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Yoga on the Labyrinth
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
Grace Cathedral1100 California St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
(415) 578-3377
- Good for Kids:
- No
24 reviews for Yoga on the Labyrinth
24 reviews in English
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Review from Joanna T.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
Yoga on the Labyrinth (aka Labyrinth Yoga) at Grace Cathedral creates an incredible sense of community and sharing. I find it incredibly spiritual to practice yoga is such a beautiful space with live music (harp, chanting, singing bowls, piano, etc) and the soothing voice of instructor Darren Main.
This is a gentle yoga class that works for all levels of practitioners. You could be a seasoned yogi or a beginner, it doesn't matter. All poses can be modified for more advanced levels. That's why you'll see people of all ages and ethnicities attending. Everyone is welcome.
If you need help, there are many kind volunteer assistants who roam the space to assist attendees with poses or posture. If you don't want any adjustments, you just have to say so.
I feel as if I'm on a retreat from the stresses of the everyday world, practicing in a meditative fashion without any competitiveness or attitude that you find in other places. And I'm so thankful it's in my neighborhood!
Class starts at 6:15pm every Tuesday evening
Duration: About an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish
Cost: Donation based
Equipment: Bring your own mat, towel, etc.
Value: Priceless! -
Review from Lynn M.
Washington, DC
1/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The Grace Cathedral is one of the most architecturally breathtaking buildings I've ever been inside of. Enormous vaulted ceiling; perfect cobalt-blue and ruby stained glass windows; intricate glass work and cement designs; frescos of San Francisco's history on the wall--it's just incredible. Coming in early and just appreciating it will put you in a really good yoga head-space. (And help secure a good spot--it got very crowded after 6.)
The yoga class takes place on a meditative design in the middle of the church. There were between 50-100 practioners there tonight. It was incredible practicing with so many people in such a special place. Especially because the instructor had a great tempo, good verses to mediate to (Buddhist and Daoist), and a good sense of humor.
It's very easy to hear instructions, and there's so many people, it's easy to see what happens next, so I think it'd be pretty good for beginners, as well as more advanced students. There was a live performer, switching between playing an Indian instrument I'm not familiar with, a didgeridoo, the piano, and sounds of the ocean on his laptop. The music was very complimentary to the yoga poses, and it helped with the acoustics of 50+ people breathing almost in sync, which, to me at least, seems a little gross. The class was about 1 hour.
Bring your own mat and a donation that goes towards the church and the yoga program (donations are optional). -
Review from J. P.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yoga on the Labyrinth is a wonderful experience. I went again last Tuesday because I felt it would be a great way to start the year plus I hadn't done any sort of stretching for over a week. Yes, it gets crowded and if you arrive too close to the start time, you might get stuck behind a pillar or in the aisles. There are quite a few people there so its not a very personal class. But the level is easy, perfect for someone like me, though Darren does give alternatives for those who can handle a bit more of a challenge. The assistants are very encouraging.
The acoustics are fantastic for the live music but even better when the om is harmonized by the whole group. And during the summer months,seeing the light streaming through the stain glass is beautiful. During the winter, the darkness around the windows can be very cozy and comforting.
Definitely a unique San Francisco experience made all the better because I catch the cable car there. -
Review from Priyam D.
Fremont, CA
1/25/2012
Such a great yoga class. I've only done yoga a few times before, so I was concerned that I would feel odd around a bunch of experienced people. However the class is welcoming of beginners. The instructor and his assistants walk around during the class to help people. I thought that was nice especially given that there were about 50 people at the class (definitely arrive on time with your own mat, because the space fills up fast). Also the location is great. The cathedral is beautiful and adds for a nice setting. Be warned that it is pretty cold, so actually bundle up a bit.
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Review from Sarah D.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011
This class is fine, but the previous incarnation, with Jamie as the teacher, was so much better because it was very small and intimate. The current class is always packed to the gills and Darren seems to want to always continue spreading the word about it. You'd need to remove some of the cathedral's pews in order to accommodate more people coming out for the yoga class.
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Review from Gina G.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
I went to this last Tuesday for the first time ever. I was expecting to be one of the youngest people there, but surprisingly was not. I think a lot of the people there were in my age range (20's).
Definitely worth going to. The only complaint I have is that my back and knees HURT from the stone floor. Of course I used a yoga mat (remember to bring your own, by the way), but that didn't help much. -
Review from Alice S.
11/7/2011
Great class and idea. Grace Cathedral is one of my favorite spots and now that I know there is yoga, this place is even more cool. You should 100% check this out!
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Review from B. C.
Pacifica, CA
5/12/2011
This was a great experience - live music, stained glass, gentle guidance... It's great for beginners, like me, or if you are up to it you can always make the poses more challenging to suite your skill level. There are volunteers to help assist you if needed and the whole thing is very non-intimidating compared to dropping into a traditional yoga class.
