Finding Sacred Space in Astoria
20 MARCH 2 0 2 0
MIND + BODY
BY SABRINA MOSCOLA
W SABRINAMARIENYC alking into Sacred Space,
a new yoga studio in Astoria,
I was immediately
greeted by the reception
desk in the center of a
spacious waiting area. To
the left is ample room for
coats and shoes, while the right offers
a shopping experience — shelves
holding crystals, sage, candles and
notebooks.
Kim Alexandrescu, owner of Sacred
Space, gave me a tour: two classrooms,
private room for reiki and healing, two
restrooms (one of which is ADA-accessible).
The classrooms don creamy walls
and dark ceilings with track lighting, abstractly
mimicking a starry night.
In preparation for the evening’s Urban
Zen class, I arranged the required props:
folding chair, blocks, bolster and four
blankets. In the world of restorative yoga,
the more props, the juicier the class —
which my tired body welcomed that day.
During a wide-legged seated forward
fold, we were guided to stack forearms
on top of a chair to support the forehead.
Alexandrescu quietly took a seat
behind me, placing her hands on my
back, offering reiki. The initial thoughts
of a chattering mind floated up. “I hope
she can’t hear my stomach growling,”
I thought. “I wonder if she can tell how
erratic my breathing feels. I completely
forgot to do laundry this weekend.”
What I thought would last a minute
seemed to go on for an hour. She stayed
with me, gently supporting my back, and
allowing me to get comfortable with the
unfamiliar touch of someone I’d just met.
After some time, I felt a release in my left
knee. Then my breathing relaxed. My inhales
expanded, filling my lungs deeper.
My exhales grew longer, like a pinhole
slowly letting air out of a balloon.
It was no wonder she brought a nurturing
demeanor to class: Alexandrescu is a
certified Urban Zen Integrative Therapist
who works in nursing homes — plus, she’s
a mom of two with one on the way. I was
in awe of how someone finds time for
themselves, opens a business, and gives
so much energy to others.
“I feel strongly about taking care
of myself but it doesn’t have to be a
thing,” Alexandrescu explained. “My
meditation is taking a few minutes in
the morning just lying flat in bed noticing
my breath. When I’m teaching,
in nursing homes especially, I’m feel-