DISCOVER JIVAMUKTI YOGA NYC COLLECTIVE
DISCOVER JIVAMUKTI YOGA NYC COLLECTIVE
In conversation with Jivamukti Yoga NYC Collective Founder, HaChi Yu
1) What inspired you to open a Jivamukti Yoga studio?
I first opened Jivamukti Yoga LA in 2018, but sadly it closed due to Covid. It was beautiful …and it broke my heart. After the pandemic, there were no more Jivamukti Yoga Schools in the US. We needed a hub in the US in New York City where it was founded, and my Dharma and blessings have placed me in a seat where I felt both obliged and honored to carry the torch for my teachers, for the students and teachers of Jivamukti Yoga, and for the benefit that this practice brings to the Earth and humanity.
2) How would you describe the mood of your studio in three words?
Bright, Warm, Urban
3) What’s the most unique fact around your studio?
We are now the only official Jivamukti Yoga school in the entire USA.
I grew up on the same block as Sharon and David’s first incarnation of Jivamukti Yoga Society on 8th and B.
4) Which teachers are currently offering 500HR Jivamukti Apprenticeships at the studio?
HaChi Yu, Jessica Sticker, Claudia Debs
5) How does your studio contribute to the local community?
We offer free community classes and many sliding scale/donation based events. As well, we have a nonprofit to fund mindfulness development and education for local community leaders and students to be able to offer Yoga practices to an underserved population in Chinatown and downtown New York.
6) What do you love most about the Jivamukti Yoga method?
Its creative artistic roots and the whole global community. I have family everywhere.
7) What is your favorite Jivamukti Yoga sequence and why?
Caduceus Spiral Sequence… It’s brilliant and feels deliciously satisfying!
8) Can you share a memorable moment from a class at your studio?
New Years Day Mala 2024. 108 Sun Salutations with teachers streaming in from all over to teach together.
9) What’s the best feedback you’ve received from a student?
“It feels like Jivamukti” (home}
(original Second Ave)
10) What is one piece of advice you have for someone new to Jivamukti Yoga?
Whatever you do, practice. Whatever practice looks like to you… do it 108%
11) What type of classes or events do you offer that are unique to your studio?
We offer Qi Gong and Dragon Lotus/Triveni (based on Daoist philosophy) and weekly Dharma with longtime Jivamukti Yoga teacher Jessica Kung, Stephane Dreyfus and guest scholars on Buddhism and Daoist studies. We also have popular weekly soundbaths.
12) Can you share a fun fact about your studio’s history or inception?
The original Jivamukti flagship was created in NYC. We are now the only official Jivamukti Yoga School in the US. Our teachers who are almost all artists have a combined 108+ years of teaching.
13)Â What are your future plans or goals for your studio?
To evolve and expand the Jivamukti community and expand to smaller studios / Satsangs in the boroughs and / or Upstate.
14) What do you hope students take away from their experience at your studio?
A state of bliss – even if only for a brief moment in the crazy city of New York.
15) How do you stay connected with the global Jivamukti Yoga community?
We host international teachers and students, and I facilitate Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Trainings. I make an effort to connect …and primarily I opened a Jivamukti school – not easy but worth it.
16) What is your favorite time of day for your sadhana and why?
Morning time 10am. It’s a habit that is ingrained from dancing days.and I can break it and return to it most easily.
17) What is your favorite vegan recipe?Â
@thekoreanvegan has so many
@sharongannon Nettle Soup
If you are in NYC, go practice at Jivamukti Yoga NYC Collective:
Address:
102 Eldridge St. 2B
New York, NY
10002
Studio Website:
https://www.jivamuktiyoganyc.com/
Social Links:
https://www.instagram.com/jivamuktiyoga.nyc/