Jaclyn Incorvia Corrigan
October 25, 2017 11:51
I had the great pleasure of taking classes with Andrea and with Jeffrey during my visit to Mt. Pleasant/Charleston. Some yoga studios try really hard to prove how traditional and "ultra spiritual" they can be, but Satsang is authentic and rich in a way that I seldom encounter in a little over a decade of practicing in many cities. The facility is beautiful, hardwood flooring, and natural light, with an altar that serves as the centerpiece or orientation for practice. Everything there is very friendly. As a New Yorker, it can almost be confusing at first, but I like it.
Sometimes I have found that the yoga classes I have taken elsewhere fall short in incorporating teachings on the other limbs of yoga practice; meaning, they teach asana -- the physical postures -- and maybe some pranayama -- breathing techniques -- but not much by way of ethical observances, concentration techniques, meditation. Both Andrea and Jeffrey are skillful teachers and it is clear that they have both devoted themselves to understanding and executing the teachings of yoga, for one cannot teach with as much heart and sincerity as they do if they do not study and practice earnestly.
As for the physical practice, suffice it to say that a very strong and mobile 30-year-old with 12 years of practice was challenged and inspired alongside people in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s, some with more experience than others. I can say from my own experience teaching, it is not always easy to teach to such a varied group, but these teachers know how to do it because of many years of dedicating themselves. They both gave a lot of individual attention to every student in the room, moving around to offer assists and adjustments, and an absolutely sublime neck rub at the end of practice while resting. I cherish those experiences because I offer those things a lot to my students, but I don't get them much when I take classes myself.
I wish I could practice with them daily, but alas, I do not live in Charleston year-round. I visit a few times a year and I will definitely return when I am back. Emphatically recommend.