Quarantine has provided me with time to reflect deeply on Shanti’s mission, purpose, and direction.

I am unbelievably thankful for this opportunity to take pause and envision the best possible future of Shanti.

The Meaning of Community

What comes to mind first is the word COMMUNITY. This word is present in the title of this space and is the foundation of why I built Shanti. Community is what helped me through my dark times while traveling. I had no family around me nor did I have a solid group of friends. The people around me kept changing due to the nature of my life as a nomad. I felt very alone most of the time and suffered through heavy feelings of isolation and depression.

It was not until my time at the New Life Foundation in Northern Thailand, where I was hired to be a yoga teacher, did I see the power of community. We were all strangers, but due to the nature of New Life, we quickly became a family. This is because of the mindfulness practices we were required to partake in everyday and the group exercises we all did which caused us to reflect and connect with each other.

These group exercises, also known as circles, changed me in so many ways and I will forever look back fondly on my time at New Life. That job gave me confidence in my teaching abilities and allowed me to feel supported, loved, and valued by everyone around me.

It was my dream to bring these practices to Connecticut and share it with the uptight North-Easterners. I say that in the most loving way because, I too, can be in a rush, need my space, and be closed-off. Every human needs community, especially in this part of the world.

Reflection

Upon reflection, I have found that my focus became more on producing yoga classes and trying to fit the role of yoga studio. There were family and strangers putting pressure on me to teach more and the constant suggestion that if I had more classes to offer, I would have more success.

I find myself, one year since the start, and success has not arrived. I am thankful for my regulars and those who support me and show up to class every time, but I have yet to fill the room. I have yet to sell out. I have yet to earn enough to cover rent.

I am grateful for this journey and this struggle, but it is very clear to me that the space cannot keep going on as it has been. I cannot keep going on like I have. Burnout and yoga teaching do not mix, especially when I am trying to lead as example.

Evolution

I will continue to post instruction videos on our Namastream site, but I want the space to move into a center for events, circles, and retreats. I want to connect with other healers and teachers in the area and co-create with them. So, if you have any skills to share, please connect with me HERE or read our new page Host With Us

I absolutely love teaching Yin Yoga. I love facilitating. I love when people get emotional. I love when I see people transform. I love being part of community. And I want to continue doing what I love.

This is where my heart needs to be and I am not doing anyone any favors if I am not staying true to myself.

I am planning some amazing and exciting things for Shanti’s future. Stay tuned and thank you for bearing with me as I evolve the space.

Practice with me online HERE