Om, sweet om

If it seems like a season of anniversaries, you’re not mistaken. Several longtime local institutions celebrated birthdays recently, including Durango Natural Foods, Ska Brewing, Maria’s Bookshop and yours truly. And now those flexible, grounded, soothing (and amazingly strong!) folks at YogaDurango are celebrating 18 years in the practice of making us all feel better.

Starting from its humble beginnings in a cozy ground-floor space at the corner of 15th and E. 2nd Ave., YogaDurango has since moved on up in the world, first to a spot on Main Avenue and then to its current light-filled oasis upstairs from Star Liquors on Florida Road. In that time, it's also grown its offerings with around-the-clock classes – everything from drum circles to hatha to kirtan – taught by a dozen or so teachers, some of whom have been there from the start.

“I don't believe I thought we'd arrive in the OG category of Durango when we landed here, one of many small but impactful, cultural enterprises of our town,” co-owner/ founder Sheryl McGourdy said. “It’s been lots of hard work … yet I’m grateful time and time again to this community and being able to create something beautiful for it!”

To honor the occasion, YogaDurango will offer a day of free classes from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sat., Oct. 12, including an opening mantra/meditation, various yoga classes and an evening kirtan. Registration is recommended as class size is limited and expected to fill. For more info. or to register, go to: www.yogadurango.com.