WOW! I went to see Darren today for the first time on the recommendation of a friend of mine. His…read moreskill in body work was highly doubted and he did not disappoint. My neck and upper back had been in a lot of pain for a week and I was desperate to get relief. In just an hour, Darren took away about 80% of my pain and restriction and I'm sure the rest will just ebb naturally within a few days as a result of his work. Absolutely incredible results, so thankful and will be back for all future issues!

Like a good little OCD, I've tried out a long list of yoga classes before realizing that Darren's…read moreHatha Flow class is It. Not too many classes out there that I'd request leaving work early for, sweat puddles on the ground (there is a big mop for it) and walk out feeling like my eyes were mirrors, and just dusted. Darren does a calm check-in at the beginning of class to make sure that newcomers and people with injuries are supported. As I have a recent wrist condition, he recommended some extra supports (provided by Yoga Tree) to place under my mat. He also personally comes over to let me know alternative poses when a wrist-emphasis pose arises. How thoughtful. Talented and mindful people deserve to hear that they're doing an awesome job: Darren, Thank you. Also: the class gets packed because it's Good. I think it feels awesome when all of us are packed in knowing that we came in and are staying for the same thing. Besides constructing an amazing flow and series of poses to the class, Darren helps promote a lovely balance between the sublime and the real. Through his words, focus on breath, and guidance in poses, he helps me focus on my individual practice, stay with my body, and push to "my edge". Never do I feel like Darren isn't on the same plane--if anything, I feel he is purposefully open about the human side of things in order to create a more open and comfortable environment. Often he'll crack a tender joke and remind people to Smile--to feel Joy in what we're doing. Because if you're not joyful, what really is the point?

Where do I even begin? Concha is probably one of the most amazing people that I've ever met. She…read moredid not teach me in yoga. She taught me as a spiritual Life Coach. She was so easy to talk to without any judgment. From day one I poured my heart out to her and she was there for me and some of the toughest times of my life. She knows my entire world better than I do. She has helped me love myself and be OK with being by myself. She truly is one of the best parts of my world. She has such an amazing gift when it comes to helping other people. I know that she will continue to flourish and excel in doing what she loves most.

"I've had the privilege of practicing meditation with Concha and I can confidently say that if…read moreyou're seeking a meditation teacher who embodies wisdom, compassion, and kindness, take a class with her. Concha possesses a unique gift for creating a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental space for students to explore their inner world. Her teaching style is warm, compassionate, and tailored to meet the needs of each individual and any levels, her class is a perfect balance of structure and flexibility, allowing students to deepen their practice at their own pace.

Robert is a truly inspiring Yoga instructor, and not just because of his perfect renderings of each…read moreposture! He is also a warm, wonderful, and compassionate person who understands each student is different - with unique capabilities, limitations and interests. He is able to explain each pose with clear and precise instructions, individualized feedback, and an occasional physical assist. I am amazed at the progress I have been able to make with his patient and encouraging support. Robert creates a welcoming class atmosphere that attracts students who value community, respect and kindness over competition. His sense of humor is icing on the cake of his deep skills and extensive knowledge. Robert's classes are a gift; I leave feeling restored, refreshed, relaxed, energized and uplifted.

I'm new to yoga. Robert's beginning classes are excellent. Great instruction, personal attention,…read moreno woowoo blather. Just the right amount of challenging.

I have known Ken Breniman for over twelve years; first as a yoga instructor in the Mission District…read moreand later at a yoga retreat in Hawaii. I have worked with him as my counselor in person, over the phone and by Skype. I attended a grief and loss workshop of his in Oakland and more recently I have worked with him with sound baths and plant medicine integration counseling. Ken has the unique ability to always make everyone feel welcome and valued, no matter what hat he is wearing at the time. He is a compassionate, nurturing, and caring man with many amazing abilities. I have learned a lot by being around him and I am a much better person for having known and worked with him throughout the years. He is an awesome role model and I highly recommend him as a peaceful spiritual teacher.

Because I'm a lazy butt who doesn't do yoga as much as I wish, I've been a handful of times instead…read moreof weekly. But that's no reflection on Ken, I mean I love his yoga classes! At risk of sounding hippy dippy, he has an amazing vibe that fills his classes with joy. I've arrived to Open Heart Yoga in Oakland on days when I just didn't want to be there, when I was feeling stiff, down and cold. And I've always left feeling loose, revitalized and warm. Ken is not just a yoga teacher but a therapist, and I truly find his classes therapeutic. Ken is a friendly, responsive and sensitive teacher. He takes inventory on how each person is doing and of what they hope to get out of the class. Then he gives modifications to make sure people are getting what they need. I've been to classes where people who wanted a "workout" were worked out while for those who needed something more relaxing, he focused on restorative poses (if I'm using the right language for that). I've brought a couple of friends to his Open Heart Studio classes, and they completely agree that Ken's classes are wonderful. He teaches well for both beginners and more advanced students. One of my friends had done little to no yoga before and this class was perfect for her. And then I've done sporadic yoga for 12 years and this class meets me at my level too (note I'm still intermediate not advanced and cannot attest to whether he teaches that level, but I'm pretty sure he can throw in advanced poses too). Finally the classes are affordable with a sliding scale fee. Ken has a sun-shiny heart and his classes are a blessing. I could not give a higher recommendation.

