Maine Afro Yoga Project

For residents of Maine seeking a truly unique and deeply supportive space for healing, movement, and community connection, the Maine Afro Yoga Project in South Portland stands as an exceptional resource. More than just a yoga studio, this initiative is a powerful community-centered program under Wounded Healers International, a non-profit dedicated to holistic healing, empowerment, and social justice. Rooted in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practices, Maine Afro Yoga Project offers a safe and inclusive environment where individuals, particularly those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and marginalized communities, can find solace, strength, and a path towards well-being. If you’re in Maine and looking for a place where yoga meets compassionate community, this is a destination you’ll want to explore.

The Maine Afro Yoga Project was founded by Nuna Gleason, a Kenyan storyteller and advocate, whose personal journey of healing through yoga inspired her to create a space for others navigating similar paths. The studio’s mission is clear: to foster mental health, emotional well-being, and resilience. This is achieved through carefully designed programs that blend mindfulness, movement, and even nature-based practices, all delivered with an open heart and a deep understanding of diverse experiences. As one enthusiastic participant shared, "A lovely place to go when you feel down! Nuna is good in bringing your energy back up! Her smile will lighten your day. Am obsessed." This sentiment perfectly captures the uplifting and transformative energy that permeates the space.

What truly sets Maine Afro Yoga Project apart for locals is its profound commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Operating on a free or donation-based model, they strive to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from accessing the healing benefits of yoga. This dedication extends to offering multilingual sessions and conducting classes both in their studio and at locations convenient to participants, demonstrating a genuine desire to serve Maine's diverse communities. This powerful combination of compassionate instruction, cultural sensitivity, and community focus makes Maine Afro Yoga Project a vital and cherished part of the wellness landscape in South Portland and beyond.

The Maine Afro Yoga Project is conveniently located at 1129 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106, USA. This address places the studio in a well-established area of South Portland, a vibrant city that is part of the greater Portland metropolitan area in Maine. Its strategic positioning on Broadway, a key thoroughfare, makes it easily identifiable and accessible for residents.

For those driving, the studio provides practical solutions for parking. Visitors are advised to "Turn onto Lake Street across from China Express and park there—plenty of free parking is available (Lake Street is a dead end). Then, use the entrance on Broadway to access the building." This clear guidance ensures that finding parking is straightforward, alleviating a common concern for those attending classes.

The location in South Portland ensures excellent accessibility for individuals living throughout the city, as well as those commuting from neighboring communities such in Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and Westbrook. South Portland is well-connected by local roads and is in close proximity to major routes like I-295 and the Maine Turnpike (I-95), which allows for convenient travel from various parts of Southern Maine. The ease of access, combined with ample free parking, removes common logistical barriers, making it simple for people to attend classes regularly and integrate the Maine Afro Yoga Project into their wellness routine.

• Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-Informed Yoga Classes: The core offering includes a variety of yoga and mindfulness sessions specifically designed to be culturally sensitive and trauma-informed. This approach ensures a safe and supportive environment for all participants, with a particular focus on the needs of BIPOC and immigrant communities.

• Donation-Based / Pay-What-You-Can Model: Emphasizing accessibility, Maine Afro Yoga Project operates on a donation basis for in-studio classes. This "pay what you can" model ensures that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from participating in their healing programs.

• Multilingual Sessions: To further enhance inclusivity, the project offers sessions in multiple languages, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder participation and understanding for Maine's diverse immigrant communities.

• In-Studio and Outreach Programs: While they have a dedicated studio space, Maine Afro Yoga Project also conducts community yoga outreach programs. They collaborate with community organizations, corporate groups, and schools, bringing yoga and mindfulness sessions to locations convenient for participants who might not otherwise access traditional studios.

• Nature-Based Wellness Programs: Expanding beyond the studio, the project integrates outdoor elements into their offerings. These nature-based wellness programs can combine outdoor yoga with activities like hiking, forest bathing, kayaking, and even camping, promoting physical health, mental well-being, and a deeper connection with nature.

