Community Corner: Nirvana Yoga, downtown Barrington

Nirvana Yoga owner Marlene Rucks opened her Barrington yoga studio at 232 E. Main St. 10 years ago. Living in the area for more than 20 years, Rucks shared more about the business that she calls her "second home" with Barrington Suburban Life reporter Tarah Thorne. For information, visit www.nirvanayogastudio.com.

Thorne: What inspired you to open a yoga studio in the community?

Rucks: After teaching for about three years at another studio, I felt the need to express myself more freely, using my voice and not someone else’s script, and teaching more authentically.

Thorne: Please describe your class offerings and instructor experience.

Rucks: Our style of yoga is vinyasa. It’s all about the breath, which is used to align our body. We move and breathe and healing happens in both the body and mind. I think what sets us apart from other studios is that we’re not just teaching, but consistently learning from each other and even our students. I like to think of it as an ongoing conversation that’s guiding all of us to grow in our individual practices and open more to this experience that is yoga

Thorne: What class would you recommend to newcomers? Why?

Rucks: For someone who is new to the studio, I recommend the Community Class which is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. You can share the experience of yoga with other like-minded people from all backgrounds, ages and beliefs. For those new to yoga, there are beginner classes at 11:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Mondays, plus an all-levels class at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays.

Thorne: How has the studio evolved since opening?

Rucks: It has been so gratifying to watch Nirvana grow from an inspired thought to an innovative, educational foundation.

It’s crystallized into an alternative movement that meets our need for spiritual practice. We have sparked a mini revolution together, away from the mundane and into the sublime – updating the ancient art of Yoga and still holding what’s true about the practice. It’s less about being in Cirque de Soliel one day and more about having a practice, taking care of our bodies and tuning into our lives. We encourage our students to come as you are –no designer yoga attire or experience required.

Thorne: Any fun plans for the near or far future?

Rucks: In September, we’ll be offering a 200-hour Teacher Training in partnership with Anita Maher, director of Lotus Teacher Training. Students will have two teachers with 30 years of experience leading them to become certified, inspiring, knowledgeable teachers. We’re very excited about this.