Yoga studios in New York are much like Duane Reade and Starbucks – they’re everywhere. One can walk through the streets without spying yoga bags and Be Present pants. With so many studios selling scented oils, WAH! cds, mats in fuchsia and baby blue, and a philosophy that guarantees to change your life, a new student can be overwhelmed and frankly, intimidated.

After five years of practicing yoga (considered a short time in yoga years), I continue to search the city for studios that focus on alignment and awareness, without being overly dogmatic and serious. So it’s with great pleasure that I stumbled upon Yoga Mandali, New York’s first and only center devoted to Anusara, a school of yoga founded by John Friend, in the vibrant and fashionable Soho area. Studio director, Phil Di Pietro says, “While based in a philosophy to engage in the deepest desire of the heart, Anusara Yoga looks to three elements of practice that are distinctive of yoga: Attitude, Alignment and Action.” Anusara’s remarkable popularity is due in large part to its uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a “celebration of the heart,” that celebrates the good in all people and all things. Students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents.

I was lucky enough to take the Wednesday night open class with Mandali’s director. A clean, inviting space, candlelit with linen-draped changing rooms and lavender incense, the studio was nothing short of welcoming. A typical anusara class includes chanting, meditation and moving a bit slower through poses than perhaps one is used to. Practioners are encouraged to be meticulous, precise, in order to avoid injury. With only two students, I felt privileged to get so much attention & that’s part of the studio’s philosophy – intimate classes that are playful and focused. After an hour and a half of intense practice, I left feeling calmed (could it be the rose-scented oil Phil used before savasana?) yet invigorated – that blissed-out state one achieves when leaving a delicious yoga class.

I invite you to check out Yoga Mandali, which offers daily yoga classes, pre-natal, as well as funky, freestyle dance. And wait, did we mention that new students snag two classes for $16!!!

Yoga Mandali
560 Broadway (Prince St)
Suite 409
New York, NY
212-473-9001
Subway: F to Broadway/Lafayette or R to Prince St.

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