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Eden Yoga Shala Studio Info, Directions, Policies & Etiquette

Welcome to Eden Yoga Shala

This page will be updated as changes are made. Please read thoroughly as some things may have changed and will continue to evolve over time.

  • No drop ins. You must pre-register before you come as we have limited space both in the studio and for parking. We do not want to overbook and ask that you register before you come.
  • Studio opens 15 minutes before weekly classes and 30 minutes before special events start. You can wait on the studio deck, outside or in your car if you arrive early.
  • Leave cell phones and smart watches in your car please. Over time we have found that these devices create unwanted distraction, noise, and interference with wifi when livestreaming our classes.
  • Please read our ETIQUETTE section further down this page to conduct yourself in respectful manner.
  • Bring your own mat if have one. You are welcome to use our mats if you like, but feel free to bring your own if that makes you more comfortable. We have yoga blocks and blankets for your use.
  • For weekly classes we will be livestreaming the class via Zoom to support both the studio and students who cannot come in person, but no one will be on camera except for me. Special events are typically in person only.

Directions and Parking

Important! Please be sure to use the landmarks listed below and don’t rely just on GPS. If you use only GPS, it will likely send you down our neighbor’s driveway (Erratic Way) and we don’t want to disturb them. Please make a note of the specifics below before you come.

Eden Yoga Shala is located at 138 Norway Drive, Bar Harbor.

From downtown Bar Harbor, follow Route 233 (also known as the Eagle Lake Road) out of town for 4 miles. You will pass Kebo Valley Golf Course, Eagle Lake, and Acadia National Park headquarters before descending a large hill. At the bottom of the hill, turn right onto Norway Drive. After a half mile, look on your left for a small sign attached to a tree with the numbers “138.”

Note that the driveway before 138, on the right, has a street sign and is called Iris Ledge Road. The driveway just after 138—also on the left—is called Erratic Way.

Do Not Park on Norway Drive. After entering the driveway, Eden Yoga Shala is the first building on your right. Pull into the driveway and you will be greeted and directed where to park by our friendly parking attendant.

Etiquette (please read as this is updated regularly)

  • No shoes upstairs in the practice area.
  • Unless you have an emergency, are a medical professional on call, or have a family situation you must monitor, there are no cell phones or smart watches in the studio. Over time we have found that these devices inevitably create unwanted noise/notifications, distractions, and interfere with wifi when we are livestreaming our classes via Zoom.
  • Be on time/early for class and expect to stay for the whole class. Late arrivals and early departures are a distraction for both teacher and students. See more info on these two elements further down this page. This has become more important over time and I appreciate community cooperation with this.
  • Be mindful of your impact on others. This is a communal and sacred space and our behavior impacts one another. Here are some considerations with this in mind:
    • Noise:
      • Please keep your pre and post class conversations to a very quiet level. Many students come into this space for peace and quiet.
      • Keep your breathing practices to a whisper level unless we are doing a brief, particular breath practice that requires more vigor/sound.
    • Scent: Refrain from wearing strong scents (perfume/essential oils) and be sure you are free of significant body odor or scents of tobacco or marijuana.
  • This is a sober space. Please be respectful and come to class free and clear of any intoxicants.
  • Please leave your personal belongings in the entry area on the first floor; it is safe to do so. I prefer to leave the practice space free of bags and clutter for aesthetic, energy and safety reasons.

More on Late Arrivals

Do your best to arrive early or to be on your mat by class start time. When the inevitable interruptions in life occur, keep your late arrival to a maximum of five minutes if possible so that you do not create disturbance in the class.

If you arrive late, please be courteous and enter the downstairs lobby quietly. Wait downstairs until opening meditation and chanting ends before entering class or sit and join in without unrolling your mat and disrupting the stillness.

Keep in mind that being late to a yoga class on a regular basis is not respectful to those around you and is disruptive, so please sign up for classes that work for your schedule.

More on Early Departures

The nature of our parking arrangement here on the property does not allow us to leave your vehicle free to leave early.  Additionally, staying for the entire yoga class (including the relaxation near the end – aka Savasana – and our seated meditation) is an important part of the experience.  It is disruptive to have students leaving when not absolutely necessary.

Rates and Packages

Classes are currently pre-registered online and no drop-ins are permitted. If you need another way to pay beyond what is offered online (Venmo, cash, check), please email me to do so.

Our studio is limited in capacity in relation to demand for mat spaces and therefor we are not currently offering class packages at a discounted rate. If you would like to buy a block of classes, that can be arranged (at the regular rate). Please be in touch if cost is an issue for you and we will accommodate as best we can based on available space in our classes.

Reservation Cancellations and Refunds

Weekly classes have a 24 hour cancellation policy and special events and workshops have a 48 hour cancellation policy (unless otherwise noted). Be courteous and contact via email to cancel as we may have a wait list. No shows will not be refunded or credited. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance or 48 hours for workshops/events are eligible for either a refund (less credit card fee) or a studio credit for future use.

Private Yoga Sessions – 24 hours before scheduled start time or there will be a full charge. There may be certain private bookings that require more advance notice and will be communicated to you in advance of booking.

Class Cancellations and Schedule Changes

Last-minute class cancellations for inclement weather or teacher illness will be posted at least two hours before the scheduled class start time via email, on the yoga web page and on our social media pages.

Please include your cell phone number on your online reservation form in case we need to be in touch last minute.

Join my email list as well to get email notifications for last minute cancellations or other changes.

Age Requirement

Minimum age of 15 years old to participate. Feel free to check in if you have children who are just slightly younger than this who have yoga experience. Sorry, these classes are not appropriate for younger children. Students under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver before they can participate in a class or workshop. Feel free to contact me to have a waiver emailed to you if you cannot accompany your child to their first class.

What to Bring and Wear

Yoga mat if you own one – You are welcome to use our mats and props, but feel free to bring your own if it makes you more comfortable.

A closed-top water bottle – We have water and cups, but try to cut down on disposable waste and appreciate it when you remember your bottle. NO GLASS bottles or cups please as our lobby floor is concrete.

Wear clothing that allows for freedom of movement and that makes you feel comfortable. Yoga is typically practiced barefoot, but again please do what is comfortable for you.

Pre-existing Conditions and Injuries

It is your responsibility to inform me of any pre-existing conditions, injuries, illness, or pregnancy and to receive prior authorization, if necessary, from your healthcare provider prior to starting a yoga practice. I want to accommodate you, so please come early to discuss anything that you feel I need to know.

Illness

If you are experiencing Covid symptoms (or have been around anyone who has or is suspected to have Covid), are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, or any other illness, please do yourself—and the rest of us—a favor and skip class and rest until you are not contagious.

New to Yoga

If you are new to yoga, please let me know before class. While prior yoga experience can be helpful as the classes are somewhat active in nature, it is not a prerequisite. My classes are not intended to be exclusive or only for “advanced” students.  Be adventurous; students of all levels of yoga experience – including those who have never practiced yoga before – have enjoyed my classes. I pride myself on offering as many modifications and choices during practice as possible and you are always encouraged to work at your own comfort level.

Facility

Eden Yoga Shala is a beautiful practice space that is light-filled and surrounded by trees and the peaceful quiet of rural Bar Harbor. A restroom and a changing space are available; however, there is no shower.

If you have any questions about my studio or class offerings, please feel free to contact me by email.