Left to right...
OCY owner, Lorean Murphy,
Yoga instructors, Samantha Brewer and Sandi Shiver;
Rachel Parker, Crafted Arts Boutique Manager/Designer
Open Center Yoga Rolls Out the Mat
by Cate Murway
“Yoga means Union. Union with the Divine. Union with our own inner truth. Being true to our own true nature. Realizing that our own true nature is Divine.
Choosing to reflect that Divinity in our lives.”
The word Yoga originates from the Sanskrit meaning “to yoke,” to bring together in the mind, body, and spirit. In Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism the word yoga means "spiritual discipline".
Workout fads come and go, but virtually no other exercise program has proven to be as enduring as yoga. Originating from the East, it's been around for more than 5,000 years. Yoga can do more than help one twist his/her body into pretzel shapes and find inner peace. It is more than mastering postures and increasing your flexibility and strength and reducing stress. It’s a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation, drawing housewives and hipsters, New Agers and the old-aged, and body culture and corporate culture into synergy. Statistics show that about 16 million Americans practice yoga every year.
Open Center Yoga, big Yoga in a small town, is affecting some of the lives and spirits of those within the Borough community, connecting hearts, minds and mats.
“This space has created a pretty great energy around community and friendship and has blossomed in a huge way; women supporting women especially.”
OCY on 100 Wood Street is studio owner, Lorean Murphy’s calm and inviting, beautiful, serene space environment located in a century old building in historic Bristol on the Delaware, right on the corner of Wood Street by the Mill Street parking lot since February 2014.
Make it your ‘OM’….away from home.
“Bristol is a unique town. And I am in love with folks that come in and stay a while.”
A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.
Yoginis, Sharon, who was introduced in September to ‘Yoga for Whole Body Wellbeing’ at the Margaret R. Grundy Library, and Borough resident Sue, both enjoy the space and pace for themselves, as well as for Sue’s 2-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.
Our fast-paced world provides few opportunities to slow down, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the lives of today’s children. Overwhelming evidence from numerous studies, both qualitative and quantitative, demonstrate that the practice of yoga can provide enormous benefit to children, positively impacting academic performance, discipline, attendance and improved attitudes about themselves.
Kids’ sessions are Tuesday evenings twice a month, 5:45 pm- 6:45 pm.
Lorean, who exudes infectious energy, has been a Certified Yoga instructor since 1998, certified also in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. “We now have room to stretch out as well as stay close and connected through all of our sessions. Under candle light, we practice healing the spirit and light of the soul.”
Incense creates the sacred, “meditative and centering” space.
While following the breath, both male and female students are guided in transforming the mind from day-to-day clutter, to a mind that is calm and connected to one’s body.
Yoga is a holistic, comprehensive approach to handling stress, and can even offset stressors by providing a moment of pure pause amidst all the activity.
Impact is beyond measure, but the marked success with focus and balance is not.
Come in and find that OCY offers numerous time-tested and proven technique classes and styles, striving always to be innovative and cutting edge with yoga trends. Choose among an eclectic mix, including private and walk-in yoga classes, healing energy sessions, Thai Yoga Bodywork and Reiki Crystal Therapy sessions, hoop dance, mat Pilates, yoga dance, massage or a stillness meditation session. Gentle yoga, senior and yin yoga [a slow-paced style with poses “āsanas” held for longer periods of time] is also offered; something to satisfy whatever your body’s need. A 75 minute yoga session can help build muscle and increase flexibility.
Community support is key! Yogini, Melissa Pompa Dorman aptly handles the social media.
The OCY’s ongoing Food Drives benefit the Bristol Borough Community Action Group’s Food Bank on 99 Wood Street in the Borough. “For every 5 cans and/or non-perishable food items you bring into the Yoga Center, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win 2 free yoga classes.”
Lorean’s daughter, BCCC student, Cierra assists with face painting on Mill Street First Friday events.
Free Yoga is offered on Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm and Thursdays, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm for veterans. Classes are funded through
*"Meghan’s Foundation" [*supporting our physically and emotionally wounded veterans with PTSD through providing complimentary healing modalities such as yoga and meditation.]
New year…. new you? Focus on the PRESENT! Peruse the selections of natural soy candles, mat sprays that ensure a lovely scent each time the mat is unrolled,
incredible dōTERRA essential oils, and an eclectic assortment of local artists’ hand-crafted products and jewelry.
OCY Gift certificates are available.
People of all ages and fitness levels can do the most basic yoga poses and stretches.
Move more, eat less, an adage of many a dieter. Yoga just may be able to assist one on both fronts. Regular practice gets one moving and burns calories,
and the emotional dimensions may encourage one to address any eating and weight concerns on a deeper level,
with inspiration for one to become a more conscious eater.
So….EVERYONE… hit the mat!
Open Center Yoga & The Crafted Arts Boutique
100 Wood Street
Historic Bristol, PA
267.980.5833
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
