Searcy, ARK. – A new yoga studio comprised of teachers with decades of experience among them is opening in Searcy this spring.

Mindful State Yoga, a program of Mindful Living Center, offers yoga classes for every body. Designed for beginners and experienced yogis alike, classes for all levels of experience and ability are offered. “If you can breathe, you can do yoga,” said owner Laurie Swain.

At least one class will be offered every day of the week in the morning, noon, afternoon or evening. Class styles include foundations, Hatha slow flow, Vinyasa flow, Yin, Restorative, and mindfulness meditation.

Reduced rates are available for students, first responders, active military members, and veterans. Donation-based “community” classes are offered at various times each week, with a portion of the proceeds going to a local non-profit.

Swain is a licensed certified social worker, certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction teacher, and psychotherapist who blends mindfulness-based psychotherapy with meditation, relaxation training and life coaching skills to partner with individuals in cultivating an authentic, empowered and fulfilling life.

Laurie has been in private practice since 2005. Now in her fifteenth year, she is expanding Mindful Living Center to include additional wellness practitioners and Mindful State Yoga. As a collective, they offer programs and trainings that support the mission. “In this safe and compassionate environment, we support and empower one another in wellness as we heal body, mind and spirit through integrative, evidence-based interventions and healing arts,” said Swain.

Yoga teachers include Stephanie Eddleman, Jenny Edwards, Lisa Fuller, Kelly James, Kurtis Laughlin, Teresa McLeod, Ferrin Michalek, Amy Qualls and Cheryl Weaver. Many of the instructors have specialized training in yoga for active aging; trauma-sensitive yoga; fertility, prenatal, and postnatal yoga; and curvy/adaptive yoga, which makes space for all people in all bodies with the goal of improving body image, body acceptance, and body confidence.

Eddleman holds an RYT 200 certification through Yoga Alliance. She is also an English professor, a certified life coach and a Reiki II practitioner.

Edwards received her RYT 200 through Yogafit Worldwide Training Systems.  She is an experienced registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has 140 hours of trauma sensitive yoga specialty training through Yogafit for Warriors/PTSD and is certified with the American Council of Exercise as a group fitness instructor. She is also an apprentice with Yogafit Worldwide Training Systems, learning to become a master teacher trainer.  Edwards is currently working on her 500-hour yoga teacher training certification through Yogafit Worldwide Training Systems.

Fuller completed her RYT 200 yoga teacher training with Sage Yoga Schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition, she completed YogaFaith’s adaptive program, which focuses on teaching yoga to those with prosthetics, people who have larger bodies, and others who may need more specific modifications in order to enjoy yoga. She is in the process of completing a master’s degree in clinical mental health and hopes to incorporate yoga therapy.

James completed her 200-hour Yoga Alliance-accredited teacher training at Turquoise Tree Yoga Studio. She recently finished a 300-hour yoga certification in holistic practices through Balance Yoga and Wellness. She has been trained to teach Hatha yoga, prenatal yoga and yoga for health care.

Laughlin completed his RYFT 200 training at YogaFaith. A registered nurse, he is passionate about a holistic approach to healing mind, body and spirit. His focus is teaching restorative forms and exploring breath through gentle movement to create a lifestyle of peace. Laughlin will be pursuing his trauma sensitive certification in June.

McLeod, a 30-year breast cancer survivor, also holds an RYT 200 certification through Yoga Alliance. She encourages students to incorporate a yoga practice into their lives for as long as they live.

Michalek is a registered 200-hour yoga teacher, with additional training in prenatal, postnatal, fertility and yin. A registered nurse, she will finish her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner in May.

Qualls is a Yoga Alliance certified RYT and also has certifications in yin, fertility, prenatal and postnatal yoga. She is an English professor who teaches classes in literature, writing and film.

Weaver is a Yoga Alliance certified RYT 200 and holds an additional certification in trauma sensitive yoga. She has a passion for guiding others through classes that intentionally offer restoration to the body, soul and spirit.

Mindfulness offerings include weekly meditation classes, an eight week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, and self compassion trainings and retreats.

Licensed massage therapists Kellie Allison and Angie Felts also support wellness and renewal through Swedish, therapeutic, deep tissue, sports and cranial sacral massage services. Contact Mindful Living Center to book an appointment.

The studio is located at 100 E. Pleasure Ave. in Searcy. The grand opening celebration is slated for Saturday, April 11th with the full schedule beginning on Sunday, April 12th. A description and schedule of classes may be found on the MindBody app, where classes may be booked. For more information, follow Mindful State Yoga on Facebook and Instagram and visit mindfullivingsearcy.com.