Anyone who has taken yoga — no matter what your level — knows that it is a challenge. In fact, if it isn’t challenging you then you’re not doing something right. So one of the most important features of a good yoga studio is the environment. Is it friendly and comfortable? Does it have a good design? Does it allow you enough space? Ventilation? Lighting?
When the odd log cabin-style building in the heart of Pismo Beach began its most recent transformation 7+ years ago we were curious as to what it would be this time — most recently it had been a teak and import furniture store that I quite honestly had never seen anyone go into or out of — curious. This time however it took the vision of owner and yoga guru Kelly Metcalf who saw a naturally perfect space for meditation and practice and so Harmony House Yoga was born!
Over the 15 years I have taken yoga on-and-off, I’ve had the opportunity to take classes in Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and many California locations up and down the state – big cities and small. I’m happy to report that Harmony House has its own special place in my heart with a great design and fantastic instructors. I first started with Pilates classes but graduated to trying different formats — and different instructors. Love Kelly’s Hatha as well as several other instructors’ interpretations. Also love to challenge myself once in awhile with a Vinyasa session. And it is always nice to relax and be more thoughtful with my practice in HHY’s Candlelight Yin sessions.
Over the years HHY has grown — from a single room with a massage room to a great space with a reception area and boutique, a foyer for removing and storing shoes and other items and a large quite studio with tons of natural light, log walls and minimalist decor and paper lantern lighting. It is inviting and the classes are both challenging and instructional. It is easy to get to, relatively easy on parking and the menu is chock full of classes to fit most schedules.
The best part is the owner — Kelly Metcalf. She definitely sets the tone for the studio in her unflappably happy personality. She has been described as one of the happiest people on earth and I have to agree. Whether it’s been a week or a year since your last visit she greets you by name — and her sessions end with an endearing “I love you!” And who doesn’t need to be told they are loved? Stop by and get a dose of the HHY love. See you next week!