Recently, I received this flyer for donation-based community yoga:
So I decided to check it out, and here’s the story so far…
THE EUGENE YOGA COLLECTIVE
The collective was founded by two local yogis named Fox and Lucy. Both are RYT-200H certified instructors through Yoga Alliance, having undergone their teacher training through Everyday People Yoga — another local yoga studio in town. Lucy informed me that her and Fox were classmates during teacher training and it is within this envelope that the beginnings of the collective were formed.
As far as structure is concerned, the collective appears to embrace its grassroots origins and doesn’t heavily advertise or otherwise market themselves. Official word about the collective’s events can be hard to come by, so my hope in publishing this article is to shine some light on this unique and dynamic community.
THE VENUE
Currently, Wednesday Yoga takes place at Sacred Connections — formerly known as New Life Church, and until recently, Alluvium. The building’s exterior is striking and it’s position on the corner of Monroe and 3rd Avenue not only makes it easy to find, but contributes to its status as a local landmark of Eugene’s Whiteaker district, affectionately known by locals as “The Whit”. Built in the 1960s, the building’s facade is typical for the area. Inside, you are greeted with a fully carpeted (while I don’t suspect it’s original to the building, it does smell of nostalgia) gathering space with a small elevated stage toward the front of the room. Flanking the stage and practice areas are thin supermarket columns which unsuspectingly contribute to the spirituality and character of the space.
INSTRUCTION
Marketed as an all-levels Vinyasa flow, the class incorporates other yogic techniques into the practice, such as pranayama and meditation. The atmosphere is relaxed. Each full session is approximately one (1) hour. As the flyer states, extra mats and props are available at the front entrance; however, supplies are limited so plan to arrive early if you are in need of a mat or blocks. There is also a sign-up sheet to be added to the digital mailing list. On the same table, you will find the giving / donation jar should you find yourself with some extra liquidity and wanting to give back. Optionally, there is a QR code to make digital donations, whereupon you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Being a donation-based event, nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
Practice is conducted in a “circle” format, which harmonizes well with the community aspect of both the collective and yoga at large. When both Lucy and Fox are available, one will lead the class and the other will rove to monitor attending yogis. Sequencing is natural and cue delivery is easily followed. If Lucy is leading the class, she will occasionally share a poem during savasana, which is a personal bonus as it pleasantly reminds me of Charlie Follows, a popular ‘yogatuber’ whom I follow.
A group chant of “Aum/Om” (ॐ) seals the practice. I interpret this as a gesture of humility and gentle return to the true essence of yoga: union. One of the largest benefits of yoga resides in it’s lack of doctrine. Meaning, nobody is obligated to join the chant should they be either new to yoga or simply find themselves uncomfortable.
EXPERIENCE
There’s something special about the Eugene Yoga Collective, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s a purely organic and grassroots movement. Maybe it’s the fact that these two individuals, Fox and Lucy, are making a tangible difference in their community. As a steady solo-practitioner, it can take a lot of effort merely to show up for yourself, never mind showing up to lead donation-based yoga, where Fox and Lucy consistently rise to the occasion.
All others in attendance were exceedingly kind and welcoming, which is mostly typical of yogic communities. I made few new connections and even ran into acquaintances from past community events. The venue is peaceful, and when everyone combines their practices in a group effort, the result is truly remarkable.
This community event was crafted by Fox and Lucy to be a welcoming and safe space for all yoga students and practitioners. When Fox and I were hanging out one day, I asked him why he started the Eugene Yoga Collective and what he hoped to gain from it. I don’t think I’ll ever forget his response of, “I just wanted a place in the community for everyone if they wanted to learn or practice yoga . . . to not have to worry about paying or being in a studio!” As someone who themselves is not only brand-new to the area, but also an up-until-recently solo practitioner, Fox and Lucy’s mission via the Eugene Yoga Collective resonated particularly well with me.
CONCLUSION
Practicing with the Eugene Yoga Collective is the quintessential yoga experience. Attendance offers interested yogis the opportunity for union with the capital Self. Being alongside others in your community playing the instruments of body and breath amounts to a truly conscious and elevated experience.
As I continue to grow my own practice and delve deeper into the philosophy of yoga, I look forward to learning more from my peers and expanding my yogic vocabulary. Together, Lucy and Fox have created something special for the community. After attending my first time, I walked away feeling rejuvenated. Other adjectives and emotions which come to mind are: curious, excited, and happy. Ultimately, I left practice inspired to help others in the same manner that Fox, Lucy, and many others in the collective do.
In today’s economy and ever-changing world, the Eugene Yoga Collective serves as an anchor and safe space for Eugene’s underserved and underprivileged communities. All are welcome on a completely non-discriminatory basis. Providing others a tool for wellness, fitness, mental health, spirituality, and community-building free-of-charge is a rare offering in the warming climate of end-stage capitalism.
For all this, the Eugene Yoga Collective is a stellar option for visiting and local yogis. I highly recommend this regularly scheduled community event.
For more information, you can contact Fox at: fixbikes[@]protonmail[dot]com, or visit:
https://www.sacredconnections810.com.
UPDATE: APRIL 30, 2024: Fox posted an update offering further details of the Eugene Yoga Collective! Check it out below:
DONATION INFORMATION & URL: CLICK HERE
If you are interested in supporting this yoga community, all proceeds will directly benefit:
Sacred Connections Community Church,
located at 810 W. 3rd Ave., Eugene, OR, 97402.
Tax receipts are provided.
This donation will help Sacred Connections Community Church achieve our mission. We’ll be able to :
SACRED CONNECTIONS. Retrieved from zeffy.com. 30 April 2024.
– Feed Our Community
– Host Recovery Meetings
– Host Donation Based Yoga
– Host Authentic Relating Circle
– Expand our outreach
– Change the world one heart at a time
Be. Do. Love.