JIVAMUKTI

Studio, perhaps unintentionally, as chic in the yoga
scene as the address, Lafayette, tucked quietly
between Indochine and Downtown Serafina. Look for the
Jivamukti sign ¾ of the way up the building on the
west side of Lafayette. Enter the relatively unmarked
door below and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
(More experienced yogis take the ground
floor-accessible stairs.) Enter into a long room/gift
shop/ sign-in area. To the right find the coat room.
Hang up your coat and SVP remove those shoes! The
place evokes a 70’s era yoga love den. Incense, rich
purples, altars, and ornate fabrics adorn the walls.
Beware the dust bunny that will surely nip at your
toes as you trek down the long wooden corridor to one
of the two large studios. Windows open onto Lafayette.
If you always dreamed of being on stage, Jiva is for
you. You’ll have the opportunity to sing/chant for a
healthy 15 minutes prior to each class. Both studios
could hold upwards of 70 students, and the back studio
boasts a large stage, where you’re encouraged to place
your mat and practice (count to 5 in each pose)
amongst the celebs and yoga gurus who you’ll be sure
to spot at this iconic studio. Practices are
challenging, and the solid reputation of the studio is
well-founded.

Number of rooms: 2 large studios
Number in class: 50+
Music: Yes
Chanting: Yes
Getting hot in here? Oh yeah!
Adjustments: Yes
Sweaty workout scale: 9/10
Feel it in the morning: 7/10
Studio Cleanliness: 4/10
The scene: Downtown locals, dedicated yogis
Take a class with: Paisley
Changing rooms: 1 cramped room, tiny shower. No privacy.


Paisley:
1 - 10
Emphasis on spiritual aspect: 9
Emphasis on technical: 8
Incorporation of challenging poses/ sequences/
originality: 9
Hands on (adjustments): 10

Jivamukti 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Though slender and soft spoken, Paisley Thompson is a yoga powerhouse. Throughout her classes, she bestows her profound knowledge of yoga, (marrying alignment, challenging postures and spiritual focus). Paisley has an accomplished personal practice and extensive experience as a teacher. She is trained both in Anusara style and at Jivamukti. Despite a large class, Paisley is able to adjust almost every student. And she’s good enough to remember if she adjusted you on one side, because no matter if she’s ventured across the room, she’ll be back to make sure you get as deep on the second side. Paisley is also able to address students individually while maintaining attention on the entire class. For example, I took the wrong side in seated spinal twist, and despite an overwhelming 65+ class plus the momentum of being ¾ of the way through the practice, Paisley had time for one-on-one humor. “Is there something you’re not telling me Louisa?” She whispered as she indicated that I had taken the wrong twist. Sheepishly I quickly changed sides, laughing at myself. Only after class did I learn that pregnant women are encouraged to take the 'wrong' side. Thanks Paisley!