Auburn resident Susan Whitaker has been practicing yoga since 1973 and teaching it since 1976.

“It just spoke to me as a way of life and a way to keep healthy, handle stress and for personal growth,” she said Monday.

This week Whitaker is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Canyon Spirit Yoga Center.

She attributes the success of her business, in part, to the ambiance.

“I would say that our yoga comes from the heart,” she said. “We offer a safe environment where people can unfold through the practice of yoga.”

The center has six certified teachers and also offers Tai chi.

“We probably see 150 people a week,” Whitaker said.

Classes can have as few as six students to as many as 18.

“We have a variety of ages — anywhere from 25 to 85,” she said.

The emphasis is on flow yoga.

“It connects the postures in a continuous flowing motion as opposed to holding them still and it requires a lot of strength,” she said.

There are also pre-natal and therapeutic yoga classes.

“It can be for anyone who wants their yoga to be very specific for them,” Whitaker said about the therapeutic classes. “We want our yoga to be more personal. Everyone practices in a different way. Everyone’s body is different.”

Whitaker’s knowledge of yoga is what impressed Cathy Mikles, when she signed up for classes eight or nine years ago. Mikles became a teacher at the center a couple of years ago. An event planner, she describes her yoga instructor job as kind of a third career.

“I always felt like Canyon Spirit was my home studio,” Mikles said. “Susan has created a really beautiful atmosphere.”

In celebration of the milestone anniversary, Whitaker has invited musician Stephen Holland to play guitar for a two-hour night of yoga and music Friday. The event is being held at the ARTS Center in Downtown Auburn to accommodate more people, Whitaker said. Cost is $20 per person.

“It will probably be accessible to everyone, but some experience is recommended,” she said. “We also want to invite people who’ve never gone to Canyon Spirit to come and experience the yoga there.”

Jan Wechsler, a Foresthill resident, has attended classes at Canyon Spirit for about a year and a half, after taken a yoga course through the Auburn Recreation District.

“I had actually tried a few places after the ARD class ended,” she said. “When I walked into (Canyon Spirit), I immediately felt comfortable. It’s more than four walls. The teachers are very supportive and the other students are very friendly. I felt most comfortable with Susan. She has such a respect for everyone and has a very joyful personality and a natural warmth.”

Newcastle resident Colleen Raty has been going to Canyon Spirit for nine years. It was the first exposure to yoga for Raty, who is long-distance runner and horseback rider.

“I live a very physical life on a ranch and have lots of aches and pains,” she said. “I got a gift certificate for Christmas one year and have been doing yoga ever since. It has made an amazing difference.”

Raty said she’s tried other yoga places, but always returns to Canyon Spirit.

“I think it is important to have a connection with the instructor,” she said. “Yoga takes years off your body. I lost weight and it made me want to eat better. I would say it gave me back years.”

The Journal’s Gloria Young can be reached at gloriay@goldcountrymedia.com or comment at Auburnjournal.com

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Canyon Spirit Yoga Center

Where: 538 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn

Phone: (530) 885-6407

Web site: canyonspirit yoga.com

Tenth Anniversary Rhythm & Asana Night (Yoga and music)

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 26

Where: ARTS building, 808 Lincoln Way, Downtown Auburn

Cost: $20 per person