Yogi of the Month

The Yogi of the Month is someone who embodies many characteristics such as commitment, compassion, and community. Do you know a yogi that fits this description? What does Yogi of the Month mean to you? Let us know your thoughts and nominations by shooting us an email, dropping a comment card in the box, or sharing with us at the front desk. Get to know that person on the mat next to you and stay tuned for the Yogi honored next!

December Seattle Yogi of the Month
Anthony Valterra and Lisa Brunette

What first brought you to yoga?
Lisa: I started with a (VHS!) tape at home in 1998 but found my true yoga home at Shakti in 2005.
Anthony: Spiritual investigation as part of my BA in Religious Studies.

What’s your favorite pose?
Lisa: I really like Half Moon because it feels good to open the body in that way.
Anthony: Side Angle, but for the hand stretching!

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Lisa: I love the live music practices at Shakti and have been to several!
Anthony: I like it when Sean plays classic rock during class.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Lisa: Write.
Anthony: Play a lot of games.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Lisa: Full Tilt ice cream.
Anthony: Full Tilt ice cream. We’re both addicted to the vegan flavors.

What is your perfect day?
Lisa: It begins and ends with yoga, is full of the writing I most enjoy, and is spent in Anthony’s company.
Anthony: Sleeping in, playing games, spending time with Lisa, and oh, yeah, getting in some yoga!

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Lisa: When a friend makes something special for me, like rosemary jelly. That’s the best gift.
Anthony: Vegetable stir-fries.

What is your favorite quote?
Lisa: Behind all the superficial praise of the creative is the desire to kill. - May Sarton
Anthony: Be still, for you are drunk, and we are sitting at the edge of the roof. - Rumi

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Lisa & Anthony: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45, with some Saturday mornings when we can.

December Bellevue Yogi of the Month

Renwick Congdon

What’s your favorite pose?
The warrior series; all of it! These poses appear to be simple, but are so complex. The balance between effort and ease, pulling and pushing, multiple alignments at the same time–all united by breath–make the series incredibly challenging and powerful. Not to mention that they are some of the most beautiful poses of the practice.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Krishna Das, U2, Sting.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Most of my time free time is spent with my wife Kirsten, and our four daughters; Erika (21), Jessica (19), Julia (17), and Elizabeth (6). For fun I play ice hockey and ski.

What is your perfect day?
Coffee in the morning, yoga followed by a massage, a good book in front of a fire or view listening to music, dinner, wine, and a "special snuggle" with my wife.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Beef bourguignon, and most comfort foods. A little spare tire is a small price to pay.

What is your favorite quote?
"Whether you believe you can or you believe you can't, you are right." -Henry Ford

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Tuesday night in Lisa's Shakti class, weekdays at noon or 4:30, and weekends at 8:00am.

December Redmond Yogi's of the Month

SHAKTI’s First 200-hr Teacher Trainiees

What has been your most profound experience in the Teacher Training?

Personal growth evolved from new friendships, courage, inner strength, happiness and Yoga! –Teresa Reilly

Sharing breakthroughs and seeing peoples’ transformations has to be the most profound experience. We share such deep emotional experiences. We see ourselves in others, we learn from hearing each other. We support each other as we release sadness and fear and find a new way of being. It creates incredible bonds and is a wonderful energy to be around. –Jessica Strater

Assisting others during yoga has truly taught me the meaning of giving selflessly to my community. I want to be a teacher because I want to give back to a community that has welcomed me without judgment and I want to embrace others in a similar way. For the first time in my life, and particularly in my yoga practice, I have been able to give selfless love and attention to others. This is the first time that I genuinely experienced what “being of service to others” truly means. Assisting students allows us to focus our love, compassion, and energy on others with no hidden agenda. Our purpose is to help others deepen their own practice, inspire them to find their confidence and ability, as well as empower them to take their practice wherever they would like to venture. Being “of service” epitomizes helping, inspiring, and empowering in a selfless manner. So “I want to be a yoga teacher because I would like to be “of service” to others through the practice that has served my body and spirit well”. –Candice Carr

