Originally published in the Winter + Spring 2019 issue.
Next time you are in Eagle County and looking for a little retreat from the bustle, be sure to check out MindSpace, a new meditation and yoga studio in Edwards. With as many if not more meditation class on the schedule as movement classes, MindSpace creates a welcoming oasis to relax and dive deep in to your practice wherever you are in your journey.
“My hope is that MindSpace is a peaceful refuge for people to grow their personal practice,” shares Morgan Kulas, owner of MindSpace, “whether it is on the cushion or on the mat.”
Kulas Says MindSpace offers a variety of weekly classes, support groups, coaching services and education opportunities.
“We approach yoga and meditation with an open heart and welcome practitioners from all cultural and spiritual backgrounds,” Kulas shares. “Our classes are rooted in Buddhist, yogic and somatic technologies. Some of our ‘unique’ offerings include Mystical Listening and Meditation in Spanish.”
Tell me a little about when and why you started MindSpace.
MindSpace Meditation and Yoga Center was born out of a collective desire to belong, build bridges and grow. Our intention is to offer a kind, creative and soulful space for self-inquiry and transformation. MindSpace exists because of good karma, love and commitment. It is a bit more like a temple or community center, in that some of our offerings are free or by donation and we are focused on the mental-emotional-spiritual component of the practice.
What would you say makes your space and your offerings unique?
At MindSpace, we approach yoga in a classical manner, emphasizing the teacher-student relationship and alignment and therapeutics of asanas. I personally do not separate the mental-emotional-spiritual component of yoga from my physical practice. In my classes in particular, I invite students to know one another’s names, to be patient with the progress of the room, to stop and break things down, and to share their experiences with the community. We do talk spirituality at MindSpace! It was important to me to offer this experience of yoga to my community.
My introduction to yoga was through the Iyengar lineage, where I studied under fewer teachers and was held accountable for my progress. My affinity for discipline was born from my lifetime of training in classical dance. When I am not at MindSpace I am teaching dance or choreographing at Vail Valley Academy of Dance or working as a guest artist. Dance is a significant part of my life. And because of it, I believe strongly in mentorship, in working with the same teachers for a long period of time, so that you can grow and advance your personal practice. We can learn the yoga asanas from photographs, but things like compassion and non-violence are taught through being in the presence of an experienced teacher. I have been blessed with mentors who embody the essence of yoga.
We can learn the yoga asanas from photographs, but things like compassion and non-violence are taught through being in the presence of an experienced teacher.
What is coming up for MindSpace in 2019?
We will launch our Teacher Training Institute in 2019 as well as our online studio. We will continue with our women’s and men’s meditation circles and add a Meditation Circle for Supporting Addiction (these offerings are free or by optional donation). We have several coaches working in the space, each with unique talents for supporting others in spirituality, health and mental-emotional healing. Our local members will continue to benefit from more weekly classes, workshops and education opportunities as well as the addition of their online membership benefits.
Photos courtesy of Mindspace.
Bobby L’Heureux is the co-owner and Director of Partnerships for CO YOGA + Life™ Magazine. At the heart of his work, Bobby thrives on community and connection. He lives in the Vail Valley where he teaches yoga and runs Big Heart Big Hands, a non-profit that supports mountain safety and awareness. He is an ambassador for Lululemon Athletica Vail, and his yoga classes are always led with a big smile and a relaxed demeanor. www.bigheartbighands.org
