MYOGASPACE

I wanted to write my 100^th review for a truly special place that has changed my life in a positive way, so I have chosen to review Myogaspace, which is the perfect name for this yoga studio because it really is what I call my yoga space. This is no ordinary yoga studio that only focuses on stretching and breathing. Myogaspace delves into all aspects of yoga, and in addition to integral and gentle yoga classes, special courses are offered, such as raja yoga (yoga psychology), meditation, cutting the ties that bind, essential oils with Isabel Meyer, and the upcoming yoga teacher training. What I also like about Myogaspace is that the class sizes are small, so Mitra, the owner and instructor, does correct form and posture so that you get the most from his class.
This is the only yoga studio that I have been to that sets the tone of the class beginning with chanting. I know some people that are unaccustomed to chanting may think that this is strange, but just think of it like singing. You don’t have to worry about being good or bad at it… you just follow along and it really does set the tone for class as I usually have many thoughts racing through my mind when I first enter the studio, but chanting calms the mind and helps me focus on my practice for the day.
I like the stretches and poses that are done in integral yoga class because they keep me flexible, stretch my back, build my core strength, and are not incredibly difficult like other studios that I have been to. Mitra also explains the benefits of each pose.
Also unique to Myogaspace is the deep relaxation session. This is not your usual savasana. You release tension from every area of your body from your legs to your face. After all tension is released, you become a witness of your mind’s thoughts.
Mitra is the only yoga teacher that has taught me proper breathing techniques by explaining the overall process and each step. Before I was put off by yoga classes with «rapid fire» breathing because they wouldn’t teach me the proper breathing techniques and I felt like I was hyperventilating. This does not happen at Myogaspace. At Myogaspace, we do deep breathing, rapid abdominal breathing, and alternate nostril breathing. I absolutely love how everything is explained and broken down into steps.
I leave Myogaspace calm, clear, and rejuvenated, ready to carry on with daily activities. Attending integral yoga classes, learning raja yoga, and practicing meditation at Myogaspace is helping me live a balanced life. Mahalo Mitra and raja sangha!
P. S. Today is also Myogaspace’s 1^st anniversary! Happy anniversary!

I’d tried some yoga classes here and there in the past, never really getting into it but always intrigued by its purported relaxing and strength-​building properties. Upon spending an extended amount of time in Honolulu this past summer, I decided it was a good time to try to get better at this yoga thing. I happened to find a Groupon deal at a yoga studio right in my neighborhood in Hawaii Kai – $ 35 for 10 classes (amazingly cheap, though understandably offered only once per person). It was in this way that I began my summer-​long yoga journey at Myogaspace, where I learned to stretch, focus, and last but not least, breeeeeeeeeeeathe.
Once to twice a week, I dropped into one of the many regularly scheduled integral yoga classes (also offered is «gentle yoga» and «chair yoga»). Compared to other types of yoga classes I’ve been to, integral yoga seems to focus as much on active poses as it does on breathing, relaxing, and meditating. This was perfect for me, as I get stressed out easily, and learning to de-​stress and find my inner peace was exactly what I was looking for out of yoga. I know I wasn’t supposed to, but during the deep relaxation parts of the class, I literally fell asleep almost every time – I was THAT relaxed!
The instructor is Mitra, an experienced integral yoga teacher who is good at explaining things and providing that extra support so you know you’re doing the moves right. It helps that the classes are very small – you might even luck out one day and get your own private session! On average, there were 2 – 4 students per class.
The studio is beautiful, quiet, calm, and wonderfully conducive to practicing integral yoga. It’s located in a residential area, right off of Hawaii Kai Drive heading towards Kalama Valley. I always looked forward to coming to class here.
While I’m now trying to practice yoga at home and am in the market for classes in LA, I do miss Myogaspace. I must credit it for teaching me how to breathe correctly – thank you Mitra :). Hoping to make it back during my future visits to the island.