Each weekend has brought knowledge, excitement for yoga, and passion for teaching others. –Emily Friedman
The most profound experience I have had in teacher training is getting closer to achieving my goal of being of service to others and having the opportunity to teach people how to live better lives through teaching yoga. –Thomas Willingham

The best part of training is continually being amazed by the path each person took to find themselves on their mat today. –Christine Cheung

I have found and understood the meaning of universal love and have fostered a special bond with my fellow trainees. My teacher training experiences have made me a more compassionate person. I learned that what people present on the surface does not always portray what happens underneath. People often hide their pain and suffering and we need to be sensitive to that in our dealings with other people. –Caroline Maleke

My most profound experience thus far in teacher training has been getting to know myself on a deeper level. I've realized that the teacher was already inside me and this training simply let it shine. –Whitney Schmella
My most profound experience has been feeling my heart soften. This program has shown me the universality of pain, insecurity, loneliness and the absolute healing power of yoga. –Amy Van Hollebeke
My most profound experience has been getting to know such an amazing community of people, watching them grow, and experiencing their support. –Kristy Hollinger

The most profound moment of Shakti teacher training was a favorite quote that became a mantra for me - "Yoga is not the posture you are doing, but the change you are becoming" -Aadil Palkhivala. –Joanne Salinas
I took this on as a personal challenge and to deepen my own practice and my understanding of yoga. I’ve had the opportunity to meet an exceptional group of people and I’ve learned what really being there for people means. –Kristin Anderson

The most profound experience for me has been connecting with this special community of yogis. We are all so passionate about yoga and everyone has something unique and beautiful to offer. –Emily Jasper
On a physical level, besides breakthroughs in some poses, I can now tell when I am setting myself up for injury while practicing and correct it immediately. On an emotional level, so much growth has happened to me internally, plus it's wonderful to experience the support, love, and compassion from other trainees and teachers! –Thereza Howling
Shakti as a studio cultivates a strong sense of community. The Teacher Training program has enhanced my personal growth and my connections with our yogi community. It is truly amazing how much we have grown together in a relatively short time. –Jennifer Smith

November Seattle Yogi of the month

Patricia Dacey

What first brought to yoga?
I initially went to the intro classes with a neighbor, looking for an alternative to high impact exercise, due to knee pain. I found the Vinyasa flow-type yoga at Shakti meditative and physically challenging at the same time. I was really hooked once I started going regularly.

What is your favorite pose?
I would have to say the wheel is my favorite. It is a unique combination of power, and lightness. I feel that every muscle is contracting but there is also a sense of expansion and openness at the same time.

What is your favorite music to listen to?
I had never heard of Steve Gold before Shakti and I like the meditative aspect to his music as well as the lyrics and beats.

What do I do outside of Shakti?
I am a school-based Occupational Therapist, mainly working with preschool and elementary aged children. It’s a very fun and rewarding profession, plus I get to mix in some yoga as a warm up and sensory motor activity with many of the children, and they love it!

What is my guilty pleasure?
I have a few, but I really like to indulge in gelato every now and then. The chocolate hazelnut flavor is delicious….

What is my perfect day?
Typically wake up early and watch English soccer while drinking coffee, work in the garden or yard, and end with a class at Shakti or a swim.

What is the food that feeds my soul?
I love the taste of oven roasted vegetables, preferably a different mixture every time. I eat this a few times a week.

What classes do I regularly attend?
I typically attend Monday, Thursday and Friday 5:45 classes, and one of the weekend classes.

November Bellevue Yogi of the month

Elena Howell

What’s your favorite pose?
Half moon

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Kundalini Yoga Music

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?

I am a Certified Financial Planner at a local wealth management firm and I love my job because I get to help people with important financial decisions they are faced with during their lives. Outside of work and beside yoga, I enjoy spending time with my son and friends, watching movies, jogging with my golden retriever and salsa dancing.

