Historical April–May 2006 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Skinker-DeBaliviere residents have been lamenting the fact that Des Peres Ave. now deadends at Forest Park Parkway.
However, the notoriety of this intersection goes way beyond Metrolink construction woes.
It just so happens that a little known St. Louis landmark also resides at this corner.
The Solar Yoga Center has been quietly offering hatha yoga classes for the past 30 years. Its survival, in large part, is due to its “community oriented” roots. Students often stay on and become part of this nonprofit organization as the next generation of teachers and volunteers. Director Diane McCameron passed along that: “We offer an encouraging atmosphere for students of all abilities and ages.” Instructor/Administrator Cathy McClellan began taking classes in 1991 and never left: “I like the sanctuary from the noisy world that the center provides.” Students are always invited to participate in vegetarian potlucks as well as a very popular yoga/meditation retreat, with yoga Master Jose Michan, every Memorial Day weekend. Hatha Yoga, itself, is a practice that helps to bring the body back into into balance through a set of postures and conscious breathing which, in turn, aid in improving one’s stamina, flexibilty and mental outlook on life.
In the past few years the Center has grown to offer a number of alternative classes.
This includes Gnana Yoga: a discussion on deepening the practice of yoga, Falun Dafa: a traditional Chinese cultivation practice of body and mind, Yamis: a spiritual study course plus prenatal yoga for the needs of pregnant women, and Innergi: a celebration of the joy of movement and dance.
Finally, there is Vipassana Meditation, a bimonthly introduction to the techniques of Insight Meditation.
The Solar Yoga Center is located at 6002 Pershing (Pershing & Des Peres at Forest Park Parkway), (314) 726-5133 or www.solaryogastl.org for schedule information. New students are always welcome. No prior yoga experience is necessary.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2006.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2006_04.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
