Breathe Yoga has been open for nearly three months at 5345 Winthrop Avenue, Suite #E near the Monon Trail. Owner Chanh Brodsky recently discussed her passion of yoga. "I became interested in yoga as a way to balance my physical and mental wellness. It helps me center myself and find inner peace while at the same time build more flexibility and strength in my body."

"I wanted to help others by sharing what I learned and experienced not only thru the practice of yoga and Buddhist philosophy, but also how you can incorporate these two elements together. As a Buddhist, I believe in spreading my love and joy to others in order to help them become more empowered. The decision to open up a yoga studio was easy. It was always a passion of mine to teach and share. I wanted to build a community based yoga studio where students felt comfortable practicing in a non-competitive environment," she added. Ms. Brodsky has practiced yoga for 10 years.

She chose the 54th Street & Monon Trail location for her yoga studio because, "I believe the Sobro is a neighborhood that is growing and has become very active. Since I moved here two and half years ago, SoBro has been my neighborhood of choice for restaurants, bars, and shopping. I love the people."

The yoga studio's name has a philosophical theory behind it. "The term, 'koan,' is a paradox to be meditated upon that is used to train Zen Buddhist monks to abandon ultimate dependence on reason and to force them into gaining sudden intuitive enlightenment. It is a phrase or saying that is to be pondered by Buddhists so that in this koan of breathing, as you breathe in, you breathe in through your whole body and as you breathe out, you breathe out through your whole body. So in all of my classes, to help students go deeper into the practice of yoga, we should be mindful of breathing. Students should try to let go out of that autopilot in their daily lives and find more peace and calmness," she emphasized.

Ms. Brodsky's travels have enriched her personal experiences. "I want people to know that before coming to Indianapolis, I lived abroad for one year in Belize and have traveled all over Mexico and Central America. I was a volunteer substitute teacher at Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. (It's located off the northeast coast of Belize). Volunteerism brings more significance to your life, helps round out your personality, and gives you a better disposition. The whole point of taking a sabbatical that entire year was that I wanted to learn and understand how to live a more self-sustaining life where you picked your own food, fished for your meal and relied on oneself for shelter. It was more of a free spiritual experience."

Breathe Yoga's hours varies. Currently hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed on Sunday. A local mental health therapist is available at Breathe Yoga's studio and provides private sessions to individuals by appointment. More information is available by calling (765) 592-3728.

According to their website, www.breatheyogadharma.com, Yoga 101 is "an introductory class for beginners where yoga stances are broken down. Poses and sequences enable students to gain more of an understanding of the techniques used. Personal instruction is given to each student to allow for better postures and alignment." Vinyasa I features "Free flowing asanas and short pranayama at the beginning of class. Students practice breath synchronized movement with dance like movements inhaling and exhaling through the whole body. Students will gain a moderate level of cardio, burn fat and tone the entire body."

Vinyasa II classes "focuses on intermediate asanas such as twists, binds, forward and backward bends, arm balances, and inversions. You will burn fat and build muscle. Students who are looking for a challenge will find one." Vinyasa Slow-Flow sessions "Safely realign your back to relieve spinal compression and ease lower back pain. As you relax and stretch, your own body weight applies pressure, helping muscles relax while circulation and flexibility increase. The focus is on coordinating your breathing with each pose and with each pose, a sense of calmness. Beginners will enjoy the class. The room is lit with scented candles and relaxing instrumental music is played in the background. Students are allowed to wear socks and bring a pillow or additional yoga props." Rise and Shine Yoga is "an invigorating morning class to get your blood flowing and to start your day right. It begins with a warm up and then poses to awaken your senses."

For those interested in becoming members of Breathe Yoga, benefits include: access to all yoga classes on their weekly schedule, a lounge with comfy couches, complimentary teas and snacks, a yoga book sharing club, free use of yoga mats, a great teacher who cares, a three class pass for only $21 and a 20 percent discount off classes and $2 off workshops. You can join at: www.meetup.com/breathe-yoga-dharma.

Private yoga sessions are also available for individuals, small groups, and organizations. All props and yoga mats are provided and an instructor can come to you for a nominal fee. More information is available by calling (704) 777-7878.

Ms. Brodsky reflected on the benefits of her yoga teaching: "The most rewarding aspect is that I see my students challenge themselves in every class to not only go deeper into a pose, but to let go of the mind chatter and cacophony that sets us on auto pilot in our everyday lives."

You can discover a new inner world of peace and enlightenment at Breathe Yoga.