With the change of seasons, I have been feeling a little under the weather lately. So last Sunday night, I went on a search for that perfect relaxing restorative class. I fell upon this tiny tucked away yoga studio in the inner Richmond called Bend. Located in one room on the second floor of what seems like an office building, Bend is a tiny little peaceful studio with a warm local feeling. There were about 8 of us taking the class and we were at a cozy maximum.

The class I went to is called Candlelight Yoga and the room has lit candles all along the sides. The blinds were drawn but, due to the longer hours these days, light sneaked in anyway to our 6pm class. (I think that the candlelight effect, as pretty as it was, would be stronger in the 9pm classes).

With soft tunes in the background varying from Iron and Wine to Indian chanting songs, David led us through a deeply restorative practice, really allowing us to sink into the four or five postures that we practiced, which included supported child's pose, one armed frog pose, and a supported back bend. Because there were so few students, a lot of individual attention was given. The teacher was able to give us all adjustments, put sand bags on us, and adjust our props. We hardly did anything ourselves: talk about relaxation!

I found the class to be a great and gentle class for anyone feeling like their body or mind needs a rest; it's also a good way to end the night or weekend, especially with all the amazing Clement Street restaurants nearby for a light post-yoga dinner.

Has anyone else been around the Bend?