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Group Leader
Hugh Byrne
Attendance
8
Meeting Length
1 hour
Sample Worshipper Dress
black sweatpants, pink sweatshirt
Fee
$10
Beaded Curtains
1
Congregational Fervor
Although it’s located above a liquor store on P Street NW, the classroom at Flow Yoga Center is a surprisingly tranquil environment. As soon as attendees have settled comfortably around the studio, Byrne asks each person to introduce himself. After reciting their names and how long they’ve attended, members take a moment to discuss whatever comes to mind; at a recent meeting, books and the joys of cycling came to mind. HHHHH
Food for the Soul
As he began the first of two guided meditations, Byrne invited the class to “focus on the present moment” by listening to the sounds of nearby birds. After a brief discussion, the class embarked on a second, lengthier meditation; participants were peacefully called back to wakefulness 20 minutes later when Byrne rang a small Tibetan bell and turned on the light. “Let’s call it a day right here, so we can all still make it to Whole Foods,” he said, referring to the adjacent grocery store. HHHHH
Food for the Body
Although there was no designated snack time, ginger snaps and tea were available in the lobby. HHHHH
Overall Worship Power
Even if you’re visiting Flow solely for the meditation class, you aren’t exempt from having to fill out a full complement of liability paperwork. Before being allowed to fully experience the “present moment,” you’ll have to experience a page or two of questions about your health problems and supply the name of at least one person to contact in case of emergency. HHHHH
—Aaron Leitko