Bay Area Studio Highlight: Purusha Yoga
Studio name: Purusha Yoga
Owners: Joy Ravelli and Eric Sparks.
Location/neighborhood: San Francisco / Richmond District.
Parking/closest public transportation? Metered and free parking is available in the streets surrounding the studio and we are walking distance from multiple bus lines (18, 31, 31AX, 5, 5R). Fun fact - there is a discount on drop-in classes for those who walk, bike or bus to class.
What was the inspiration behind the studio? The owner, Joy Ravelli, has been teaching yoga for over 30 years and yoga teacher trainings for close to 20. She started the Purusha SEVA Project in 2008, wanting to share these practices with people who may not be able to come to a yoga studio. This started with free yoga in Golden Gate Park, yoga for veterans, families, and folks who were incarcerated or striving to re-enter society after incarceration.
In 2009 she found herself in a period of immense personal grief after the loss of her son Alex, and in the following year, with the hopes of honoring Alex’s guiding messages of “let it be love” and to “ease the suffering of others through service,” she created Purusha Yoga studio.
The studio has since grown strong in its roots, providing the local community with classes and programs that empower the true self, and offer yoga and yoga therapy to underserved populations within that community in an ongoing dedication to service.
Do you have a mission at your studio? To empower the self and unite community.
What style of yoga classes are taught at your studio? Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Hatha/Raja, Dance, Yoga for Beginners, Yoga for Seniors...the list goes on. Purusha offers a full schedule of daily classes that vary in style, dynamics and personalized services, and are led by experienced teachers who use the 8-limb practices and philosophies of Hatha and Raja yoga to take students beyond yoga and into holistic wellness and health.
Do you offer meditation classes? All Purusha classes are given as complete and integrative 8-limb practices, and therefore will contain elements of meditation, movement, and mindful direction of energy.
Do you have Kirtan at your studio? No.
Do you have a teacher training program at your studio? If so, tell us a little bit about the training. Yes. The school is one of the three unique ways we share yoga with our community - School, Studio, SEVA. Purusha is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with the Yoga Alliance for its 200-Hour and 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training programs, and is currently seeking accreditation with the IAYT for its Yoga Therapy Training program. Purusha offers an exciting menu of advanced courses that you can take as part of a program or for individual certification.
Do you offer special events or workshops? Yes. Purusha takes great pride in being able to share the unique offerings of our teachers with the community, and we are constantly updating the schedule and website with upcoming events, certifications, workshops and individualized series.
What kind of students would resonate with your studio? We are unique in that we truly meet people where they are. Purusha attracts people of all ages, body shapes, sizes, and colors, and all levels of experience. It is our goal to create a safe space where students can show up as themselves, no matter what's going on in their lives, and find the joy and contentment that is always available within each of their hearts.
What is your favorite quote? “The soul is here to be curious, to play, to enjoy this realm whole heartedly” - Upanishads
Website: www.purushayoga.org.
