had it not been for the passport affiliation, I may never have visited. 
My first impression from their website was that it was a swanky spa with yoga classes as an afterthought (this is based on my past experiences rather than by fault of the website). 
They offer holistic spa services, medicine treatments, yoga classes (vinyasa, detox, ashtanga, beginners workshops etc.) and a boutique.

Located on Yonge St. near Rosedale Ave. I was welcomed by hospitable staff who were down to earth and sharp as a whistle--they laughed at all my jokes and showed me to the studio upstairs. 

From their website: "The yoga community at 889 is home to three eco-consciously designed, non-toxic Yoga studios: one filled with natural sunlight and a glorious window overlooking the Rosedale Valley, one which was once the main living area of this late 1800's Victorian home, and one intimate space dimly lit by candles for our 889 Customized Yoga." 

The hour long ashtanga class was awe-some. In which the teacher's tone, verbal cues and adjustments allowed my brain to turn off and my body and breath to unify. This is also one of the first classes I have been to in Canada where the teacher pronounced the sahnskrit words correctly.

After class I poured myself a mug of "Shangri-La" tea which was the missing note in my bliss.

The selection of books they carry is so unique, impressed I inquired and was informed, each of the employees has read one of those books.
Downstairs the boutique of clothing and jewelry is carefully selected and arranged, the jewelry is of hand crafted quality I have not seen since I lived at the Shambhala Mountain Center.

The wooden floors, open spaced establishment of 889 Yonge is calming and beautiful.  I will be back to check out the other levels and styles of yoga offered and perhaps for a massage and some tea. 

A few studios in Toronto could benefit from visiting this establishment and taking notes on how to run a joyful business.


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