Thai massage with Candace is really something special. Her touch is like an energetic healing for…read morethe soul. She works her magic through touch and listening and being responsive to the body. The biomat that she uses for the massage also feels warm and grounding. I come out of massages with Candace feeling clear and relaxed.

Candace is a phenomenal yoga teacher. Her presence is her best asset; she manages the flow…read moreseamlessly, her voice is strong, and she has extensive yogic knowledge - everything she does makes the class feel incredibly safe, and supportive. I've also done Thai-massage with Candace twice, and I always fall asleep. Going back to presence, she is a caring and nurturing soul which is what makes her such an exceptional yoga teacher. She has the gift of pushing and challenging you, while still maintaining peace and letting go. It's a very good balance to have in a yoga teacher. I would recommend Candace for 1-1 lessons, as well as classroom environment. She teaches at various Yoga Studios in the Bay Area, so if you see her name on a schedule, definitely take a class.

BRING BACK YIN AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE WITH HANNAH J!!! Please! It was so satisfying to stretch out…read morethe nooks and crannies off my body in this class. I really enjoyed the instructors' styles as well. I've attended maybe three or more Yin classes here with different instructors and while they've been pretty good, none come close to my first yin class here at the Heartbeat Collective. Still, some of the playlists have been pretty good (albeit a tad bit loud for my taste one or two times). The power vinyasa class is challenging, but worth it. Give it a try! Don't be thrown off that the studio is essentially a former church. It's a beautiful space with hardwood floors and props that are fairly new. I think yoga mats may be free to use as well. Parking has always been easy. Though there are a few metered spots, there's plenty of free street parking as well. Just be cognizant that this area is still not completely safe (though you should have no problems, especially if you're aware of your surroundings), so keep your valuables out of sight (in your car as well as your person).

I went to the Spiritual Happy Hour (SHH) at The Heartbeat Collective and I can't wait to go back. I…read morejust moved to Oakland, and this is the perfect way for me to be involved in the community and be surrounded by like-minded women. Kristen is super knowledgeable with her spiritual guidance. It also felt like a mini therapy session! SHH is the perfect way to spend a Thursday evening, and you know that you are doing your soul a huge favor by attending! Thank you for creating this community, I am looking forward to exploring more that there is to offer.

First off, I am an athlete. I bicycle 200 miles in Death Valley in a day and can make it to the top…read moreof Mt. Diablo on my bike in one hour or less. Bragging aside, I am also getting old and creaky in odd places that I had previously ignored. I am actually approaching half a century on this planet. I might look relatively buff but there are serious kinks in the armor. My my lower back, neck muscles, hamstrings, and other little stabilizing muscle bits have been getting a free ride thanks to my monochromatic, testosterone fueled workout routines. I even make that old man grunt when I have to reach down and (attempt to) touch my toes. I have the legs of Lance Armstrong and the lower back of Abe Vigoda. As all men do in desperation, I decided to take the advice of my wife. She told me to attend Marie's bootcamp that has the deceptively mild name Wee Fit. Marie is not your typical fitness instructor with supernatural looking biceps. She has given her workout regimens (that includes pilates) allot of thought. She certainly has intuited all of my physical deficiencies (did I already mention that a large portion of my body was channeling Abe Vigoda?). For those of us who need work (or repair or tuning up), Marie is the cure - tough medicine for sure, but she can take a disparate group of fitness levels and give them all a good measure of intelligently applied hell. Luckily for her students, she advertises little so the classes are small. She watches you carefully for good form and seems to intuitively know how much pain to apply. She can give all body types and ages a good whipping but she makes sure the workout is intelligently paced and good medicine regardless of where your fitness level is at. In other words, her bootcamp (and pilates) is not one of those "do fifty push ups or get the spiked heel in the face" workouts, but it is certainly plenty for me. My stabilizer muscles recoil in terror at the sight of her but I am in the best shape ever -a miracle. Go get em Marie

i've had massage/body work from Marie Saito for years now, and am chagrined to realize that I have…read morenever written a review for this business before, especially since she is so fantastic at what she does!! Suffice it to say: give yourself a real treat today! I walk in sore and grumpy and full of aches, and within a very short time I am transformed into deep relaxation and profound relief from the stress and tension of daily life. I would have a massage every week if it were possible, but I usually run out of time - note to self: Get this on the calendar!

Another great session with Wendell. His knowledge of how all the tissues, ligaments, and muscles…read morework together to result in stresses and strains, is vast. I love how he listens and tests so that I leave understanding how and why aches show in different parts of my body and how to alleviate them.

Wendell is a phenomenal massage therapist and body work practitioner. His knowledge the body's…read moresystems is extensive, and he totally tailors to whatever one needs on that specific day. I appreciate his attentiveness and clear communication. I highly recommend!