…have yoga mat will travel

Smiling Dog Yoga

Arrivin’ in SLO to unusual 3-digit heat, we found the “too cool”, kinda old western façade, one-of-a kind Smiling Dog Yoga compound. The mesmerized YoYos were captivated at the sight of tree shaded outdoor tables, pillowed sitting areas, and hip organic café. Entering the dazzlin’, multi-colored, happy space, we were ecstatic to feel the “don’t take yourself too seriously” vibe and experience this vibrant, eye-poppin’, studio.

Jeff Porter

Now originally, the excited YoYo’s had a big “can’t wait” mark on the calendar to take class with Peter Sterios, founder of our beloved Mandukas , but as fate would have it , a late call explained a delayed ferry would keep our eco-mat hero in the beautiful Northwest an extra night . Serendipitously, we were guided to moped ridin’, super-smilin’ yoga teacher extraordinaire, Jeff Porter, ex-gym rat turned yogi who finds his outgoing, energetic, knowledgeable, “tell it like it is “, self to be a big hit with this young and young at heart yoga community.

California Coast

Startin’ with conversation, our vibrant guide opened class with humor that made the yogis in this all levels class understand that their practice was personal, and ego-in’ it by musclein’ poses wasn’t goin’ to fly in this “random music” Vinyasa Flow. Workin’ into a vast array of backbendin’ asanas, Jeff used the heat of the day as a precursor to his heart-opening series where teamin’ up for a super helpful workshop found us explorin’ a deeper, safer and super-fun practice.

The YoYo’s loved this guy, his energy, his class and this studio… If headin’ up or down this magnificent California coast, you just might be a regrettin’ yogi to miss this unique place and spirited energy of the smilin’ yogis at “Smilin’ Dog Yoga”.