Down Under Yoga
I do remember my initial lesson at Down Under Yoga. I had used many studios in the past, but this is where I got the feeling that something had changed when I entered the door. It felt like a real community, something I had never felt before–a welcoming feeling that went beyond what is usually expected at a yoga studio.
What I had no clue was that I was about to learn of what is now one of my most remarkable schools of yoga in America a place where professional authenticity met. It is not only the amazing teachers or the gorgeous spaces that make this place so special, but a revolutionary approach to yoga that respects the ancient traditions and needs of the community. I would like to tell you why Down Under Yoga is my yoga home and why it maybe yours as well.
The Simple Story: A Parish Hall and a Bigger Vision.
It has a long way to go before I stepped into one of their studios and started my life with Down Under Yoga. Friends continued to whisper about this magical place to me–praise of particular teachers, talk of a supportive community, talk of the curious genesis of the studio. Only after I made my way to the history, I learned something that truly came as an eye opener: this now-famous school began in 2004 in a modest parish hall in Newton Highlands.
It was founded by an Australian Justine Wiltshire Cohen, who had an impressive background, she was even a yoga teacher in the Supreme Court of the United States and then she relocated to Boston. Instead of developing a splashy commercial venture, however, she has constructed an organic one. All manner of endearing difficulties–uneven heating, faulty fire alarms, and even the rector’s dogs occasionally roaming about the room in the middle of practice–accostained those early classes.
In spite of these meager origins–or maybe thanks to them–a unique community feeling grew. Students would come to the house of teachers to come and prepare them to assessments and potlatch dinners provided a channel in which the yogis of all ranks, diplomats and artists, mixed and came together. This premise of friendship and solidarity is what Down Under Yoga still relies on.
More Than Just Poses: Living Tradition of Yoga Lineages.
The real eye opener of Down Under Yoga is the insight of the depth of what they provide. I had earlier considered yoga as a single entity, however, here I got to see a school where three major lineages emerged in India, all under one roof. It is not some generic, amalgamized approach, but every tradition has its own integrity and method of teaching.
Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga, bequeathed his knowledge to three of his most influential students: Pattabhi Jois (founder of Ashtanga), B.K.S. Iyengar (founder of Iyengar Yoga) and his own son Desikachar. Down Under is a tribute to all the three traditions. Iyengar is an alignment-oriented and precision directed faculty under the guidance of Patricia Walden, who was called by Time Magazine as the best teacher in the world.
The advanced Ashtanga protéges come together to practice 5:45 am Mysore daily, with the therapeutic users of Ashtanga having their niche as well. This is something that eventually dissolves the hierarchy of teacher-student, as Barbara Benagg, a long-time teacher of 40 years, described it: the class became a conversation. This deferential attitude implies that teachers actually know when they should take a student in a different style or a different teacher- something I have seldom found elsewhere.
Breaking the Mold: How Down Under Cares about its Teachers.
The more I practiced the deeper I got to know something that really shocked me about the business model of Down Under Yoga. There is a dirty little secret in the yoga industry, most of these studios only hire teachers as contractors without benefits, sick-days or job security. As the COVID-19 crisis struck, big chains were laying off teachers in large numbers with barely a mass email as a subsequent notice after years of service.
Down Under did the vice versa. Instead, they refused to dismiss even one of their 70 teachers and 15 managers and turned to a virtual platform overnight, which in fact brought students to their doors even in Europe and Asia. Wonderfully, they grew throughout the pandemic, which introduced fitness and meditation programming to offer work to teachers who had been laid off elsewhere.
They are the only freestanding school in America to give yoga teachers a faculty-written employment contract, full benefits such as healthcare, paid leaves and Teacher Leadership Council. One studio sets a new standard, according to Yoga Journal. Not only is this model of teacher-centeredness good ethics–it brings a fantastic amount of stability and commitment to the faculty which directly impacts us as students.
Beyond the Mat: A Caring Community.
It is not only the excellent instruction that has me returning to Down Under Yoga again and again, but the deep feeling of community. This devotion stretches well out of the studio. They have also initiated a free yoga program among the seniors and individuals with disabilities that has been running over a decade ago. They also frequently organize charity classes in favor of local and international causes.
