The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center

- 2500 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

In a city celebrated for its unique and inclusive culture, The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center stands out as a true sanctuary for a diverse and conscious community in Portland, Oregon. Located on SE 26th Ave, this studio is far more than a place for physical exercise; it is a space where the sacredness of ancient traditions is honored with genuine care and humility. Owned by individuals who identify as Asian, LGBTQ+, and women, the center provides a profoundly safe and welcoming environment for all who walk through its doors. This is a place for authentic practice, healing, and community, where every individual is seen and valued for who they are.

The core philosophy of The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center is rooted in deep listening and accountability, providing a stark contrast to the co-opted fitness culture often found in Western yoga studios. As one customer, a queer person of color, eloquently stated, this studio provides "not only a safe, welcoming space, but a community with whom I can practice where I feel held and seen." This sentiment is echoed by another review from a Tribal person, who feels a "resonance in how Bhakti holds space—with reverence, responsibility, and an openness that feels genuinely welcoming." This genuine commitment to cultural humility and anti-appropriation is rare and makes the studio a truly special place for those seeking a more meaningful connection to their practice.

The dedication of the incredible teachers, including owner Tara, is a hallmark of this center. They are described as moving "with integrity, love, and an awareness of the histories held within each person." This trauma-informed and deeply compassionate approach ensures that classes are not just about physical postures, but about healing, reclaiming one’s relationship with the body, and showing up fully as a human being. This level of care and respect for the individual is what transforms a workout into an act of profound self-care.

Beyond the studio's ethical foundation, the classes are "curated and taught in deeply grounded ways that always leave excited to return." The practice is mindful and respectful, a fact highlighted by the policy of locking doors promptly at the beginning of class to avoid disrupting the students who are already in their practice. This small but significant detail shows how highly the studio values the time and sacred energy of its community. The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center offers a variety of specialized classes and programs, including those for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, providing spaces where students can practice with peers who share similar identities and experiences.

This studio is a true hub for collective liberation, offering workshops and events that enrich the practice and extend beyond the physical. From workshops on therapeutic classes to sound baths and nature-based practices, the center is a place for continuous learning and growth. They also offer a Yoga School and Teacher Training Program that focuses on equity and accessibility, building the next generation of yoga teachers to lead with integrity and awareness.

Location and Accessibility:

The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center is located at 2500 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA. Situated in a convenient part of Southeast Portland, the studio is easily accessible for many locals. The center is committed to inclusivity, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. For the comfort of all patrons, the restrooms are gender-neutral. The studio also offers free street parking, making it easy for visitors to find a spot. In addition to in-person classes, the studio provides online classes and outdoor services, offering flexible options to practice from anywhere.

Services Offered:

• Group Lessons: A wide variety of group classes are offered, taught by experienced and compassionate instructors.
• Online Classes: Provides a livestream of all in-person classes, as well as an on-demand library of over 600 classes.
• Outdoor Services: Conducts outdoor classes and events, such as "Yoga at the Farm," to connect with nature.
• Specialized Classes: Offers dedicated classes for specific communities, including BIPOC-only yoga and Queer + Trans yoga.
• Workshops and Events: Hosts a variety of enriching workshops on topics like sound baths, anatomy, Ayurveda, and more.
• Yoga School and Teacher Training: A program for aspiring yoga teachers with a focus on equity, accessibility, and trauma-informed practices.

Features / Highlights:

• Profoundly Inclusive Community: Identifies as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, a transgender safespace, and is Asian-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and women-owned.
• Trauma-Informed Practice: The teachers move with love, integrity, and a deep awareness of the histories of each student.
• Grounded and Authentic Teaching: Classes are described as curated and deeply grounded, providing a spiritual and physical practice without appropriation.
• Accessibility: Features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, along with a gender-neutral restroom.
• Online and Outdoor Options: Offers the flexibility of online classes and outdoor services to suit different lifestyles.
• Community-Centric Programs: Provides specialized classes and workshops that foster connection and support among peers with shared experiences.

Contact Information:

Address: 2500 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA

Phone: The phone number is not publicly available.

What is worth choosing The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center?

For Portland residents seeking a yoga studio that truly embodies its values, The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center is a top recommendation. The most significant reason to choose this studio is its unwavering commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and profoundly inclusive community. In a world where many wellness spaces feel commercialized or exclusive, Bhakti offers an authentic haven where you are seen and respected for your full identity. The expertise and genuine compassion of the instructors, particularly their trauma-informed approach, ensure that your practice is not only physically beneficial but also deeply healing. The variety of classes, from general group lessons to specialized sessions for specific communities, means there is a place for everyone to feel held and supported. Furthermore, the convenience of online and outdoor classes, along with the physical studio's accessibility features and gender-neutral restrooms, shows a true dedication to making yoga accessible to all. This studio is a place of healing, connection, and liberation, where you can practice with integrity and be part of a community that lives its values. It is, as one reviewer noted, a place to "reclaim relationship, and of showing up fully." For these reasons, The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center is a truly exceptional choice for your yoga journey in Oregon.

The Bhakti Yoga Movement Center

2500 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA