Maine Afro Yoga Project

- 1129 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106

In the heart of South Portland, Maine, a unique and deeply meaningful community hub is redefining what a yoga studio can be. Maine Afro Yoga Project is a Black-owned, women-owned business that stands as a beacon of healing and inclusivity in the region. Founded by Nuna Gleason, a professional who found her own healing through movement, the project is rooted in the belief that yoga and mindfulness should be accessible to everyone, especially to marginalized communities.

This is more than just a place to practice poses; it is a community initiative dedicated to promoting mental and emotional well-being through culturally sensitive, trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices. The mission is to create a safe, supportive, and healing environment where individuals, with a special focus on immigrants and people of color, can build resilience and recover from trauma. The studio's work is vital, providing a space for empowerment and connection in a world where it can be hard to find.

The positive energy at Maine Afro Yoga Project is palpable. One review describes the experience as "warm, comforting... both challenging and gratifying." Another praises Nuna, the owner, noting her ability to "lighten your day" and bring "your energy back up." This speaks directly to the studio's heart-centered approach. By creating a welcoming and compassionate space, Maine Afro Yoga Project fosters a sense of belonging and helps individuals find their strength and inner peace.

Maine Afro Yoga Project is located at 1129 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for residents of South Portland, as well as those in the greater Portland area and surrounding communities.

The studio prioritizes accessibility to ensure that all members of the community can participate. It offers a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it convenient for those with mobility challenges. Additionally, the studio is proud to be a transgender safe space and LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring that all individuals can feel secure and respected. For those who are driving, there is the added convenience of free of charge street parking, eliminating a common barrier to attending classes.

Maine Afro Yoga Project provides a variety of services designed to meet diverse needs, with a focus on making wellness accessible and culturally relevant.

• Group Lessons: The studio offers a schedule of group classes that are open to everyone. These classes blend mindfulness, movement, and nature-based practices, creating a holistic experience. Many of these sessions are donation-based, ensuring they are available to everyone regardless of their financial situation.

• Private Lessons: For individuals seeking a more personalized approach, the studio provides private lessons. These one-on-one sessions allow for a customized practice that addresses specific goals and needs, all within a safe and supportive environment.

• Outdoor Services: The Maine Afro Yoga Project extends its offerings beyond the studio walls with outdoor services. These nature-based wellness programs can include yoga combined with activities like hiking or beach sessions, allowing participants to connect with the healing power of the Maine outdoors.

• On-site Services: The studio provides a welcoming and safe space for on-site services, with amenities that include a gender-neutral toilet and Wi-Fi. This ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for every visitor.

• Community Outreach: A significant part of the project's work involves taking yoga out of the studio and into the community. They collaborate with community organizations, corporate groups, and schools to offer mindfulness sessions and classes at partner facilities, ensuring that these vital practices reach those who may not otherwise have access to them.

Maine Afro Yoga Project is distinguished by a number of key features that make it a truly unique and valuable institution in the Maine wellness community.

• Black-owned and Women-owned: As a business that identifies as both Black-owned and women-owned, the studio brings an authentic and empowering voice to the wellness industry, creating a space that is particularly meaningful for communities of color.

• Trauma-Informed Approach: The studio's entire philosophy is centered on being a trauma-informed space. The focus on safety, choice, and empowerment is integral to all classes, making it a sanctuary for survivors and anyone seeking a gentle, healing practice.

• Inclusive and Safe Space: The studio is explicitly designed to be welcoming to all. As an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, it actively works to create an environment where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued.

• Donation-Based Model: The commitment to making yoga accessible is demonstrated through its donation-based class model. This "pay what you can" system removes the financial barrier to entry, ensuring that healing is available to a wider segment of the population.

• Community and Compassion: As noted in customer reviews, the atmosphere is warm and comforting. The instruction focuses not just on physical postures but on fostering kindness and compassion, both for oneself and for others. This emphasis on community and connection is a key highlight of the studio's culture.

For more information about class schedules, or to get in touch with the Maine Afro Yoga Project, you can use the following contact details.

Address: 1129 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106, USA

Phone: (207) 536-0684

For anyone in the Maine region looking for a yoga studio, the Maine Afro Yoga Project presents a truly unique and compelling choice. The most significant reason to choose this studio is its profound and compassionate mission. It is a place that uses the practice of yoga to actively create positive social change, providing a crucial service to marginalized communities and survivors of trauma. When you take a class here, you are not only investing in your own well-being but also contributing to a larger movement of healing and empowerment.

The quality of the experience, as highlighted by a customer who was "obsessed" with the positive energy, is a direct result of this mission. The instructors, particularly Nuna, are not just teaching a class; they are creating a transformative experience. Their ability to make people feel good and to bring their energy up is a testament to the warmth and skill that permeate every session. For someone seeking an experience that is both physically challenging and emotionally gratifying, this studio is an ideal fit.

Furthermore, the studio’s commitment to inclusivity is a powerful draw. The fact that it is a Black-owned and women-owned business, with a clear identity as a safe space for all, ensures that every person who walks through the door feels respected and seen. The combination of a deeply meaningful mission, a top-tier customer experience, and an unparalleled commitment to social justice makes Maine Afro Yoga Project far more than a simple yoga studio. It is a community of healing and hope, and an essential part of the Southern Maine wellness landscape.

Maine Afro Yoga Project

1129 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106, USA