Alex Abler
CONTRIBUTOR
Self-expression is all around us, whether you found it in street art or music it plays a role in life everyday. Alexander Hiffernan, a UNO student, decided that he wanted to make a difference in his community along side having the ability to express himself. With that, the The Block Yoga + Art Studio was born.
Hiffernan bought and owns his own studio in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He says that he really wanted to give something back to his community in the best way he saw fit.
“I found yoga and then it made sense to bring it back to the community I grew up in that didn’t have anything. It helped me out so much and to help give back to my community was something I really wanted to do,” say Hiffernan.
Hiffernan wasn’t immune to the anxiety and depression either. He says that he really used to struggle with both of those but with the help of yoga and later on, the art influence, it really changed his life.
“I decided to add the art aspect because I found the same benefits that yoga did. In high school it was my outlet for my anxiety and depression, I didn’t necessarily know it was my outlet but once I found yoga I found similarities,” say Hiffernan.
Hiffernan strives to make his studio a place where people can come and express themselves in an anxiety and stress free environment.
Sadie Devine, a Lewis Central Senior, works a long side Hiffernan and says that he really tried to make the studio as inviting and welcoming as possible.
“You just feel really welcomed here. Everyone is just so nice, and then you make friends and that is just a really fun vibe,” say Sadie.
The block has multiple time slots through out the day and always has some fresh classes ready to roll.
