Lifesource Yoga Brings Calm to the Clutter of Life

Deep breath in... deep breath out. Instant calm.

The sign outside Lifesource Yoga says it all: "Leave your cares and your shoes here. Bring peace and serenity in."

Debbie Watkins, co-owner of Lifesource Yoga, 300 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road, moved the company from Ghent Road's Merchant Square to the Cleveland-Massillon Road location in June 2011. She worked with husband and co-owner Charlie Watkins to turn the studio into a tranquil, welcoming environment.

"I practiced yoga in the 70s and then fell away from it for many years," Debbie Watkins said. "I came back to it about seven years ago."

The Watkins' purchased Lifesource Yoga from former owner Portia Fisher and built it up.

Lifesource Yoga offers classes for all ages — the youngest client is 2 and the oldest is 80, Watkins said.

"I like the focus, the philosophy, and the spirituality behind (yoga)," Debbie Watkins said. "You're moving your body in sync with your breath. It's a beautiful way to focus inward."

Yoga helps quiet mind chatter, and erases the grocery list, job stress and worries of the day, she added.

Kim Butash, an instructor at Lifesource, uses what she learns in yoga and applies it to her everyday life. Situations at work that might have upset her in the past are easily brushed off when she remembers the basics of yoga.

Butash teaches the children's class, along with a variety of other classes.

Classes and session range anywhere from $15 to $200, depending on the package. Parents also have the option of hosting children or adult birthday parties in the studio, Watkins said.

Watkins also hosts a free yoga class at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

"We don't want anyone not to enjoy yoga because they can't afford it," she said.

You can find Lifesource yoga on Facebook and Twitter @lifesourceakron