In Point Loma, yoga instructor Amy Pachowicz is putting a modern spin on an ancient art form.
Pachowicz, owner/operator of Yoga Arts, at 3017 Canon St., said that though it may not be for everyone, yoga is a discipline of potential benefit to most.
“It’s an individual experience,” said Pachowicz, who has taught yoga for nearly 30 years, 10 in the Peninsula. She is also in the process of training to receive her certification soon in Iyengar yoga, based on the method created by BKS Iyengar. Yoga is a mind-body art that’s evolved in nature and purpose over time, said Pachowicz.
“A long time ago, when life was hard(er) and people were working the land, they were looking for something that would be more restorative, more resting, which is what their bodies and psyches really needed,” she said. “But now we’re a sedentary society. We need more activity. So it (yoga) was a little different in the past.”
Yoga, a discipline that originated in India, means “union” and is said to be a discipline for uniting the mind, body and spirit. One way that is accomplished is through meditation. Other ways involve using body postures and exercises, which build strength and flexibility. Besides practicing poses, yoga may also involve instruction on breathing, call-and-response chanting, meditation or an inspirational reading by the instructor.
Pachowicz said people can customize the practice to meet their own needs and goals.
“Personally, I use yoga to soothe my mind and keep my emotions in balance,” she said. “But I have a lot of men here doing yoga for the fitness aspect. We have pregnant women doing yoga. I also have people in here doing it for medical (post-surgery) issues. For others, it’s a spiritual quest.”
Also an artist, Pachowicz has some of her own work exhibited at the venue as well as paintings and other multimedia offerings, including jewelry and gifts, from other local artisans.
Yoga Arts charges by the class or by the month, offering group and individual instruction. “There are a lot of different packages,” said Pachowicz, noting cost is $15 per class or less per class if purchased in a package.
Though instruction is given in her studio, Pachowicz said she “likes to help students figure out how to do a little bit at home for themselves. If someone’s a little heavier, they can use a chair. That’s also really helpful for those who’ve had hip surgery, or who can’t put weight on their legs. Or with pregnant women, they can stretch out on an apparatus that’s called a horse.”
Whatever form or variation of yoga is involved, self-improvement – and discovery – is what the art form is all about.
“Yoga is used for a variety of reasons by people old and young who want to improve their flexibility, for (addressing) medical issues, or who just want to work out,” said Pachowicz. “Yoga soothes the nerves and quiets the mind, kind of as a byproduct. That’s what brings them back.”
For more information, call (619) 341-8765 or visit yogaarts.co. Yoga Arts
Where: 3017 Canon St.
Info: (619) 341-8765 or visit yogaarts.co