Yoga
Welcome to Yoga at Xenana Spa
Xenana is a warm, inclusive center for nourishing the body, mind, and spirit. For years we’ve been in the heart of SE Clinton Street offering massage and skincare, and we are so happy to add the yoga practice to our healing space.
Our instructors offer a simple, honest, beautiful, and grounded practice 7 days a week. While we each come from our own unique relationship with the yoga practice, you can expect to be in an authentic experience with your practice and bodymind in our lovely lofted space. The size of our practice room necessarily makes each of our classes an intimate experience; we are meant to be revealed to ourselves, and it is our aim to hold that profound potential each time we gather together.
Practice makes practice, practices make a life, let’s practice together.
Interested in private sessions? Our instructors can help you fine tune and deepen your practice. Email cary@xenanaspa.com to schedule a consultation.
New Student Special (two weeks unlimited) … $25
Community Practice … $1-15
Drop In … $15
5 Class … $75
10 Class … $130
Classes
Yoga
Yoga comes from the root “yuj”, which means to unite; join; connect. Through this spiritual wisdom tradition from India we study the practical application of awakening (also known as enlightenment) utilizing and refining our own discernment. There are many schools of Yoga, and here at Xenana we offer a few tributaries of Hatha Yoga.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the practice of the physical postures (asana) through which one uses their own body to study, feel, and eventually embody the understanding that one is inextricably linked to the cosmos. By focusing primary attention to the breath, and to the physical alignment of any pose and/or an energetic center within the body, one is able to awaken to the profound experience of being with themselves in the present moment. The practice of Hatha Yoga includes standing postures, backbends, forward folds, seated postures,inversions, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation.
Hatha Flow
This is a flow-based Hatha Yoga practice that centers the breath, contemplative discernment, and the capacity to expand beyond habitual modes of being.
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa, meaning “to place well”, is suggestive of a sequential progression from posture to posture with careful attention to the breath as the primary vehicle. How one transitions from pose to pose impacts the overall experience of the practice, and so emphasis is also placed on the transition between, not just the poses themselves. Postures are generally moved through at the scale of 3-5 breath cycles (this can vary from instructor to instructor) and much in the same way a body grows, each shape supports the one that follows. As Vinyasa is a form of Hatha Yoga, the shapes we use are the same.
Slow Flow
A slowed down experience of a strong Vinyasa practice. The practitioner is invited to find balance between ease and effort.
Every Thursday evening, the practice is accompanied by live music. This is a sliding scale class, $1-15 (no one will be turned away for lack of funds).
Yin and Restorative Yoga
Yin and Restorative Yoga are practices that involve fewer poses than a more active practice as the poses are held for a longer duration. While these practices might appear more passive, they can often be just as challenging due to the nature of the longer holds. These practices are open to all levels of practitioner, and generally involve the use of props.
Community Classes
Community Classes are classes offered on a sliding scale of $1-15 to help ease the financial barriers to public yoga classes. Class cards and monthly memberships may also be used. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Community Slow Flow + Live Music
This special weekly Community Class is offered on a sliding scale and includes live, ambient, dreamy music set to Sara’s signature slow, deliberate, flowing practice. Please join us Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Teachers
Cary Spaeth
Cary has been a student of yoga for more than half her life, and began formally sharing her practice with others after hours in the cafe where she worked as a barista. In 2011 she met her teacher, and one year later received her teaching certification. For about 10 years she stewarded North Portland Yoga, and is delighted to be emerging back into the world of in-person classes here at Yoga At Xenana. Cary’s practice is inspired by the strong beauty of the Shadow School of Yoga (in the lineage of classical Hatha yoga) and the intelligence of curiosity, and offers a warm, supportive space for exploration. She trusts that each of our bodies contain within them the evolutionary wisdom of the ever expanding cosmos, and is honored to hold space for your practice to happen.
Sara Knapp
Sara started consistently practicing yoga in 2008 and became certified to teach in 2010 with Angel Lucia in West Palm Beach Florida. She teaches to all levels, guiding people into a space of gracefulness, clarity and to help find the sweet balance of effort and ease. Every class is different and unique. She believes that when people come together to practice and to share energy we all grow together and learn from each other.
“From the moment I began I started sensing profound truths in this practice. It became more than a physical practice and I felt the overall quality of my life enhance. I had no intention of ever teaching yoga when I took my training with Angel. But unexpected pathways began revealing themselves and I felt called to teach. I taught consistently for 9 years but a year or so ago decided to step away from teaching. And while I think the break was a good thing for me I now know that practicing and teaching yoga are embedded in my matrix and it truly helps me stay grounded and navigate this wild world we live in. It’s something I hope to do forever. I can’t wait to share some space and breath with you!
Yoga FAQ
I’m new to Yoga, which class should I take?
All of our classes are suitable for you. Please let the instructor know you are new, and feel free to ask them any questions you may have. Each of our instructors are highly skilled at meeting you where you are and can offer various modifications for every pose they teach.
Is Yoga a workout?
While the practice can be vigorous, challenging, and strengthening, what makes this different from working out in a gym or taking an aerobics class is the incorporation of the mind and focused attention. Our instructors leave ample room for people to rest, and to increase the physical challenge depending on what’s needed. We meet you where you are.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have a mat and you prefer to use it, bring it! Otherwise all you need to bring is yourself. We have mats free for use, blocks, blankets, bolsters, and eye pillows.
Can I wear my socks?
Yes, absolutely.
I have an injury/my doctor or physical therapist or chiropractor recommended I do yoga.
We suggest contacting us and we will put you in touch with our instructors. It can be very helpful to meet one on one with an instructor to talk about what’s going on with your body. Our class sizes are necessarily small, so you will not get lost in the shuffle.
Are masks mandatory in classes?
No. We are no longer requiring folks to mask during class. We absolutely support your decision to continue masking should that be your choice. In the spring of 2020, we added UV purifying air scrubbers to our central air system that removes over 99% of all surface & air contaminants, keeping our space cleaner and healthier for clients, students, and staff.
Do I need to sign up online?
We recommend signing up online ahead of time, but it isn’t required. You are welcome to show up and drop in. Registering online guarantees your spot in the room.
I’m not feeling ready to practice in public yet, can I still take your classes?
Yes! We have a virtual library of classes that we frequently add to. You’ll find the link to our virtual library on the Yoga page here.
Our class sizes are also intentionally small because of the size of our room. We cap attendance at 8-10 people depending on the class.
I’m on a budget, do you offer low-cost classes?
Yes! On Thursday evening we offer Slow Flow accompanied by live music. These classes are on a sliding scale, $1-15, though you will never be turned away for lack of funds.