When I set out to open a neighborhood yoga studio, I had a vision of creating a community where folks came not only to work out and get fit, but they came to re-charge their spirit, meet with existing friends and find new friends. I am happy to say my vision came true. Spira is a bustling, pulsing community. Though at Spira Power Yoga we teach a physically challenging workout, I believe yoga is not about flexibility and fitness; these are simply the side effects of the practi

Listen now What do happiness, etiquette, and yoga have in common? I asked this question on our Facebook page a while ago and I got many likes but no answers. I also asked the question: Are you more motivated to do yoga in the studio or at home? Now this got you guys answering. Most answers could be placed in one of these categories: Too many distractions at home Because I am motivated by other people’s energy Community! The answers were unanimously in favor of practicing at t

The philosophy of yoga is very much occupied with finding “true self”, but what that means can be quite tricky to figure out. We are changing and the world around us is certainly changing whether or not we wish for a change. The story you are about to read is a day in a yogi’s life examining the topic of identity and self through cultural identity. This yogi happens to be an immigrant, naturalized citizen to the USA. This yogi is me, Dora your teacher. THE PAST – HOW TO PRESE

Listen now I was driving home when I got the call. All I could hear is “terrible” “accident” “dead”.  It took me a whole day to put some kind of cohesion between those words. “What is going on?”  – My mind kept reviewing a list of names. Names of friends, some very close, some not so close that passed away in the past 12 months. I had difficulty sleeping that night. So I picked up a book that was on my night table in hopes of diverting my attention.  As I flipped through the

The human body and spirit is amazingly resilient but at the same time shockingly fragile. If we build awareness of our own fragility, if we remember the preciousness of every moment with our family and friends then we can truly celebrate the season of gratitude.- Thanksgiving….. It is in this spirit that I wish to dedicate our Thanksgiving class to Jamie Kissler. She is a regular students at Spira. She is also a student that touched my heart from the very beginning. I still r