Yoga on the Ventura County Coast

On a recent #vanlife trip to the Ventura Coast we found ourselves caught in something unexpected for Southern California: rain. While we find our Sprinter comfortable in such conditions, at some point you just want to stretch your legs. This was how we stumbled into Bodhi Salt.

I have practiced yoga in nearly every city I have visited. There is something comforting about finding my way to the mat when traveling. Settling in, moving my body, slowing my mind, and grounding myself in the moment deepens my connection to whatever place I am in. I found this especially so while caught in a rainstorm in Ventura, California.

Thanks to the modern magic of my MindBody app I was able to find yoga classes nearby, sussing out what me and my beloved were in the mood for. Were we looking for a power class? Arm balancing? Strength? I scrolled through the listings out loud as we vetoed some, bookmarked others. Then we landed on it. An afternoon Vinyasa slow flow class that promised a warm studio and excellent vibes.

Oh and how Bodhi Salt delivered.

There was a large sitting area with oversized chairs and a braided rug. Lush plants. An adorable boutique. A water bottle filler (this one is especially delightful when you are spending time pumping water from a plastic bin). And the studio itself: clean, warm, plants, large windows filtering in the last of the afternoon light.

Xuan, our teacher, spent the next 50 minutes guiding us through a beautiful, unexpected, and slow flow that was both grounding and invigorating. But it was the Sivasana that won me over.

Laying on the mat in the cozy room sweaty from our efforts, palms turned up and receptive to what was to come, Xuan placed ice cold towels in our hands. When I draped mine over my face I was delighted to find it wafting with Eucalyptus oil. Suddenly the sound of seeds falling in a rain stick echoed through the studio as the sound of waves crashing came over the sound system. Xuan walked his rain stick around the room, gently playing this instrument while guiding us through our meditation. It was a multi-sensory experience I didn’t know I wanted or needed until I walked out of the studio feeling utterly transformed.

If you are on the Ventura County Coastline and searching for a way to move, connect, and relax, I highly recommend stopping by Bodhi Salt for a class.