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101 Things You are surrounded by rhododendrons, Japanese maples, tulips, butterfly bushes (which really do attract butterflies) and huge clematis that flourish with fragrant white blossoms. It's not an arboretum, nor is it your typical yoga studio. It's Yoga For Our Times, a virtual garden oasis uniquely designed to relax the body and the mind. Just arriving at this serene West Seattle sanctuary immediately calms the senses. Yoga For Our Times is located in the Hillcrest neighborhood (just over the crest from Genesee) overlooking lush gardens and views of the Sound and the Olympic mountains. "It's a little piece of paradise right here in West Seattle," beams instructor and owner Marybeth Spector. "I really feel blessed to be given the chance to be steward of this land." Spector is a third-generation West Seattleite with the maiden name of Armitstead, for all you long-time locals who may know her family. She attended Madison Middle School and graduated from West Seattle High – a true native through and through. She first discovered her calling in 1963 when she turned on the TV, saw a woman doing yoga and said to herself, "I can do that." She has been ever since. A dancer who traveled the world, Spector was able to take yoga along with her because she could practice wherever she was. She came back to Seattle in 1975, read stacks of yoga books while continuing to practice and finally discovered her teacher Chris Dormaier in West Seattle during 1997. "I began to study and do teacher training with Chris three years ago at West Seattle's own Sound Yoga," says Spector. "I also began teaching on my own and then opened up my Front Room Studio two years ago." Spector's classes never have more than eight students because she (and her pupils) prefer a more personal approach. "Yoga was created to be taught one on one," describes Spector. "So the smaller the up the better the experience." This cohesive group encourages participants of all skill levels and because of these small class sizes Spector assures she can "keep an eye on everyone." For example, if she has a student with a back or neck injury, she will walk that person through similar, yet gentler Poses without taking away from the peaceful momentum of the rest of the class. Yoga For Our Times is a one-woman show featuring three weekly classes as well as enriching group retreats. This season, Spector is offering half-day retreats that are geared toward education and information as well as restoring a healthy mind and body. Green thumbs rejoice as these retreats are tailor made for gardeners. On a typical retreat, or a "three-hour vacation" as Spector calls it, students start with a practice that teaches postures to help ready the body for gardening. Then the group takes a break to discuss gardening, from elaborate grounds to pots on the porch, however vast their interest happens to be. Next Spector takes the students through a restorative practice with five or six postures to rest and stretch the body after gardening. The finale features a walk in the garden to reflect on stillness followed by tea in the lovely gazebo. You can almost smell the blooming clematis. These are general classes for all levels and abilities. "This is perfect as a beginners class if ever there was one," encourages Spector. "It's very gentle, no standing on your elbows. I promise!" Retreats are popular group escapes for birthdays, bridal showers, family gatherings and office getaways. Drop some hints and maybe your boss will spring for a yoga-filled morale booster next holiday season. But beware, you may become so relaxed that you'll need to take a cab home.
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