What is your perfect day?
Wake up, catch up on the news (WSJ and CNN), have breakfast at “Maltby’s Café”, go for a run with my dog at the park, take a yoga class at Shakti’s, have dinner at “I Love Sushi on Lk Bellevue”, grab ice cream at “Cold Stone Creamery” and watch one my favorite shows: Suits, Fairly Legal, Mentalist or Homeland.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
I love seafood and sable fish is my favorite! ? but have to admit that I cannot live without ice cream – my favorite kind is Cold Stone Creamery’s vanilla bean with pecans and honey ?

What is your favorite quote?
“Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!” and “The way to love is to realize it may be lost…”

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
I put my yoga bag with two sets of yoga clothes in my car every morning when I leave the house, just in case I have a spare hour during the day or evening so I can make it to Shakti. There are some days when I don’t make it, but there also days when I get a chance to practice twice: during my lunch break and after work. I love it!

November Redmond Yogi of the month

Michelle Simonson

What first brought you to yoga?

I enjoy trying new things and have always had a workout regimen. Yoga seemed like a great workout that I could do for the rest of my life. I was hooked immediately!

What is your favorite pose?

That kind of depends upon the day but when I hold Dancer I am very proud of myself.

What has been your best yoga experience?

During a session with Jess he was showing us how to do a headstand. I had tried it before but couldn’t get up. This time I was right on my tip toes and Jess assisted me the rest of the way up. I was delighted until I realized he wasn’t holding me up anymore and I was doing it myself! Of course, I laughed and then my feet hit my mat abruptly.

What is your guilty pleasure?

A Starbucks Chai Tea & a good book; I really can ignore the rest of the world for hours.

What food feeds your soul?

I love to cook so about anything homemade!

What would a perfect day look like to you?

Now this question gets me because saying a day in Vegas would not sound very YOGI would it? A walk in the morning with my husband, watch my boys play sports, a little yoga, and then home to cook dinner and spend some time catching up with the family.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?

My husband & I love to walk/hike whenever possible. We are always looking for new places to explore. My two boys are both very involved in their sports; Trevor (19) is in Boston playing Jr. Hockey so we get to watch his games on the internet. Connor (16) is a lacrosse goalie and also took up football this year. We love to see our boys grow in their sports! I also work part-time for an old college buddy helping him run his Farmers Insurance business in Kirkland.

What is your favorite quote?

Worry is a misuse of imagination

If you could do anything in the world without chance of failing, what would you do?

Write a book.

What class or classes can a fellow Shakti student regularly find you in?

Pretty much every weekday at the 6:30 am class.

October Bellevue Yogi of the month

Heather Gautschi

What’s your favorite pose?
Handstand, hands down! I grew up as a gymnast, and spent much of my childhood upside down. There are so many poses I love, but handstand is like instant happiness.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
I love how every class and teacher has a unique personality, and the music always just seems to fit for each. I always really like the mix that Deb uses -- there's one song called (I think) "Just Say Yes" which is a pretty great mantra for practice, and life off of the mat!

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Outside of Shakti, I am an actor -- I do stage, film, voiceover, tv -- any medium which will hire me!

What is your perfect day?
Practicing yoga at Shakti, having a great workout, rehearsing/performing, and most of all laughing with the funniest person I know, my husband and best friend, Patrick.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
I don't think I could survive without chocolate.

What is your favorite quote?
from my favorite poem by e e cummings:
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
I love Shakti so much, you can find me there on most days -- usually at the 5:45 pm classes during the week and the morning classes on the weekends. Though when I can manage it, I really love the 6:30 am classes during the week too -- such a fantastic way to start the day -- makes you feel like you can handle anything that comes your way at work!

October Redmond Yogi of the month

Donna Gaulke

What first brought you to yoga?
As life grows longer, so does the body. Yoga provides the means to tone and strengthen the body to meet challenges ahead.

What’s your favorite pose?
I would have to say the Warrior poses would be my favorite because they demonstrate strength and control.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Whatever the instructors select meets my favorite music to practice to.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Outside of Shakti would be walking and showing my Irish Setter Sophie, in dog shows across the region.

What is your perfect day?
My perfect day is spending time with my husband, Gary, our Irish Setter Sophie and relaxing after a strenuous workday.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
If naughty, I would have to say anything sweet. Healthy wise I would say raw veggies.

