DISCOVER JIVAMUKTI YOGA HṚDAYAM BERN
DISCOVER JIVAMUKTI YOGA HṚDAYAM BERN
1) What inspired you to open a Jivamukti Yoga studio?
A strong Jivamukti community exists here in Bern and we wanted to make sure there was a space for that community to call home.
2) How would you describe the mood of your studio in three words?
Herzlich, (heart filled), sincere, kind.
3) What’s the most unique fact around your studio?
It is located in a UNESCO world heritage site, in a vaulted cellar in the old town of Bern.
4) Which teachers are currently offering 500HR Jivamukti Apprenticeships at the studio?
Clare Nicholls
5) How does your studio contribute to the local community?
Hrdayam Bern is run as a not-for-profit organization. This fosters the feeling of togetherness in the community. We also offer all classes with a “pay what you can” option.
We also support local artists in a unique installation display where they show their work – this project has recently been acknowledged by the City Bern as a public art project.
6) What do you love most about the Jivamukti Yoga method?
The integration of philosophy with asana.
7) What is your favourite Jivamukti Yoga sequence and why?
Blossoming Lotus. I love the opening into the balancing Upaviṣṭa Koṇāsana, from contraction to expansion.
8) Can you share a memorable moment from a class at your studio?
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9) What’s the best feedback you’ve received from a student?
That the sequencing always feels complete.
10) What is one piece of advice you have for someone new to Jivamukti Yoga?
Listen.
11) What type of classes or events do you offer that are unique to your studio?
We have a class that is aimed at encouraging minority groups into privileged spaces. The idea is to foster confidence and nurture ownership of a space, breaking down barriers to access. The class is called JEDI Yoga – Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion.
12) Can you share a fun fact about your studio’s history or inception?
When the space opened the landlord who is in his 70s chanted for us the Gayatri mantra. He spent time in India when he was younger and his parents had been followers of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings. He was very nervous to chant and it was a beautiful brave thing for the inauguration of the space.
13) What are your future plans or goals for your studio?
To continue growing the community and to support new teachers. To offer more continuing education workshops encouraging the development and evolution of the teaching team.
14) What do you hope students take away from their experience at your studio?
Reassurance that whatever they are facing at any moment will pass and everything will work out in the end.
15) How do you stay connected with the global Jivamukti Yoga community?
I take classes online with different teachers around the world, and of course, Tribe Gathering.
16) What is your favorite time of day for your sadhana and why?
05.30 – 07.30 am. In the morning my mind is quiet and clear. I like the feeling of practicing before I undertake any of the mundane tasks of the day, by practicing first it seems to imbue everything with sacredness.
17) What is your favorite vegan recipe?
A simple dal I learned from a very old cookery book. The secret is in the preparation of the tarka.
If you are in Bern, go practice at Jivamukti Yoga Hṛdayam Bern:
Address:
Gerechtigkeitsgasse 77,
3011 Bern
Switzerland
Studio Website:
https://hrdayam.ch/
Social Links:
https://www.facebook.com/hrdayambern/
https://www.instagram.com/hrdayambern/