Yoga Studio Taps The Power Of Music

Soul Kollective owner Natasha Poindexter bring live music into her Cold Spring Harbor yoga studio. Long Islander News photo/Sophia Ricco

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

The Soul Kollective is on a mission to promote human connection and engagement, both externally and within, with the help of movement, music and reflection.

They have set up home base in Cold Spring Harbor at the former Sukha Yoga studio and hope to bring “new energy” to the town. Led by Natasha Poindexter, the yoga instructor took over two months ago from the previous owner. Poindexter aims to make the studio a place where creative people come together and find new connections.

“Our mission here is connect, trust, thrive,” Poindexter said. “It’s about making connections with others, trusting ourselves more so that we can trust others more and then through that we thrive.”

Poindexter, who grew up in Dix Hills, is excited to bring new styles and experiences to residents. One unique element of her studio is beginning or ending classes with live music. Instructors who are also musicians bring in “earthy” and acoustic instruments, encouraging the entire class to share their voices.

“After you do yoga, it’s great to just come back to the music,” Poindexter said. “A lot of people leave here still feeling that throughout the day. They even say they sing it that day and it makes them feel better.”

Participants feel comfortable enough to lift their voices because Pointdexter works to make it a safe space. A former school teacher, she found her students’ grades improved when she removed desks from her classroom and instead allowed them to free flow on couches. When a person is comfortable, it is easier for them to connect and thrive.

“As humans we’re so connected to our phones and technology, that we’re detached from connection,” Poindexter said. “Music is so powerful, it’s something that connects everyone. If you go to any part of the world, the first thing you notice is their music, their culture comes right through their music.”

Singing in public could leave a participant feeling vulnerable, but once they realize the energy of their voice, it is empowering, Poindexter said.

“Over the past year, I’ve realized the power of the voice. Since we’re not communicating as much, people really feel energy when they share their voice. Some people are finding they have a voice they didn’t even know.”

During class, Poindexter will play the tongue drum, a melodic and calming instrument. Crafted for her by a local artist, it produces a vibration known to heal the body. When singing, Poindexter incorporates mantras with positive affirmations.

“This space is a therapeutic place for yoga,” Poindexter said. “We’re different from your average yoga studio because we’re not just focused on the physical here.”

As a mental health counselor, Poindexter encourages people to take time for self-love. Many people spend their time giving themselves to others, but take little time to care for  themselves, she said.

“It’s the simple things, like inviting sacred practices into your life or just showing up on your mat and not doing anything but creating safe space and time for you,” Poindexter said. “By doing that, you’re providing yourself with love. Then you can share your love with others more freely.”

“Our society is so tense and New York is a challenging place to live,” Poindexter said. “You come here and you’re bombarded by so many things - media, home life, constantly running place to place. So when do you get time to just be?”

Soul Kollective will also function as a place artists can collaborate and thrive. Poindexter plans to host artist meetups in the future.

“This is a space people can come back to and connect with their artistic side,” Poindexter said. “You’ll be a more successful person in your daily life if you dive into your passions.”

Soul Kollective is open seven days a week and the small studio fits around 16 people, so registration the day before is crucial. In this intimate space, instructors are able to personalize participant’s practices.

“This space is so necessary because we need people to keep reminding us to live out our passions,” Poindexter said. “Society doesn’t tell you that, they tell you follow this, do this, get married and get house. But does that make you fully happy?”

Soul Kollective
75 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
631-692-2929
soulkollective.com