Savonn Wyland, co-owner of Bernal Yoga and yogi extraordinaire, led another two hour Yoga Dive-In session at the studio this past Sunday. The last time she did this was in December and it happened to be the day before I was leaving for India. The experience of that class stayed with me throughout my trip so when I heard that Savonn was back, it was hard to restrain my excitement.

I have a sense many people coming to the workshop have that same feeling. There is a very focused attention Savonn brings to the studio and her students follow in suit. For the first hour, it was almost as if we were breathing in unison, the focus was so strong. And moment by moment, through vinyasas, standing poses, arm balances and back bends, Savonn guided with clarity, consistency, demonstration, grace and strength. It’s interesting to have taken class both from Savonn, and Bill, her brother and co-owner of the studio. They both have a sense of calm they bring to their classes, this idea that they are completely comfortable teaching and guiding, and this sense that they truly love what they do.

In fact, it is with that foundation that many of the teachers at Bernal thrive, and what makes it such a special studio.

Similar to the last Dive-In, we did positions I had never tried before: We did a headstand with a block on one of our feet while moving our legs around trying to balance the block, we did variations on back bends using the wall and we did shoulder stand, being reminded that although it may be uncomfortable, it is so good for our inner body (like our lymphatic system, who knew!).

Savonn was always there to demonstrate, support, guide and adjust and I was reminded of just how wonderful it is to come to class (as oppose to practicing at home). With the right teacher, there is such a deep sense of support and safety, as there are in many Bernal classes.

The class began with a poem about the importance of realizing that every moment is new and fresh, a chance to relinquish the past and be with the present. It ended with the invitation to be a warrior in this wild and ever changing life. For those of us in class with Savonn, we walked out feeling empowered to be just that.