• Empowerment Workshops: The project also offers workshops focused on personal safety strategies, boundary-setting tools, and basic self-defense techniques, designed to foster confidence and agency in participants.

• Community Events and Healing Movement: Beyond regular classes, they host special events such as sound baths, community hikes, and dance-inspired fitness classes like AfroFIT Rhythm, which combines dynamic Afrocentric music with vibrant movements for an energizing workout experience.

• Mission-Driven and Community-Centered: The Maine Afro Yoga Project is distinguished by its deep commitment to social justice and holistic healing. As an initiative under Wounded Healers International, it prioritizes the mental health, emotional well-being, and resilience of marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC and immigrants in Maine. This strong mission truly sets it apart.

• Culturally Sensitive and Trauma-Informed Approach: This is a key highlight, ensuring that all classes and programs are delivered in a manner that respects diverse cultural backgrounds and acknowledges potential past traumas. This creates an exceptionally safe and supportive environment where participants can truly heal and thrive.

• Donation-Based Accessibility: The "pay-what-you-can" model is a significant feature, removing financial barriers and making high-quality yoga and wellness programs accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of their economic situation. This embodies their belief that "yoga should be available to everyone."

• Empathetic and Uplifting Leadership (Nuna Gleason): As highlighted by reviews, the founder, Nuna Gleason, brings a uniquely positive and inspiring energy. One reviewer stated, "Nuna is good in bringing your energy back up! Her smile will lighten your day. Am obsessed." This personal touch and genuine care contribute significantly to the studio's comforting and empowering atmosphere.

• Holistic Healing through Movement and Mindfulness: The project emphasizes healing through movement, blending yoga with mindfulness and nature-based practices. This comprehensive approach offers pathways for emotional release, mental clarity, and spiritual grounding, recognized by participants as "a warm, comforting experience that was both challenging and gratifying."

• Inclusive and Diverse Community: The studio actively fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming "all BODIES with positive vibes." This dedication to diversity helps build a supportive community where individuals can connect, form "deeper connections," and feel a strong sense of belonging.

To learn more about the Maine Afro Yoga Project, their class schedules, or how to get involved, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1129 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106, USA

Phone: (207) 536-0684

Mobile Phone: +1 207-536-0684

For residents of Maine, particularly those in South Portland and the greater Portland area, the Maine Afro Yoga Project is an exceptionally suitable and invaluable local resource. Its unique approach to wellness directly addresses the needs of a diverse community, making it far more than just a place to practice yoga.

Firstly, the paramount suitability comes from its deeply rooted mission: to provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices, with a special focus on BIPOC and immigrant communities. This commitment creates an unparalleled sense of safety, understanding, and belonging that can be hard to find in more traditional wellness spaces. For Mainers seeking a place where their unique experiences are seen and honored, the Maine Afro Yoga Project offers a truly resonant environment.

Secondly, the donation-based model for classes is a game-changer for accessibility. In a state where financial constraints can often limit access to health and wellness services, the "pay what you can" philosophy ensures that the healing benefits of yoga are available to everyone. This embodies a profound commitment to equity and community well-being, making it a viable option for all residents, regardless of their economic situation.

Furthermore, the positive energy emanating from the studio, largely driven by founder Nuna Gleason, is palpable. Reviews highlight the uplifting and comforting experience, where participants feel their "energy back up" and leave with "more kindness and compassion." This focus on holistic well-being, both physical and emotional, creates a space where individuals can not only sweat and strengthen their bodies but also find mental clarity and spiritual grounding.

Finally, the convenient South Portland location, coupled with accessible parking and outreach programs that extend into the wider community, means that this unique healing opportunity is genuinely within reach for many Mainers. The Maine Afro Yoga Project is not just a studio; it is a vital community hub that fosters resilience, connection, and a deeper sense of self for locals, making it an indispensable asset to the wellness landscape of Maine.

Maine Afro Yoga Project

1129 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106, USA