In my search for new styles of yoga to experience, “Jivamukti” was not a term that I came across frequently. I believe that Jala Yoga & Art may in fact be the only studio in Rhode Island that offers this practice.
Going in with zero expectations was super exciting!
I easily found metered street parking about a block away with just a quick walk over. When arriving at the studio, the entrance is the door on the left so that the practice room door doesn’t open and let in the cold air. I entered into a cute little lobby area with storage for personal items, a water dispenser, and a seating area.
Just down a little hallway around the corner leads into the practice room, which had a beautiful alter up front, and a boutique shop in the back area. The space is narrow but deep, and could seemingly accommodate 30 students.
Class began with arriving in a comfortable seated position, some chanting, and a silent meditation. This mindful beginning to class really helps to clear your mind and set your intention for the practice. I became aware of my body, energized, and open to the new experience right away!
With soft music playing in the background, we began a creative flow of familiar vinyasa postures with a heavy focus on the breath. Each posture was held for five breaths; inhale and exhale paced by the instructor. The breathing seemingly lined up with the music, making this practice a flow full of energy.
Throughout class, the instructor comes around frequently and gives hands on assistance. I think she could tell right away that I had back issues, because during a spine twist on the floor, she came around to help with my alignment and seemed to be feeding some positive energy to my spine!
Towards the end of class, we did some core exercises and were given the opportunity to work on arm balancing. We ended with some more “yin” postures to slow things down.
During these postures the instructor gave us some wise words about karma – how although the western world doesn’t typically “believe” in karma, you can’t deny that there is a give and take of energy in the way we treat others and how they treat us in return.
During final savasana, the music was turned up slightly and the instructor came around with some aromatherapy lotion to put on our foreheads. This truly made the class a complete experience of the mind/body connection using all of the senses.
I found this class to be challenging, awakening and energizing. It was a feeling I took with me that I normally do not have after most vinyasa style classes. For the rest of the day I was full of positive energy!
New England Yoga Tour 