Native Athenian and founder of the new Vastu School of Yoga, Lorrie Conglose, is on a mission to do more than just teach people how to downdog and sun salute.

She has returned to her hometown to use yoga to improve the entire community.  

A group of participants attend the Kirtan and Vegetarian Potluck at the Vastu School of Yoga. Kirtan is a music-led ritual involving chanting. Photo by: Emily Karol

Although Conglose grew up in Athens, she didn’t consider it a worthwhile yoga scene. But after opening a successful center in Lauderhill, Fla., she yearned to return to the Classic City.

Last December, her wish was fulfilled when she opened the Vastu School of Yoga. 

Set-up as a non-profit, Vastu reaches out to nursing homes and pre-schools, offering yoga therapy in their own spaces. 

“My partner and I have both worked in hospices, seeing how yoga can be used to help anyone,” she said. “Yoga can be brought to people who have suffered with dementia, even to three and four year olds.”

Michael Black, a junior sculpture major, volunteers with Vastu Yoga, teaching “chair yoga” to seniors at Arbor Terrace Nursing Home. 

“Chair yoga involves simple breathing, arm and leg exercises, as well as twisting,” he said. “It’s just a great opportunity to spread the joy of yoga, if you will, especially in older communities.”

Conglose said yoga therapy can also prove extremely effective with people suffering from depression. 

Recently, Vastu partnered with Nuçi’s Space, a suicide prevention center for musicians.

“Yoga is a great, gentle, and calming way to relax. I’m really glad to be able to teach others to do so,” Black said.

In addition to therapy and more traditional yoga classes, the studio also opens itself up to the community.

On Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m., Vastu School of Yoga collaborates with two other Yogis in Athens to host a free “Kirtan and Vegetarian Potluck”.

Conglose said Kirtan is a musical event involving traditional Indian instruments and chants. 

“Its really about raising the energy. It’s an uplifting experience,” she said. “It just makes you feel good. And we invite you to bring any prayer, poem, or hymn to share to the group.”

The potluck portion of these events are meant to educate people about a vegetarian and healthy diet. 

“We have the potlucks to teach people and to open up to the community,” she said. “Everyone is invited.”

In accordance with the traditional yoga diet, the vegetarian stipulations include prohibitions of meat, fish, eggs, garlic and onion. These restrictions are meant to balance followers’ bodies and minds and to be used as diet guidelines for making food choices match yogic teachings. 

“No meat has to do with doing no harm, and the garlic and onion stimulate your mind, [when] what we are trying to do is to quiet the mind,” Conglose said.

When: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m.

Where: Vastu School of Yoga at 160 Tracey Street

Price: Free