Shakti Yoga Shala

Shakti is creative power. Shakti is what inspires and enlivens humanity and gives form to all of creation. Shala is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning a sacred space. A place that is a sanctuary, a refuge, a space to inspire balance, focus, strength, flexibility. A place that is built for community to grow and learn together.

Team Shakti is a group of healing artists that manifest their creative power for the empowerment, inspiration and celebration of all humanity. We are dedicated to embodied freedom through the life affirming paths of yoga in the forms of Anusara and AcroYoga. We celebrate and honor all forms of yoga as a way to consciously engage in the world. We also empower ourselves and others through meditation, music, dance, hoop dancing, Pilates and all forms of conscious living.

Team Shakti unites to give classes and workshops here at the Shakti Yoga Shala. We also travel to inspire and be inspired at festivals, conferences and retreats.

Currently at the Shakti Yoga Shala we have ongoing classes in Anusara Yoga, Pilates and Esctatic Dance. Please sign up for our mailing list on the home page to learn about upcoming workshops and events at home and abroad.

Anusara Yoga means "flowing with Grace", or "following in the wake of your heart's truth".

Anusara is heart oriented, inspiring Hatha Yoga practice that is rooted in Universal Principles of Alignment. The Universal Principals of Alignment are a tangible formula combining the artistry of human expression blended with the scientific principles of biomechanics to support your embodied freedom. Body, mind and spirit powerfully unite in this unique, challenging and deeply therapeutic style of yoga.

The name Anusara is derived from a verse in the Kularnava Tantra (1000 C.E). In the the language of yoga, Sanskrit, it reads "Shakti-nipata-anusarena sishyo'anugraham-arhati". Translated this means, by stepping into the current of Divine Grace's descent into the heart, the true seeker is embraced by the grace that sustains and nurtures all of life. Anusara Yoga was founded in 1997 by John Friend.

AcroYoga blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of Thai massage, and the dynamic power of Acrobatics. These three ancient lineages form this practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness. There are 7 main elements that make up the practice: circle ceremony, asana, partner flow, Thai massage, therapeutic flying, inversions and spotting, and partner acrobatics. Our highest aim is to bring individuals into a state of union with themselves, with each other, and with the divine. From this place of mutual support the true self can be realized, celebrated and shared for the benefit of all.

The Shala Friday 10:00 AM mat Pilates class is taught by certified Pilates Instructor and Occupational Therapist Cathy Harrington.

Cathy writes, "Together in this class, with me as your guide, we will practice the fundamental principles taught by Joseph Pilates while exercising and learn to integrate the principles into everyday functional activities. Mini Anatomy lessons will be incorporated into each class, with greater focused detail in the first few classes. My goal is to teach you the necessary tools to integrate greater core stability and awareness, in order to gain greater freedom and ease of movement in all that you do.

The benefits of the Pilates method of exercising include: increased core stability, strength and flexibility; healthy breathing pattern with increased lung capacity; efficiency and precision of movement; improved postural alignment and balance; increased body awareness; increased spinal elongation and articulation; efficient use of pelvic floor muscles; a full body workout; and overall balance of body and mind. I look forward to sharing and exchanging knowledge with you."

Once a month on Fridays evenings we have Ecstatic Dance guided by our local dance dynamo Hallie Green. Come boogie, sweat, giggle, have fun and connect! For upcoming dates please see our class schedule page.