Finding Your Center in Uncertain Times

SLO Yoga Center came under the stewardship of the Stackhouse family when they purchased the studio in 2014.

"It was the BEST. DECISION. EVER. It has truly been an honor and joy to be welcomed into this beautiful community, to have witnessed lifelong friendships form, watched families grow, and to have created new traditions."

Andrew & Stephanie Stackhouse chose passion and purpose over their former corporate careers.

This is further reflected in the studio's mission statement:

"SLO Yoga Center exists to make a positive contribution to our community through movement, connection, and mind-body wellness. Our vision is to continually celebrate diversity, strengthen community and empower people to live their best lives every day."

As a karma-yogi at SLO Yoga Center prior to the shelter-in-place order in San Luis Obispo, California, I witnessed first-hand not just the dedication that the Stackhouse family has to the studio, but also their dedication to the greater San Luis Obispo community.

More than just a yoga studio

SLO Yoga Center also hosts workshops, fundraising efforts, and free community education projects such as 2nd Friday Films. This free event centers around a film focused on important social issues, followed by a facilitated discussion to encourage community building.

Another notable past offering, the Prison Yoga Project: Social Transformation through the Lens of Incarceration workshop. This series focused on an deeply under-served demographic, and the importance of empathy and inclusion.

SLO Yoga Center took immediate measures to ensure the health & safety of studio members

Following close guidance of the CDC and WHO--elevated cleaning protocols were implemented at the beginning of March. All surfaces were sanitized more frequently with hospital-grade disinfectants. Wipes & hand sanitizer were readily available for use in the studios. Unfortunately, when more information about COVID-19 emerged, it was clear that constant cleaning simply isn't enough. The studio owners made the difficult decision to temporarily close the studios prior to the statewide mandate.

I was deeply saddened as I rely on my yoga practice to find a sense of calm. Getting on the mat and connecting to breath and body seemed more essential than ever with the uncertainty unfolding all around. Like many other individuals, yoga is my go-to method of stress management.

Luckily, SLO Yoga Center transitioned to offer online classes

At present, there are at least thirty livestream classes a week, along with a daily morning meditation offered daily through the digital studio. Classes range from restorative yoga to yoga sculpt, and more, accommodating all levels of experience. The class schedule is available to view on their website or the MindBody app.

Additionally, SLO Yoga Center offers a complimentary on-demand library of videos. Donations for on-demand classes are optional, but greatly appreciated. It is important to the studio owners that yoga is accessible to everyone, especially given the financial stress that many of us are in due to the coronavirus.

Unfortunately, that financial stress also affects the studio

Yoga studios typically run on a small profit margin. Without yogis regularly visiting the studio to take classes or to purchase retail items, it is unclear whether or not independently owned yoga studios can generate enough revenue to make it through these trying times. SLO Yoga Center is a staple in the San Luis Obispo community, not only as a place to practice yoga, but also a place to grow and learn alongside others. Its community-driven values and soul-forward members makes the studio an invaluable addition to the City of San Luis Obispo.

There are a few ways you can help support our beloved community yoga studio

1) Take a class online with SLO Yoga Center. A drop-in pass for a virtual class is offered at a sliding scale for $10, $15, or $20, depending on your budget.

2) Sign up for a month of unlimited classes. This is also offered on a sliding scale for $49, $69, or $89, depending on your budget.

3) Purchase a gift card from SLO Yoga Center to share with a friend or loved one.

4) If you need some yoga gear, make a purchase at manduka.com and use the code SLOYC at checkout. Manduka will give a portion of the proceeds to SLO Yoga Center from your purchase.

Get to know SLO Yoga Center on instagram @sloyogacenter or visit virtually through www.sloyogacenter.com