Purusa

I’ve been to a lot of yoga studios in Baton Rouge and this one is BY FAR my favorite, for several reasons:
#1) The energy at Purusa is MAGICAL. Warm, welcoming, sweet, reverent, playful, relaxing, inspiring. Every time I walk into Purusa I’m greeted with warm hugs and big smiles. It feels like coming home — I immediately feel safe and blissful every time I step inside.
#2) Lauren Collignon, the owner. She is an AMAZING HUMAN BEING! Down to earth, grounded, self-​assured, humble, joyful, playful, loving, sweet, and kind-​hearted. She is the heart and soul of this place. Lauren started Purusa because she wanted to make a space for people to come and be a part of an open-​hearted commmunity. She is full of love and she is inspiring!
#3) The instructors. All of the teachers at Purusa are amazing human beings, and they are incredible teachers. In this westernized world of yoga, there are now so many people who are certified to teach, but have not yet learned enough to safely teach. I’ve been to many classes at other studios with instructors, though enthusiastic, have not yet had the training or experience to truly teach yoga WELL. Teaching yoga well, and safely, requires a high level of mastery and knowledge of anatomy & physiology. The instructors at Purusa however, are REALLY GOOD and very knowledgeable. They know their stuff! I feel safe in their classes and as someone who has practiced yoga for over 8 years regularly, I still leave every class having learned a great deal. In addition, they never push your body further than it can go… I respect the fact that at Purusa, there are no «yoga police». There is an emphasis on the fact that everyone’s body is different, everyone is at a different level (from beginners to advanced), and that their yoga practice should reflect this.
#4) Mysore Ashtanga yoga. This is THE place to practice ashtanga yoga in the style of Mysore. It’s PERFECT for beginners, and really for any level. You get more one-​on-​one experience with the instructors, because everyone is going at their own pace and learning the primary series sequence as it fits them. I get WAY more instruction in Mysore classes, as compared to other yoga classes where the instructor has to focus on calling out all the poses. I love the fact that everyone in Mysore practices the sequence at their own pace, and in silence (or with music in the background). It is so peaceful. Also I can modify the sequence every time I practice it, listening to what my body needs. The full sequence is challenging… so when I need a challenge… I go for it! But when I need to take it easy, I modify as needed to have an easier and/​or shorter practice. Also, the Mysore instructors at Purusa (Lauren, Gabby, John, and Erica) are some of the best yoga teachers I’ve ever had!
#5) Acro yoga. The ONLY place in town to take SAFE and proper acro yoga classes, taught by rock-​climber and acrobatic extraordinaire, Lee Guilbeau. This is pretty much the MOST FUN thing I have EVER DONE IN MY LIFE! I’m totally hooked! I know to the outside observer, it seems intense and nearly impossible to do… but much of it is surprisingly easy! I can’t tell you how many strangers who have never done yoga or acrobatics, have flown up on my feet and have LOVED IT! The classes are interactive so it quickly builds community among the students. You learn to trust and to communicate. It’s a beautiful way to open up your heart and try something new and adventurous. I’ve seen so many people who regularly attend acro yoga transform over time… both physically and mentally. It’s like watching a butterfly emerge from the cocoon. :)
#6) The jewelry and the massages! The owner of Purusa, Lauren Collignon, also is a jewelry artist. Her jewelry (Flaming Lotus Jewelry) is breathtakingly beautiful. Full of crystals and gemstones and astrological signs and spunk! I love looking around at her stuff every time I’m at the studio… I feel so lucky to be surrounded by all that magic. And Tina Ufford, who is an amazing pottery artist and massage therapist (Shape This Life!) has her massage space at Purusa. This place is truly filled with healing and creative energy!
#7) The love. Finding a space filled with so much love is rare. The community, the teachers, everyone is just an ABSOLUTE JOY! My yoga practice has soared and reached new heights at Purusa… and so has my heart.

By far one of the best studios I’ve ever been to. I have not attended a class I didn’t love from Mysore, to led primary, to vinyasa flow yoga, and acro. The instructors are professional, knowledgable, enthusiastic, and give great adjustments. E

I came to Lauren’s Mysore class while on a work trip and can’t say enough positive things about my experience! Everyone was so welcoming, and Lauren gives excellent adjustments. There are also a crazy amount of opportunities for Mysore at this studio daily. I’m only sad I don’t live closer!