The 108 Yoga Studio is located in downtown Tahlequah and is offering unique classes to promote mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing. The studio offers a variety of classes and events tailored for individual interests and needs. Due to COVID-19, the studio had to postpone many of its classes out of respect for the teachers and customers’ safety. Over the last few months the studio has started holding classes again and plans to continue adding more programs for the fall and winter months while mandating social distancing and practicing a cleaning routine. During a global health crisis, staying healthy both physically and mentally is important and the 108 Yoga Studio hopes to help.
“The 108 Yoga Studio is a sacred space that provides offerings of healing for the community,” said Mindy Hendrix, studio owner. “Many are unaware it is there and are surprised when they are met by its beauty and the view it provides of the town square through the windows.”
The studio’s location downtown is located above an art studio and is a short walk from the NSU campus. Currently, the studio is offering two yoga classes alongside regularly hosting a sound bath meditation. Holy Yoga is one of the two classes currently offered at the studio. The class is taught by Carrie Scearce, Holy Yoga instructor and certified personal trainer.
“What makes holy yoga different is a Christ-honoring environment,” said Scearce. “We invite people to come in and worship through the movement of their bodies and breath. It is set to Christian music and there are scriptures.”
Holy Yoga is an international organization and Scearce said she was excited to bring it to Tahlequah. Scearce discovered her passion for yoga while becoming a personal trainer. After trying out a class, she knew yoga was something she wanted to master and be able to share with others. Scearce said she teachers a wide range of ages in her class, from college students to seniors, and invites anyone to join regardless of skill or experience.
“I encourage all of the students to just do what feels good with their bodies,” said Scearce. “As long as you’re confident in your flow not looking like everyone else’s or your poses matching the instructor’s, it doesn’t matter what you do. If you want to come and just sit on your mat and breathe with the rest of the class, you can do that.”
Alongside Holy Yoga, the 108 Yoga Studio offers a class taught by Dena Coleman, NSU alumni. Coleman has taught art and yoga for over 15 years and enjoys helping people connect with their higher selves. Coleman teaches Gentle Yoga, a class geared towards beginners, but it can benefit all levels.
“You will leave feeling peaceful and renewed,” said Coleman. “Each class has breathing exercises, poses, and ends with a relaxation pose and mediation.”
Additionally, the studio also holds regular sound bath meditations with Nancy James, instructor. The sound bath uses the power of sound and healing vibrations to invoke relaxation and healing.
Before COVID-19, the studio had an even more diverse selection of classes and instructors and is slowly working on rebuilding its classes.
“Yoga is about connecting to one’s authentic self and living each breath in a conscious state,” said Hendrix. “That is one of the greatest gifts we can give to this world and one another. I’m grateful to be a part of a place and a group of teachers that help guide people to this state of balance.”
The 108 Yoga Studio instructors recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a mat but can provide mats if needed. Holy Yoga is held 6 p.m. on Sundays and 8 a.m. on Wednesdays. Gentle Yoga is held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Coleman asks students to reserve a spot by calling her at 918 207-5488. The next sound bath will be at 3 p.m. on Nov. 15. The studio is located at 108 S Muskogee Ave.
For more information and class prices, visit the 108 Yoga Studio’s website at http://the108yogastudio.com, or follow their Facebook page for regular updates at https://www.facebook.com/the108yogastudio.