J. Jasmine Lee
October 18, 2017 10:32
Helped transform my life. Beautiful, welcoming, safe space with excellent (really wonderful, well-trained, meaningful, diverse in expertise and style) teachers.
:::Detailed review & recommended classes below:::
ATMOSPHERE:
*The atmosphere is unmatched by other places I've been to.
*The floors are ALWAYS CLEAN--I hate when I have to walk around barefoot in a sticky place with small dust/dirt particles and hair on the floor (yuck!).
*I like the lightly incense scented rooms--I have a very keen sense of smell and am easily irritated by strong perfumes and such, but have found Shiva Shanti to be appropriately scented. I didn't even realize it had been scented until I read a review complaining about the incense--now that I think about it, it's quietly added to the inviting atmosphere.
The lighting, the relaxing scents, and the clean (and beautiful) hardwood floors --and even the beautiful ceilings, molding, and choice of paint colors--all create a very inviting space, which I have found to be a welcoming addition to my practice.
I think the owner, Felise, is very adamant about keeping the studio beautiful and clean, and I am extremely appreciative of it. It's a big part of why I continue to come back.
Examples of TEACHERS/CLASSES:
*Teresa teaches mixed level classes with great attention to warmup, flow, options, and safety. She puts sufficient attention to the warm up, offers challenging asanas mid-class, and provides a relaxing cool down period, all with a continuous, peaceful flow that challenges you within your own abilities. She offers many options of difficulty and creates a space where you feel comfortable only doing what is to your ability with various ways to challenge yourself safely. Teresa's class is a personal favorite of mine because I feel the most safe and well warmed up and I am partial to her as she was one of the first teachers that I had taken after a back surgery. Recommended for anyone--beginner or intermediate; she offers something for everyone. She certainly brings you full circle.
*Mary teaches a restorative class that truly is restorative. She never seems to repeat her set of poses, and helps each and every person be relaxed and comfortable. She clearly wants each person to have an individualized, beneficial class. With a limited number of carefully selected asanas, the class offers a slow, safe, deep hour of relaxation. Warning: you won't want to leave! Recommended for anybody that wants a relaxing, restorative class, but especially for people with physical/emotional injuries.
*Felise is obviously the most experienced in the studio, as she always seems to offer something new and possibly revolutionary while keeping everyone grounded, challenged, and at peace with the self. Recommended for people that want to know more about the studio's mission, or are looking for something more spiritual and/or different.
*Jordan's class I have found to be the best challenging class for me. She goes a bit faster as she teaches an intermediate class, and I always come out feeling challenged and accomplished. Great for when I want a good yogi workout. Yogi because she keeps a peaceful, well-paced flow, and workout because you will feel challenged. Recommended for people with some experience in yoga, looking for a good faster-paced flow.
*I have taken classes with a few other teachers and recommend each and every one of them. The classes here are diverse in style and experience level.
COST:
I started with a Groupon, and now I do monthly or take advantage of the great student single class discount. $85/month in exchange for a more peaceful mind/spirit and physical/mental strength and flexibility is the perfect deal, in my opinion.
PERSONALLY:
I came here a few months after a lower back surgery--after physical therapy and after I was certain I could safely do low-impact exercise. I started with restorative and beginning classes, and I greatly appreciated the teachers' reminders of being in control of our own practice and doing only what is good for my body.