I walk from the BART station so I have the added benefit of a little cardio beforehand :) and leave feeling centered, at peace, and like I've done something good for myself. -
Review from Ernesto G.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2011 9 Check-ins Here
This venue is amazing! I'm a beginner and the classes are catered to newbies. Darren gives you a starting pose and you can take it further or just do a resting pose. Get there early as spots are limited. The live musicians are great too especially in a cathedral setting where the sound reverberates like only a cathedral can. The assistants are really helpful too.
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Review from Antonia T.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2010
A gorgeous experience in a transcendental space. That said, this is understandably a beginner class and really more of a stretch thank a rigorous workout.
Lovely teachers, lovely music, certainly recommended.Listed in: SF Yoga
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Review from Sameer D.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2010
I've been going to Yoga on the Labyrinth for about a month now and it's possibly one of the best yoga class I have been to. There's something about the combination of Darren's voice, the venue of Grace cathedral, and the quality of the live music, that makes this class special. It's not like the classes you get at gyms or other yoga studios that may focus on kicking your ass. This class is more meditative or relaxing, and the feeling after leaving the class is truly magical. It's an all levels class (beginner) so it it perfect for people who are new to yoga, and just want to see what it is all about. Last night I went and there was a woman playing the harp and singing. She had the most amazing voice and I would pay money just to listen to her sing, even without the yoga!
Practical details:
When: Every tuesday at 6:15 (get there by 6 to get a good spot)
Where: Grace Cathedral (Taylor and California--Nob Hill)
Parking: Street and garages nearby
Bring: Your own mat, and be changed in gym clothes
Cost: Donation based (you pay whatever you want) -
Review from Eliza S.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2010
Yoga on the Labyrinth is wonderful. Please do consider coming even if you're only just a bit curious about yoga, mystically-divined music, or Grace Cathedral, for this is a special experience.
Whenever I enter the cathedral, which I have only four times, and each for this yoga class, the presence of the place meets me at the door, and I am immediately quieted. I do not follow any religion, yet feel altered, deepened, upon crossing the threshold, as though my consciousness recognizes the power of this space, and my 'regular' urban self takes a moment to recognize the shift.
Darren is the perfect person to teach this class. He is kind, open, inclusive, and the diversity of students is a departure from the dominant yoga studios. It seems like students feel comfortable being new to yoga here, for he will patiently guide a student through a pose. For the more experienced practitioner Yoga on the Labyrinth may be challenging not on the physical level, but instead the summons is to connect with self when not _distracted_ by a very rigorous sequence and focused class. Darren's lack of agenda is freeing, and I salute him and the musicians for creating this donation-based class, especially since I assume that he puts a fair amount of effort into organizing the class. I've enjoyed absorbing the music, some of which is entirely new to me - yoga with live music reverberating through the stunning cathedral resonates on many levels of self.
Note: Perhaps because the place offers the sacred, what is artificial seems egregious here. On a practical level, please do not wear chemical scents to class. During one class I was next to someone who seemed dressed entirely in Bounce, and another time I was next to someone wearing artificial perfume; both scents were quite distracting, even though once outside they may not have been noticeable. -
Review from vira k.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2010
I just moved to SF and found Yoga on the Labyrinth, mere steps from my new home. Call me lazy, but I'm a big fan of proximity.
My first time there, I thought I'd scope out the place 20 minutes before class to get a "good spot" before everyone got there and to see if I actually wanted to stay. Much to my surprise, there were already about 15 people there plus the instructor, musicians and the guy who signs people in. Upon entering Grace Cathedral, I was stunned by the architecture and gorgeous stained glass windows. Of course, I stayed.
That night, the musicians were Christopher Love & David Kresner, who do kirtan (call and response chanting/singing) while playing an accordion-type instrument and guitar. Other regular musicians include Timothy Das who plays flute and didgeridoo, Sam Jackson plays singing crystal bowls and Kendra Fay plays the harp. My favorites are kirtan and the didgeridoo.
Darren leads everyone through a gentle hatha practice and has 4 assistants who help adjust practitioners in their poses. I prefer a vigorous yoga practice, and because there's such a diverse crowd, I really appreciate that Darren creates a space where people can make the practice their own.
Doing yoga at Grace Cathedral while listening to live music made my practice more expansive and I could breathe more deeply. I always leave feeling peaceful, grounded and joyful. I think they call it bliss. -
Review from Suzanne V.
