Overview
Mountain Light Ashtanga Yoga operates as a traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga sanctuary, offering a focused alternative to typical led yoga classes. The studio specializes in the Mysore method, where students practice a set sequence at their own pace within small groups of up to five, receiving individualized guidance from the teacher. This approach creates an environment of moving meditation, emphasizing breath, personal rhythm, and tailored instruction through verbal cues and adjustments. Primary offerings include Small Group Mysore classes on set days, Private Sessions, and periodic workshop series like Ashtanga Fundamentals, all designed to support a committed, personal practice. Instruction is provided by Hännah Marciniak, a dedicated student of the tradition with direct lineage study in Mysore, India.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Open | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Open | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | Open | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | Open | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed | – |
| Sunday | Closed | – |
Studio in Details
A Traditional Mysore-Style Ashtanga Sanctuary
Mountain Light Ashtanga Yoga operates as a specialized yoga school dedicated to the traditional practice of Ashtanga. The studio’s identity is built around the Mysore-style method of instruction, a format where students practice a set sequence of poses at their own pace within a group setting, receiving individualized guidance from the teacher. This creates an environment that visitors describe as a moving meditation grounded in breath, emphasizing a powerfully cleansing and transformative practice. The space is intentionally intimate, with small group sessions capped at just five participants, fostering a sense of shared energy and community while maintaining a focus on personal growth. The studio is physically hosted within the Bend Yoga Therapy space, described as a private sanctuary on Bend’s westside, near downtown, which contributes to its peaceful and focused atmosphere.
The practice itself is rooted in the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. It is characterized as a dynamic and vigorous system that links breath to movement through progressive series of poses, generating internal heat for purification. The core offering here diverges from typical led yoga classes; instead, the Mysore-style allows each person to find their own rhythm, which people note enables a deeply meditative experience. The instruction is tailored to each student through verbal cues and physical adjustments, with the stated intention of empowering an integrated self-practice. This approach suggests the studio is best suited for those with some prior familiarity with Ashtanga or an established personal practice, rather than complete beginners seeking introductory guided sessions.
Structured Offerings for Deepened Practice
The studio’s schedule and services are designed to support a committed, personalized practice. The primary offering is the Small Group Mysore class, held on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during morning hours. These are semi-private sessions requiring advanced registration, as space is strictly limited. For those seeking even more focused attention, Private Sessions and self-organized semi-privates for up to four people are available. These are scheduled at the student’s convenience and are described as being tailored to individual priorities, offering concentrated guidance for deeper transformation.
Beyond the regular class schedule, the studio periodically hosts specialized workshop series, such as the Ashtanga Fundamentals series. These multi-session programs blend guided practice with experiential learning about key Ashtanga principles, aiming to help participants establish a more effective and sustainable personal practice. The goal, as outlined, is to provide direct experience of a clearer mind, a healthier body, and the confidence to continue the practice independently. Like the regular classes, these workshops have limited capacity, typically capped at four participants, and require series registration in advance. People can book online or contact the studio directly to reserve a spot.
The Guiding Philosophy and Bend Context
Instruction at Mountain Light is provided by Hännah Marciniak, a teacher described as a dedicated student and experienced guide in yoga’s rich traditions. Her background includes being a long-term student of Nancy Gilgoff, who practiced with Pattabhi Jois, and she has studied directly with the Jois family in Mysore, India. She is also currently studying yoga therapy. Visitors note she brings authenticity, insight, and loving kindness to her teaching, supporting individuals where they are in their journey. The studio’s guiding philosophy is encapsulated in the quote from Pattabhi Jois: “Do your practice and all is coming.”
Located in Bend, Oregon, the studio is situated on the west side of the river near downtown, off Galveston Avenue. The exact address for the Bend Yoga Therapy studio is provided upon registration, maintaining its private sanctuary feel. The studio’s digital presence includes a website with a blog titled “The Mountain Light Blog,” covering topics like “A New Year” and “Roots,” which suggests an ongoing dialogue about practice and philosophy. For those in Bend or the surrounding area looking for a traditional, disciplined, and highly personalized Ashtanga experience within a supportive small community, this studio presents a distinct and focused option. The intimate scale and requirement for prior experience indicate it caters to practitioners seeking to deepen an existing journey rather than those taking their first steps onto the mat.