Ikov Yoga The Difference Between Like & Love

To all Yogis out there! Whether aspiring, intermediate, or advanced, IKOV Yoga is led by a wonderful woman who will help center your mind and strengthen your body.
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As I sauntered across town from the Mission to the Inner Richmond with two of my favorite ladies on the planet, I couldn’t help but drift through weaving connections in my head about my yoga practice. Sporadic at best, when I do come to my mat, it’s generally to let go of some stress from work or some desperate play for Jason Stackhouse abs. However, as we navigated West through the foggy Pan Handle and across Stanyan on Sunday night, the air visibly twisted, bent, and yoga’ed around our car and inspired an excitement for the 3 Sunday classes I had planned at IKOV.
Upon entering the space (located at WestSide Art House) warmth and the smell of homemade chai tea replaced the chill of the fog from outside. Inviting hardwood floors, soft lighting, and mellow indie music (hear Sufjan Stevens) converged and I immediately embraced the yogic state of mind.

I borrowed a mat (yep, they’ve got some there) and set up my little yoga station complete with blocks, blanket, and water next to my friends. As the time for the class to start approached, the space filled to a comfortable capacity — nothing kills your Zen like having to do yoga in fear of slapping your sweaty neighbor, and thankfully it was a great class size that facilitated a lot of one on one attention.
As we all found our way to our mats and in a sitting position, the class opened with an Ohm and expression of gratitude for our attendance. Our instructor, Mary, then led us through a great balance of warm-​up poses that got our movements in sync with our breathing. These were some poses that I had never done before, but really focused my breathing and practice. Definitely the best way I have ever started a yoga class.
We proceeded to do basic flows that brought us through the warrior positions, and the crazy one where your left arm wraps under your right and then you hug yourself with your legs (eagle I think) and then down to our mat for some inversions.
By the time we made it to the inversions at the end, I felt great. We did shoulder stands and plow and it was the first time I was able to make it to ull plow with my feet behind my head touching the floor (awesome achievement for a pizza lover!).
After the class, we were treated to homemade chai tea and oatmeal bars, which facilitated an awesome forum for a post-​session run down with the other members and even the instructor Mary.
In summation, I felt like I was part of a small, intimate, yoga community where judgement, embarrassment and self consciousness were not even an option. From the very beginning to the very end I felt centered, relaxed, and in the moment thanks to the ambiance, organic flow, and natural instruction.
IKOV is truly the difference between «like» and «love» for Yoga to me!