Though small in size, Kali Ray TriYoga Center members say the Spring Street center has had an enormous effect on their lives.
The studio recently became a community-run nonprofit organization of students and teachers of yoga.
Waltham TriYoga Director Beth Gold-Bernstein said she decided one day she could no longer run the studio alone, having a full-time job in a high tech industry.
"When I said I could no longer run it by myself and asked if the community would be willing to help run it as a nonprofit, the answer was a resounding yes," she said. "I believe this will help strengthen the community and we will eventually be able to offer more programs in a larger space."
Members of the studio yesterday practiced TriYoga, a systematic method of stretching and breathing techniques which "quiet the mind," Bernstein said.
"I have been practicing yoga for almost 33 years. Fifteen years ago I discovered TriYoga and started experiencing the states of consciousness I had previously only read about," she said. "In my 17 years of practice and teaching previous to TriYoga, I tried all different forms of yoga and never had these experiences."
TriYoga is taught in schools, universities, hospitals, clinics, businesses and at 24 TriYoga centers by more than 400 certified teachers in 30 countries, according to its Web site, www.triyoga.com.
Nonna Otmakhova, a Waltham resident of seven years, started practicing yoga at the studio about a year ago.
"I just felt so down physically. I lost a job, I was depressed. I am a neuroscientist so for the last six years I've barely had any physical activity," she said. "I saw this sign here for years."
Otmakhova said she is "practically living" at the center.
"I just enjoy being here. The group is so supportive and amazing," she said.
Kathleen Henighan, a Waltham resident of six years, said TriYoga is an uplifting experience.
"I think what inspires me is the people are dedicated here toward helping one another, but also taking a real positive attitude toward the environment," she said. "That's what impresses me. It feels like a neighborhood hangout for yoga."
Wayland resident Michael Bratt began taking classes at the center after his son told him about TriYoga. He said his son started practicing 10 years ago.
"It becomes more meditative than what you can do at a gym," he said "I got hooked. It will be two years (coming here) this November."
For more information on TriYoga, visit www.triyoga.com.
Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com
