Yoga in Action
Yoga can be defined and embodied in a variety of ways. If you’ve taken a class with us, you’ve probably heard invitations to wake up to what is, notice what you can notice, and be with what presents without judgment - these invitations are so that you can take what you cultivate in the studio, out into the world.
We make our offerings as accessible as possible, support our teachers in many ways and foster collaboration over competition within our local community. Through these efforts, we endeavor to put into practice the many teachings of yoga and extend our practice beyond the mat.
Taking yoga off the mat…
Community Discourse Series
Free-to-the-public conversations facilitated by PYC teachers to discuss the intersection of yoga theory & philosophy with broader social justice issues at a community and global level.
*Our next Community Discourse is on Sunday, May 19 at 12:30pm. Learn more!
Free, Discounted & Sliding Scale Workshops
Offerings include monthly free Queer Yoga classes, monthly sliding scale Women’s Circle workshops, monthly reduced cost Guided Meditations, and more!
Local Partnerships
We partner with local, largely women-owned businesses to add value to our memberships while supporting and reinvesting in our local business community. We also donate our studio free of charge to organizations where space rental is cost prohibitive.
Full & Half Yoga Teacher Training Scholarships
In 2023, we offered 2 full and 1 half scholarships as part of our continued work to make systemic change towards diversity, equity and inclusion in the Greater Portland yoga community. In 2024, we are excited to expand our available scholarships.
Price Reduction
No questions asked class or membership price reductions for anyone who finds our pricing prohibitive to getting on the mat.
Quarterly Educational Staff Meetings
Each quarter, we gather as a team for facilitated discussion on a theme. Our 2023 theme was Conscious Communication & Feedback with an aim to develop a culture of conscious communication in the studio and to build a sustainable system of giving and receiving feedback. In 2024, our theme will explore the intersectionality of yoga and social justice.
Continuing Ed Teacher Stipend
Annual stipend for our teaching staff to deepen their knowledge and commitment to their yoga practice. By learning from a diversity of teachers and styles, we can diversify and grow our collective teachings and knowledge base.
Weekly Donation Classes
Free, all-levels Vinyasa classes. Students pay what/if they can, with all donations going towards our Yoga Teacher Training Scholarships.
Why Yoga in Action?
Decolonization: Decolonization is a multifaceted process that involves education, self-reflection and a commitment to creating a safe environment for all. The Yoga in Action work we do aims to expand our students' understanding of yoga through both a critical examination of modern yoga practices and westernized narratives while dismantling colonial influences within the practice, teaching and representation of yoga. This process emphasizes honoring the roots of yoga while adapting it to contemporary contexts in a culturally sensitive manner. The goal is to foster a more equitable and culturally aware yoga community that recognizes and appreciates the diverse origins and expressions of this practice.
Accessibility: This work aligns with our commitment to accessibility. We offer many ways folks can access yoga teachings in a community setting both on and off the mat. We acknowledge that barriers come in many forms, such as financial or the physical ability to get to a studio (hello, fully livestreamed class schedule!).
Connection: Our discourses and offerings open up dialogue that cultivates curiosity, connection and compassion. Classes, workshops and discussions are also opportunities for PYC teachers to share their yoga practice and knowledge beyond asana. All voices are heard and all experiences are honored.