Dayaalu Center

Four months ago I went to urgent care for a panic attack and the doctor recommended (among other things) that I start yoga and meditating. I have struggled with anxiety for years and have tried a few yoga classes here and there and never liked it. Nevertheless I ended up at Dayaalu Center the next day. I choose Dayaalu because of its convenient location in Winslow. I came for symptom relief and found that and so much more.
The space is beautiful, the food at the cafe is delicious, the diversity of class offerings guarantees a place for people of all abilities. But most important to me are the people, the real community I have found there. The staff, teachers and fellow students are kind and compassionate, truly dedicated to making positive change in the world.

"You bring the body you have today to the mat."

Some of them are sleek and infinitely flexible. Most of them are managing old injuries, or new limitations. All of them are welcome, are necessary, to the community created at Dayaalu.

"Community" is a word thrown around casually, and not everyone is looking for that in a yoga center: some people want to roll out their mat, sweat for an hour, clean up and get on to the next thing. More is available if it's wanted - concerts, lectures, and workshops in dazzling variety - but it's not required. Western culture often concentrates on the physical aspects of yoga, specifically those portions of the practice that will tighten one's backside. If you're looking for that, you can find it here - Emily and Helen's intermediate classes, or Francie's Friday hatha flow, leave hardened athletes on the floor.

What may be far more valuable are those sessions that eliminate the distraction of "perfecting the pose", favoring slowing movement enough that what one's body is honestly capable of, in that hour, can be recognized and accommodated: if you can twist yourself into Noose Pose , but can't take a full breath when you get there, the intention of the pose isn't being fully realized.

Yoga can equally well be practiced to make room - in the body, in the mind - to acknowledge the reality of arthritic joints, or ways of thinking that might have served a useful purpose once, but may be hindering responses to current situations. All ages and ability levels can find an offering that fits them at Dayaalu, including classes for practitioners with physical or developmental limitations: the practice serves and adapts to the individual, rather than the other way around.

I love this place. I did the beginner yoga course here when I moved to the island, and I have never been as supported and included in a space that provides yoga. Love the Tulaa Cafe too, it does the best vegan food on the island. I feel very grateful for Dayaalu and recommend it with all my heart.

Dayaalu is a beautifully designed space dedicated to yoga teachings. I love the variety of classes and teaching approaches, convenient scheduling, and level of professionalism. I'm experienced and a bit picky...I checked out several locations in my local area, and chose Dayaalu. I'm so glad I did!

I have survived everything from cancer to back surgery in the last 5 years every. I still struggle with health issues as I watch the daily prescriptions increase that mask ailments rather than solving the underlying issue. I am so grateful that this center exists on the Island. There is so much variety from varieties of health and emotional counseling to yoga. It's a wonderful one stop shop for us busy Islanders and services are surprisingly affordable. I urge anyone who is looking for alternative ways to stay on top of their health to visit Dayaalu.