Serenity Now: Sadhana Yoga Studio

Marro Spehar believes that everything happens for a reason. The new owner of Sadhana Yoga Studio (formally Formless Yoga) comments in a calm, content manner that she was, "caught by the wave of pay it forward," and has been riding that wave ever since. Sadhana Yoga Studio is located within the Zen Center of downtown Grand Rapids and provides people of all shapes and sizes with an intimate, exploratory yoga experience. "You don't do yoga, you practice it," says Spehar. "My goal is to assist my clients in taking yoga off the mat and into everyday life."

Spehar has been a successful yoga instructor and massage therapist for the past 12 years. Due to recent health constraints, she decided to retire from her massage therapy practice. Instead of selling her practice for profit, Spehar decided to "gift" the business she had spent 12 years developing to a colleague in the industry named Dr. Sheri Beth Schafer (Schafer Chiropractic and Healing Spa). "I felt it was the right thing to do," says Spehar. "My very first client ended up being my last as well. The end was bittersweet, but necessary."

One month after she ended her massage therapy practice, Spehar received a phone call from Stephanie Squib, then the owner of Formless Yoga. She was looking for the right person to take over her established yoga studio downtown and Spehar's name kept coming up in casual conversations. Upon meeting, Squib and Spehar hit it off right away. "She took a leap of faith just as I had one month prior and gifted me the studio. I knew this was where I needed to be," says Spehar.

To Spehar, yoga is more than an exercise, it's a lifestyle. "Yoga helps you become more centered and present in your own life. People in this society always tend to function 25 yards ahead of the moment. Yoga strengthens your mind and body by challenging you to focus on the now and let the emotions of the day come forward and melt away." In the fast-paced life that many of us lead, it's necessary to shelter our feelings and continually move forward without allowing ourselves a moment to just be still. "Many realizations take place during yoga when people have a chance to quiet their mind. It's my mission to make yoga a rich, challenging experience with a style that is inviting and humanizing."

Spehar specializes in Kripalu yoga, an inquiry based methodology that pushes people to build muscle by sustaining postures and positions for an extended period of time. "Moving quickly from pose to pose can be too forgiving," says Spehar. "We live in a microwave society where people expect change overnight, Kripalu yoga enhances your flexibility and tone, cultivating an even mind.” Spehar believes that people should learn to enjoy the journey and take the time to increase their observation skills while building strength.

With Spehar at the helm, Sadhana Yoga Studio opened its doors April 1, 2012. The space itself is full of warmth and soft red light; it is a naturally calming environment. It's intimate, allowing for 8-10 mats at a time, giving Spehar the opportunity to connect with participants one on one. Spehar begins each class with aromatherapy using therapeutic grade oils specially blended for her by Z Oils and Bodywork. This helps people calm their mind from the stresses of the day and prepare to unwind in a safe and inviting atmosphere. She shares the space with the Grand Rapids Zen Center and Buddhist Temple  led by the Venerable Deokwun Pitts who resides as the abbot of the center. The practice of yoga within the center is separate from the religion, and the schedule of both worship and yoga are complementary; both utilize the space without interfering with one another.

Spehar’s prices are incredibly reasonable and her style caters to both the novice and experienced attendees. “There’s a different way in for everyone,” says Spehar. “I have the ability to boil down the practice to a welcome, knowledgeable answer, enhancing everyone’s experience.” Sadhana’s schedule is flexible providing both evening and “lunch crunch” sessions weekly. Many participants in the area drop off a container to Bartertown on their way to Sadhana, practice yoga for 40 minutes, then pick up their lunch on the way back to the office. (15 percent off for bringing your own container, by the way). This summer, Spehar is continuing her education receiving advanced teacher training in the practice of Kripalu yoga. “I never want to stop learning,” says Spehar. “Life is a journey -- you just have to believe in yourself and step into the flow.” Sadhana Yoga Studio is another step for Spehar in her personal journey, one that she hopes will evolve and grow with each passing day.

For more information about Sadhana Yoga Studio, click here. 

Chelsea Slocum is a resident of Grand Rapids. She works as an educator and enjoys learning about new and different things happening in the city. Follow her on twitter @cslocum.

PHOTOS: 

Marro Marro Margaret Spehar is the owner of Sadhana Yoga.

Photography by ADAM BIRD