Every week, spiritual worlds unite in a darkened cathedral, illuminated with colorful light trickling in from the stained glass windows. Multicolored mats cover the floors of the vast cathedral as a yoga session begins, accompanied by beautiful live instrumentals. It’s fair to say that yoga sessions at Grace Cathedral are simply divine.
Hundreds of people flock to Yoga on the Labyrinth, creating an epic scene beneath the dramatic vaulted ceilings. Well-known local yoga teacher Darren Main leads classes every Tuesday evening from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Due to the classes’ popularity, occasional 9:00 a.m. Saturday sessions have been added with instructors Alison Cardenas and Europa Grace.
The session is a gentle Hatha yoga practice that’s open to all ages and abilities, and costs $15. During your practice, you will be accompanied by live music from world-renowned musicians, all within the stunning architecture of Grace Cathedral. As you lay down your mat on one of Grace Cathedral’s characteristic labyrinths, you’ll realize that this is not your typical yoga experience.
While many of the participants aren’t members of the church, keen yogis will attest to the spiritual nature of the experience that is said to transcend religion. Although, that doesn’t stop the church from delivering a brief reflection from one of the reverends at the start of each class.
History of Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral originally started as a small chapel built during the Gold Rush. The devastating earthquake in 1906 led to the city-wide fire that burned the church, leaving only the framework remaining. Construction on the new cathedral began after William H. Crockers donated the block of land where his former mansion was destroyed in the massive fire. Construction on the cathedral standing today started in 1927, but the labyrinth where yoga enthusiasts practice wasn’t built until 1991.
Remember to reserve your spot at Yoga on the Labyrinth, and if you can’t make your reserved spot, the Cathedral will refund your ticket if you cancel within 24 hours. Bring a yoga mat, any yoga props you need, water, and warm exercise clothes as the cathedral can be quite cool. You’ll find the Cathedral at 110 California St.
Featured image: @gracecathedral via Instagram
By Ashlyn Davis and Dana Flynn