What is your favorite quote?
Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets.
So, love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don’t.

And believe that everything happens for a reason…

If you get a chance – take it.

If it changes your life – let it.

Nobody said that life would be easy…they just promised it would be worth it.

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Any of the 1.5 sessions.

September Redmond Yogi of the month

Steve Wilson

What first brought you to yoga?
I was introduced to yoga by a friend when I was persuaded to try a class with Liz Doyle at Gold's Gym. I was hooked almost immediately.

What is your favorite pose?
Fallen Angel and all arm balances since I still can't do handstands.

What has been your best yoga experience?
I have really enjoyed to yoga community and the inspiration and energy I have received from those I have been privileged to practice with. I particularly enjoyed the City of Hope yoga event.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Frozen Peanut M&Ms.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?
I am lucky because I get to make my living doing what I love. I fly paragliders and I get to fly with others and teach them to fly.

What is your favorite quote?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What is one thing you would do if money was not an object?
Travel more. I have traveled extensively and I really enjoy it, but there are many, many more places I would like to visit.

July Redmond Yogi of the month

Katherine Leonard

What first brought you to yoga?

I wanted to try something new to challenge myself physically but I was looking for something that would benefit me mentally and emotionally.

What is your favorite pose?

Dancer pose would have to be my favorite. I feel very strong and powerful in that pose…and it just looks really cool.

What has been your best yoga experience?

The first time I did yoga class twice in one day. The first class was at 6:30am and then I did the 4:30pm class that I normally do. I thought I would be tired and would struggle in the second class but I felt stronger, looser and more “in the zone” that I have ever felt in a class. I liked it so much I did it the next week and will continue to do so. The other best experience was doing wheel for the first time and holding it for 5 breaths and coming down from it gracefully instead of collapsing.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I love to stay in my PJs all day reading or watching hockey.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?
I love to travel and experience places and cultures that are so different than mine. I have been lucky to visit quite a few countries and always come away learning something new, especially about myself. I also LOVE to read – historical fiction, autobiographies, mystery, thrillers - as well as magazines. I subscribe to four different travel magazines but also read Outside, Fast Company, The Atlantic and Smithsonian. I also love hanging out with my husband – one of the greatest people I know – and friends, especially around our fire pit. With all our family living back in Toronto I also spend quite a bit of time on the phone.
Katherine Leonard

What is your favorite quote?

Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did. -H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

You are the first person to participate in the 30 day challenge at Redmond this year! Way to kick butt! What has been the hardest part? What has been the greatest benefit?

The hardest part of the challenge initially was finding times in the studio schedule that would work with mine. It meant that I’ve been here at every time of the day (6:30am, 9:45, 12, 4/4:30 and 6pm). The next hardest part was how it felt to do yoga every day. The first week was the toughest – I had only done yoga 3 times a week at the most. At the half-way point it started feeling a lot better. My body was getting used to doing this. There were a couple of days that my energy felt really low and class was hard. But this gave me a chance to listen to my body and make the necessary adjustments that would give me the best experience. The greatest benefit has been the daily time I have given to myself. It is so rare to have 5 minutes, let alone 60-90 minutes to do nothing but focus on your body and breathing and just concentrate on yourself. Not once since I started yoga last October have I thought of anything during class beyond what I was doing in that very moment. Nothing from the outside world enters my thoughts and that is just incredible. Physically I am stronger and my balance and flexibility has improved. What this has done to my state of mind outside of class is immeasurable – just ask my husband. J I am more patient and calm in everything that I do and yoga is a HUGE part of that.

July WEST Yogi of The Month

John Ozkurt

What first brought you to yoga?
I wanted to gather my physical and spiritual being while
using Power Yoga as a triggering tool.

What’s your favorite pose?
Certainly not the “Crow” pose.
I believe I like the “Tree” pose the most.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
I believe that “Ocean sound” would be the best while practicing.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I travel quite often domestically and internationally.
I cook for my friends every so often.
I like to bike, and enjoy being in the nature.

