Yoga Refuge has been helping adults get their ohm on in the Montavilla area for about a year, and they’ve recently added childcare to their offerings for busy parents in need of a little me time. We took a peek inside Yoga Refuge’s colorful studio to get the scoop on getting your little yogis taken care of while you perfect your tree pose, catch your breath and find your center. Namaste, indeed.
photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography
The Studio
Director Kate Holly, says hers is the only yoga studio in Portland east of Mount Tabor. As an eastside resident, she sees the space as way to serve families and yoga practitioners living on this side of town.
Yoga classes are held in a bright, warm space, with windows overlooking the main drag of Stark in the heart of Montavilla. The Little Lotus Learning Center kids’ room, directly off the yoga space, overlooks the marquee of the Academy Theater.
Yoga Refuge’s street entrance is clearly marked on Stark Avenue, but you’ll need to walk up a flight of stairs, so leave the stroller at home or in the car. The lobby area where students take off their shoes and hang up their coats also has a carpeted stairwell. Keep those little yogis close at hand until they get the lay of the land. Cubbies are available within the yoga room to keep your valuables close and safe.
photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography
Childcare
At the moment, daycare is available for five classes a week for ages six months up to ten years. They’re looking to expand this service if there’s enough interest, so be sure to come by and let them know if there’s another time or day that works better for your schedule. Care is given by paid babysitters or work-trade parents who practice at the studio.
photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography
Yoga Playdate
With Yoga Playdate, you get to learn and experience yoga, and attempt centeredness along with your child, even if you’re feeling frustrated because they keep moving your yoga blocks. The idea of the classes came out of a desire to invite kids into the yoga space, to let them do as they please, whether it’s to “help” their caregivers with their poses, or sit and play quietly with toys from the daycare space. A yoga practice with the kids in the next room has its own rewards, but a practice with your little one chugging along next to you allows a different experience to unfold. Yoga Playdate is only $8 for parent and child, plus $2 for each additional child.
photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography
What’s in the future?
Depending on demand, Yoga Refuge would love to offer more frequent daycare options, “Mama and Me” yoga, and even yoga for kids.
Yoga Refuge
7831 SE Stark St., #300
702-907-7831
Online: yogarefugepdx.com
Have you tried Yoga Refuge? Let us know in the comments!
—Kelley Gardiner
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