Location: Yoga Matrika is located at 1406 S. Negley Avenue in Squirrel Hill. The studio is on Negley between Solway and Woodmont Streets. It is easily accessible from the 67A, C, E, F and J bus lines, which all stop 1½ blocks away on Wilkins Avenue. It is also a quick walk from the Forbes-Murray retail areas.
Inspiration: “Matrikas” are the mothers, a band of divinities in the Hindu and Buddhist pantheon, who are the goddesses of the battlefield and the mothers of liberation. They are awesome and frightening while also known to be protectors and benevolent mothers. According to Shaw, “…goddesses preside over childbirth, agriculture, prosperity, longevity, art, music, and learning.” [Miranda Shaw has written a beautiful article on the goddesses that are part of the Buddhist pantheon in Tricycle Magazine, Summer 2007.]
Boutique: The perfect place to purchase a new yoga mat, handmade yoga mat carriers and eye pillows, divine and all natural aromatherapy products from Buddha Nose, ring-sling style baby carriers, handmade pottery and a selection of books on meditation, yoga and parenting. Gift cards in any amount are available and make the perfect gift for baby and wedding showers, birthdays and holidays.
Studio Etiquette: Cell phones and pagers should be silenced immediately upon entering Yoga Matrika. Kindly leave your shoes, coats and bags in the front room and only bring your mat, towel and water into the practice space. It is best to arrive at least 15 minutes before class to make sure that you have plenty of time to register and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with the instructor. Try not to wear any perfumes or scented oils or products to class. This is for the comfort of your fellow students who may be sensitive to perfumes. An empty stomach is best, but if you are pregnant or need a small snack, try having a glass of milk with an apple or some yogurt with granola up to an hour before class. Wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows for full range of motion for your arms and legs. Keep in mind that some yoga poses will have you upside down and loose t-shirts will fall over your face and expose your middle. Yoga is practiced in bare feet. After class, please make sure that you return any borrowed props to the shelf so that they are neater than when you found them.
Yoga Mats: Yoga mats are a personal use item and Yoga Matrika strongly recommends that you purchase your own mat and bring it with you to class. Using your own mat is an important part of your health and safety and also indicates a commitment to your practice. Yoga mats can, and should, be washed regularly. This can be done in a regular washing machine with a VERY small amount of gentle detergent (a tablespoon will do the trick). You can also just take your mat into the shower with you and give it a good soap and rinse. Hang mats to dry.
Too Fat, Not Flexible, Too Old, Too Busy and Other Excuses: It takes courage and integrity to try something new. When you come to a class at Yoga Matrika, you immediately become part of a community that is committed to coming to the “Mat” as they are. You will never be as young as you are right now and the body, for better or for worse, changes with each breath. Leave your judgment behind with your shoes and take joy with who you are on your mat today. Flexibility is a state of mind and body that must be cultivated. Health is a jewel to be treasured.