Hatha Yoga with Andrea Paige at The Yoga Barn

GPS waypoint: 8°31'08.4"S 115°15'52.4"E
Location: The Yoga Barn, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

The Invite
I'd been an Andrea fan since I attended her health talk a few weeks ago. She's a health crusader and also a yoga teacher. I've tried and written about several yoga classes by different yoga teachers from different yoga studios in Ubud. But surprisingly, I haven't done Andrea's yoga class yet. So, when she replied to my 'invite me' email with the words, "You are more than welcome to be my guest. I would love for you to attend my classes.", I had to drop everything for it.

Pre-Asana Foreplay
When Andrea walked into the studio, she commanded the room. Her presence is strong and inviting, but she does not intimidate...she engages you. Before any of the asanas, she talked about Hatha Yoga. What exactly is Hatha Yoga? But even before that, how do you even say "Hatha Yoga"? That's how we started. How do you properly say it with due emphasis on the Yin and Yang attributes of the name? She explained on what's in the name, Hatha Yoga which only deepened our understanding and appreciation to what's up ahead. She continued to refresh and illucidate on fundamental theory before the practice.

The Practice
Andrea's brand of Hatha Yoga is like no other. We only did a few asanas but we went deep and long, holding it, sinking deeper into it, coming to terms with an asana's unique dynamics...as she expounded on sense of purpose, intent, meaningfulness, making us understand why we were there in the first place. By the time we reached Savasana, it felt like we've gone over a lifetime. After coming out of it, I felt like I died and came back to life.

Ending Thoughts
Again, I say that any yoga teacher can say, "exhale, Downward Dog" - anyone can and everybody does. So how do you make it a unique experience for your students? How do you make yourself unique as a teacher as well? What are you offering that no one else offers?

Andrea puts clarity and sense of purpose into what she's going to make you do. She broadens your understanding for deeper appreciation and firmer foundation. She empowers you by giving you grounding on the basics so you can move ahead with confidence and a sense of direction. Yes, that is what she adds to 'exhale, Downward Dog'.

Andrea, I will say it again, you amaze me. Thank you! And now that I am out of Ubud (just arrived Kuala Lumpur), I can only be grateful I had the chance to experience what it's like to be within your orbit while I was there in that enchanted place.

ps - If you want me to participate and write about your yoga studio or your yoga practice, email me. For my complete yoga profile, you can visit this page: YOGA by Gigit

Bali, Indonesia

tourist attractions

Pasar Seni Ubud (market) - main market in Ubud with everything touristy you can ask for
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) - 9th century Buddhist temple
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - there really is a monkey forest right in the heart of Ubud!
Jalan Kajeng - animated street similar to Hollywood's Walk of Fame
Nyuh Kuning - wood carving village with a burgeoning chic cafe and resto scene along Jalan Nyuh Gading
Ubud Royal Palace - home of the royal family
Campuhan Ridge Walk - spectacular ridge view and hike ending 1km to the artists' village, Bangkiang Sidem | 8°30'13.0"S 115°15'16.9"E

- hotel

Ubud Backpackers Room - newly constructed, all new and clean, lockers, good water pressure, compli tea and coffee, spacious and alfresco chillout center
Jalan Nyuh Kuning, Pengosekan, Ubud, MAS, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali - 8°31'36.5"S 115°15'41.3"E
Nando House - free WiFi, restaurant, terrace, free private parking, pet-friendly accommodation, private bathroom, room service
Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia - 8°30'14.4"S 115°15'28.6"E

yoga

The Yoga Barn - full service yoga studio, holistic healing retreat center
PT. Yoga Barn, Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud - Bali, Indonesia - 80571
8°31'08.4"S 115°15'52.4"E
Ubud Yoga House - yoga for Every Body...all shapes, sizes, ages & levels
Jl. Raya Ubud No.23, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
8°30'07.0"S 115°15'30.5"E | 0821-4418-1058
Taman Hati Yoga - Pranawayu yoga and Kundalini yoga
Jalan Nyuh Gading No.7, Ubud, MAS, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
8°31'32.7"S 115°15'24.6"E | +62 (0)361-974-058 | tamanhatiyoga.bali@gmail.com
Ubud Yoga Centre - Ashtanga Yoga
Jalan Nyuh Kuning Raya / Singakerta Raya, Ubud, MAS, Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
8°31'43.0"S 115°15'15.5"E | +62 812-1020-389 | hello@ubudyogacentre.com
Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio - Healing, Yoga, Meditation with a breathtaking view
Jl. Raya Tjampuhan, Penestanan Kaja, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
8°30'10.8"S 115°15'07.8"E | +62-361-977-824 | contact@intuitiveflow.com
Ambar Ashram Laughter Yoga - Healing, Laughter Yoga, Meditation
Jl. Nyuh Bojog No.5, MAS, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
8°31'21.2"S 115°15'22.0"E
Radiantly Alive Yoga - Vinyasa Yoga, Tibetan Heart Yoga, Iyengar Inspired, Pilates, Fly High, Roll and Release, Ashtanga Mysore, Yoga Dance, Salsa, Arm Balance Foundations, Beginners Yoga
Jl Jembawan no.3, Padang Tegal Kaja Ubud, Bali, 80571
+62 (0)361 978 055 | 8°30'33.7"S 115°16'01.2"E
White Lotus Meditation Centre - Meditation classes | Meditation retreats
JL. Kajeng 23, Ubud, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
+62 899-0134-962 | 8°30'12.9"S 115°15'43.1"E
ONEWORLD retreats - yoga, meditation, spa and discoveries
Jl. Suweta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 289752 | info@oneworldretreats.com

- restaurant

warung eateries - a cluster of roadside eateries, essential for those on a budget or those who want authentic Balinese everyday food at local prices
across the Pertamina Gas Station - 8°31'28.2"S 115°15'49.0"E
Nando's Warung - delicious Balinese food at local warung price in a garden setting
Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia - 8°30'14.4"S 115°15'28.6"E