Unite mind, body, and spirit in Pismo 

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• PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER
• PEACE : Kelly Metcalf provides a soothing environment and the techniques for achieving mindfulness.

Relax, take a deep breath, and slowly exhale while connecting your mind, body, and spirit. The newly opened Harmony House yoga center is a place where you can take that feeling to an even higher level with other like-minded people. The new center is located at 991 Price St. in Pismo Beach, next to Honeymoon Café.

“Yoga is a scientific system developed in India, with roots going back over 5,000 years. Traditionally the goal of yoga has been to improve the quality of our lives by helping us to achieve our highest potential and experience enduring health and happiness … You may choose to focus only on the physical, the psychological, the spiritual, or all of the above,” said Harmony House owner Kelly Metcalf. “I feel a strong connection with our beautiful community here and to share my passion and love is a dream come true.”

Harmony House opened on the third weekend of November. Classes include: basic yogi, balanced yogi, senior yogi, flow yogi, mellow yogi, surfing yogi, working yogi, and yoga for the back. There is also a community class for five dollars. So far, the most popular classes are surfing yogi and balanced yogi. The surfing yogi class is appropriate because the studio is within walking distance from the beach.  People can park at the beach, surf, walk to the studio and take yoga, then grab a bite to eat.

“We offer an eclectic schedule that includes classes for all ages and stages,” Metcalf said. In addition to yoga classes that are offered seven days a week, there’s massage therapy, including Thai yoga massage and hot stone massage. There’s also instruction in Pilates, Tai Chi, and mindfulness meditation.

Harmony House has several opening promotions, including gift certificates for two 60-minute massages for $100. Yoga class packages include several free classes during the promotion period. A five-class package includes two free classes; a 10-class package, three free classes; and a 20-class package, includes five free classes. The center also offers a month of unlimited yoga sessions for $100 or ten days of unlimited yoga for $35.

Including Metcalf, there are eight different teachers with unique styles. Most of the classes integrate all levels, with modifications for any level. Basic yogi and balanced yogi are great for beginners.

The outside of the studio was landscaped with a planter, bamboo, and a seating area to relax in peace after yoga. The center has a rustic, airy feel with a wood interior, high ceilings, and big windows. It is one big room that has been divided into three sections with movable wooden partitions. The largest yoga class to date has included about 20 people but the center can accommodate up to 50 yogis per class by moving the partitions. There soon will be a meditation garden just outside of the massage room. Eco-friendly organic recycled clothing, herbal remedies, casual wear, books, artwork, locally made jewelry, yoga accessories, and even a Harmony House clothing line are available for purchase in the center.

“If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the house. If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world,” said Metcalf. “Harmony House is a space where healing is facilitated.” For more information call 550-3850.

 Fast facts

 Volunteer to cook, serve, and contribute to the monthly dinner on Dec. 27 at the Maxine Lewis Shelter. Such donated dishes as vegetables, mashed potatoes, desserts, and delectable treats are needed. To help contact coordinator Danya Nunley at [email protected] …

 The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a $25,000 grant Dec. 9 from the Tony Hawk Foundation for construction of a new, state-of the-art skateboard park at Santa Rosa Park. It was the only proposed project that received the maximum grant amount. For more information call 781-7300 or visit SLOskatepark.com …

The Atascadero skate park offers a skateboard camp for children from 8 to 14 years old to be held on Dec 28-30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn the basics and improve tricks with a fun combination of games and an optional competition. The fee is $50 per resident, and $55 per non-resident. Register online at Atascadero.org or call A-Town Skate Park at 461-7607.

Interns Dylan Baumann and Lisa Spencer wrote Strokes&Plugs this week. Send news of your business or nonprofit organization to [email protected].