Oakland, CA
9/14/2011
I came here for the first time last night and it was amazing. Darren Main guides you through a gentle hatha yoga class supplemented with wonderful live music and assistants who help adjust you. This class is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a simplified class in a beautiful setting. The beauty of the cathedral in jaw-dropping with it's beautiful stained glass windows - lovely to see when you are in downward dog. It's also a great feeling to be doing yoga on the labyrinth - the giant meditation circle inside the church (there is a smaller one outside too!). Class is donation based - Darren said "we want you more than we want your money so please give as much as you can but really, please just come!" Recommendations: come as early as 5:55 pm to secure a good spot nearish the center & bring warm clothes as this is a fricking cathedral so it's very cool inside (this is a nice change from most yoga classes where it can get very stuffy!). I will definitely be coming every Tuesday from now on!
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Review from brenna O.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2010
There is something about practicing yoga in a cathedral on top of a labyrinth that is surreal and magical. I've never had a similar experience in my life. It is incomparable to any yoga class.
I only wish it wasn't ONLY on Tuesdays! I would go EVERY DAY if they had it! -
Review from Shauna C.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2010
I just found out about Yoga on the Labyrinth last month when Sam Jackson played the singing bowls for a 3-hour restorative class I took at Mindful Body. I was excited to hear Sam plays the bowls again last night for my first venture to Yoga on the Labyrinth. I'm hooked!
It's simply enchanting to practice gentle Hatha/flow in Grace Cathedral, under the kind guidance of Darren and his assistant, with the music filling the cathedral, with 75-100 new friends. All on a donation basis. I plan to be there every Tuesday from now on. Spectacular! -
Review from Peter W.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2009
Darren's Yoga on the Labyrinth is not a sweat fest of power yogis. It's a very gentle flow yoga class that blends asana, the breath, spiritual and meditative aspects into one amazing experience! The participants are very diverse. As always, Darren creates a supportive environment and provides modifications for all poses so everyone irregardless of flexibility can participate.
I have only been able to attend twice due to my conflicting work schedule. My 1st class was without live music. It was still pretty awesome to open your eyes in savasana and see the stain glass ceiling. The 2nd class I attended had Timothy Dixon playing the Diggeridoo and Native America flute and Mirabai playing the harmonium. Both also performed Kirtan during the practice. The acoustics in the Cathedral truly made the music even more beautiful. Unfortunately I missed the recent class with Sam Jackson's singing bowl due to work.
Cathedral can be chilly so wear layers and parking can be difficult but not impossible. I have always been able to find street parking after circling a few times. -
Review from Jordan V.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2010
I can not think of a more beautiful serene place to practice yoga. I am a student of Darren's from Yoga Tree and came to Grace Cathedral to check out his class. My first steps inside the cathedral were inspiring and calming. Darren sometimes has a musical guest to provide some tunes while you move on the mat. This class is for people of all ages and levels!! The class is also donation based with the donations going to the musical guest (if there is one) and the church. Bring your yoga mat, some water, any props, and some warm clothes to move in. Doing yoga on the Labyrinth is truly a unique San Francisco experience.
Listed in: Yoga Yoga Yoga
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Review from Yevi A.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2010
practicing yoga in grace cathedral feels unreal.
i came last week when ryan brewer played an indian instrument i forgot the name of and did singing and chanting. this with darren's instruction and the surroundings made for an amazing, enchanting, beautiful experience.
i wish i got off work early enough to come to this every week. -
Review from Maxwell W.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2010
Yoga in one of the most beautiful buildings in San Francisco. Great chance for first timers, although he always has options for more advanced students. Bring a mat.
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Review from Alex S.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2010
There are no words to describe this magical and spiritual space. Every time I attend Darren's yoga class on the Labyrinth I am in awe. In awe of my body and what it can do, in awe of my mind and how it can actually reach a calm state, and most of all in awe of life and how stillness can bring a sense of happiness and appreciation. I have never taken a yoga class like this one. The musical guests that Darren brings in allow your body to relax and go into a deeper state of whatever you may need. I LOVE this class and am so grateful that such a thing is offered only 3 blocks from my house! Darren is by far one of the most gifted yoga instructors I have ever encountered.
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Review from Jeremy S.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2010
I just moved to Nob Hill about 2 weeks ago. Since having moved here, things have been a little unsettled....which I feel is common for just having moved to a new place. Nonetheless, I did yoga at Grace Cathedral tonight and I walked out of the class feeling more grounded and centered. Attendees of all ages and skill level could benefit from the class. The musicians playing music are amazing and I really appreciated......for the bigness of the cathedral, the music resonated and traveled well and provided an overall calming affect. Thank you for this class......
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Review from Tony F.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2010
This is a very welcoming all levels class in a great location. Darren's sequencing and teaching is excellent. This, plus live music, the location and friendly diverse set of students make this a awesome combination.
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Review from Rolf S.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2009
Mesmerizing, beautiful, unique experience that will stay with you. My friend took me to practice here. Grace Cathedral is a wonderful place to practice Yoga. They had Sam Jackson playing crystal bowls and Kendra singing and playing the harp while Darren gently guided the practice. I really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to others wholeheartedly :)
