The Lotus Seed is dedicated to bringing yoga, movement and art to underserved populations through outreach programs and continuing education. Yoga’s popularity has increased in the United States over the last few decades. However, due to the high prices for classes, commercial ventures of studios have excluded minorities and low-income participants. The Lotus Seed staff does not discriminate against race, religion, sex, nationality or socio-economic backgrounds. With affordable or free classes in Portland, the health benefits of Yoga can be made accessible to more diverse populations.

Training instructors is a large component of The Lotus Seed programming. This course is a 200 hour training, accredited by Yoga Alliance. With more instructors on our team from diverse backgrounds, more special populations can be reached. With the Yoga for Youth Program, The Lotus Seed will offer a full scholarship to two students from minority groups to become certified yoga instructors. With the support from our diverse board, The Lotus Seed works to develop partnerships

The Lotus Seed began in 2001 in Mobile, AL. The 2,000 square foot warehouse was renovated to become a yoga studio and antique shop. The space was born out of the need to bring affordable yoga to all people. Alabama leads the country in rates of diabetes, cancer and obesity. With yoga available at an affordable rate, students began learning the healthy benefits of practicing. Teachers brought yoga education to hundreds of students throughout the Mobile, AL area. Along with the public drop-in classes at the facility, The Lotus Seed formed partnerships with classes at the School of Math and Science, the Girl Scouts of America, the Junior League, Dumus Wesley House and Strickland Youth Center. Through these yoga clubs and outreach programs, The Lotus Seed teachers touched the lives of underserved youth throughout the city.

When the organization moved its headquarters to Portland, Oregon in 2003, The Lotus Seed began its yoga teacher training program. The graduates who became certified largely contributed to further partnerships in Portland through the SUN program, the Boys and Girls Club, Portland State University, Portland Community College, Cedarwood Waldorf School, Common Ground Wellness Center and Exhale Yoga Studio. For the last five years, teachers have volunteered their time to work with children and adults in variable class rooms, conference halls and gyms. The Lotus Seed has served nearly 1000 students during this time.

Most recently, The Lotus Seed office is established in NE Portland in a 9,000 square foot, historical church. Our action-oriented members are dedicated to preserving the building while incorporating a plan for sustainable development. The facility offers affordable memberships for the public, in addition to serving as the hub for outreach programs in schools and community placements. NE Portland is a rich source of diversity for our city with a larger population of African Americans and Latinos. The Lotus Seed is happy to offer services to students who represent these diverse groups in our yoga club program.