The racial justice work of the studio is a continuous, and part of their operations. Their work consists of monthly Accomplice Circles and Yoga in Spanish and discussions of wholeness, race, and collective possibility. Their values statement is a masterpiece in terms of the way it pronounces the fact that: Our human compassion unites us to each other, not in pity or condescension, but in a mutual awareness that each of us, whom we may meet, has tasted the flavor of struggle.
Working in a place where students of all ages, identities, and backgrounds are actually welcomed, and where the message that Black lives matter is expressly conveyed to them, makes the work experience seem both spiritually informed and socially aware.
Finding Your Practice: the Down Under Invitation.
I will be honest that I felt somewhat overwhelmed with the choices when first visiting Down Under Yoga. Now can I experiment with the accuracy of Iyengar, the flowing movements of Vinyasa, or the repetitive meditation of Ashtanga? What I have come to value is that this is what diversity is all about. Their invitation is to do all they can to you, up in their roof–all that feels heavenly and all that tries you most.
The educators made me realize that we tend to stick to what we are already doing well. People who like to sweat may not cope with sitting still, yet people who like to be precise may develop when told to move with their breath.
It is only then that we leave our comfort zones and change our lives. When you get out of the way, and the poses breathe you, strong questions regarding how you are related to intensity, softness, and self-care come up as one teacher described to me. This method has changed my practice to not only an exercise but a more in-depth self-discovery.
Your Yoga Journey to Down Under.
In hindsight, I am happy I made the risk when I had my initial hesitant steps into Down Under Yoga. Since that small parish hall start all the way to the bustling community it is today, this special place has preserved its soul yet increased its influence.
It has taught me that yoga is not all about the perfect posture but about connection, kindness and being there in ourselves and in other people. You will find a teacher that can help you safely and knowledgeably whether you are attracted to the anatomical precision of Iyengar, the sweat and flow of Baptiste, the traditional sequence of Ashtanga or the mindful exploration of their general classes. More to the point, you will get a community that is willing to accept you just as you are.
Down Under Yoga FAQs.
So what does Down Under Yoga offer compared to other studios?
down under is unique to accommodate three distinct yoga, lineages, under a single roof, without compromising on each of the methods. They are also distinctive in their teacher centred model such that all members of the faculty are given employment benefits which gives them an amazing teaching consistency and quality. The community culture is also not limited to the studio, as it has a series of free programs serving seniors and individuals with disabilities, as well as various ongoing racial justice efforts.
What yoga fashions does Down Under have?
They provide true teachings in Iyengar (alignment-oriented), Ashtanga (a series of poses), Vinyasa (flow), and Baptiste (heated flow) yoga. Every style has its own faculty that teaches it and thus you get pure teaching and not a mixed up, generalized style.
I’m new to yoga. Where should I begin?
Don’t be put about by the various lineages! The teachers will be masters at assisting beginners in discovering their point of departure. They also recommend that you experiment with various fashions to find one that appeals to your physique and intent. Lots of novices like the focus of the alignments to the Iyengar classes, but lots of people like the power of a beginner flow of Vinyasa.
Does Down Under Yoga have heated classes?
Yes, they also have a program Baptiste in their Cambridge studio and it includes heated flow classes. The heat is meant to purposefully make the muscles more pliable and deep presence. It is always self-study–to get you to the limit, and hold you there with tenderness.
What will happen when I get injuries or physical constraints?
The teachers at Down Under are well trained in modifying poses of various bodies and capabilities. Iyengar, in particular, is famous in terms of therapeutical application. It is always healthy to get there on time and talk to your teacher regarding any issues–they welcome to make adjustments.
What does Down Under do to help their teachers?
They have developed what Yoga Journal would refer to as a new standard in the industry. Every faculty member, teaching one course or on a full-time basis, enjoys job benefits such as healthcare, paid vacation, sick days, and maternity and paternity leaves. They also possess a teacher written contract and a Teacher Leadership Council so that they are not deprived a voice in the running of the studio.