What is your perfect day?
When I get up in the morning, I look at the mirror and say:
Thank(s) to the ultimate energy, I am breathing.
That is the perfect day for me!

What is the food that feeds your soul?
black mulberry (If we take your question literally).
Love of myself (otherwise)

What is your favorite quote?
“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you will be able to see farther”.
- Morgan, John Pierpont

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
I come to SHAKTI usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 7:15 session, and on Sundays for 11:15 session.

June Redmond Yogi of the month

Christian Johanneson

What first brought you to yoga?
Three years ago I was 60 pounds heavier and out of shape. I was first introduced to yoga as a
way to exercise and lose weight.

What is your favorite pose?
Just about any arm balance is my favorite pose to do. Handstand is my current favorite pose
because I can’t do it – and in a weird way that makes me like it.

What is your favorite music to practice to?
Hip hop or soul.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?
Mostly I hang out with my family and dream about buying a new car.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Vacations. I love vacations.

What is your favorite quote?
“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the respect of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded” -Emerson

What class or classes can fellow Shakti students find you in?
Nowadays I am at the 6:30am class or noon.

How does yoga help you be a better Dad?
Yoga helps me slow down and be present with my kids.

June West Yogi Of The Month

Doug Broadbent

What first brought you to yoga?
• My youngest daughter, Emily, was interested in yoga… we found a local club that offered all ages yoga and started going as a fun father/ daughter activity. With a couple classes of slow stretching/gentle yoga under my belt, I thought I had it down.. A friend invited me to a class at Shakti East… I walked into the studio, very confident that I would soon master this class too… 30 minutes into a 90 minute Level 2 Shakti class.. I was DONE… WOW.. this yoga is gnarly… but a seed was planted… and I set a goal to keep practicing until I could make it through a level 2 class without feeling a need to rest in child pose…

What’s your favorite pose?
• My favorite pose is handstand – perfect combination of balance and strength. I am always inspired when someone on the mat next to me, gracefully lifts up into handstand (or even just gives it a good try)… After 90 days of handstand practice, I have gained quite a bit of respect for that pose.….

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
• Anything with a good groove… Sail by Awolnation is a great way to heat things up. Jimi Hendrix during Shavasana has made me smile…

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
• My #1 job… I love being a dad (have 2 teenage daughters).. For work, I am a computing architect… for fun - I coach quite a bit of youth soccer and enjoy: cycling, sunsets, photography, motorcycles (Harley ride on a sunny afternoon), skiing, long board skateboarding (powered by 1 Golden Retriever named Odie.. I call it land surfing), SUP paddle boarding, cooking & food with friends..

What is your perfect day?
• Any day that includes coffee, yoga, something fun in the sun, good food, friends, catching the sunset, big smiles and lots of laughs

What is the food that feeds your soul?
• The food that feeds my soul, is all about trying something new. I love finding my next favorite late night dessert… Top of the dessert must have list (close to Shakti West)-- Ocho’s La Carolina – Pancetta wrapped, blue cheese stuffed dates with a balsamic reduction….

What is your favorite quote?
• “Dude, I service society by rocking.” – Dewey Finn / Jack Black – The School of Rock

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
• My yoga schedule is across the board.. .but I generally attend a class every day.. weekdays -- a noon / evening class.. weekends -- a morning / evening class..

May REDMOND Yogi of the Month

Claudia, Savannah, Phoebe, & Daktoa Stern

What first brought you to yoga?

Claudia: When I worked for Club Med there was a yoga teacher who was about 75 years old. He would practice yoga perched at the very edge of the pool. He was amazing! And I want to be able to move ike him when I am 75.

Savannah:My mom

Phoebe:My mom was doing it and I wanted to be healthier
Dakota:'Cause it's cool and you get to learn new moves!

What do you do outside of SHAKTI walls?
Claudia:Gardern, cook, wakeboard, crochet
Savannah:Pole cault, soccer, volleyball
Phoebe:Read, draw, dance, play soccer
Dakota:Ballet, soccer, skateboard, play at the park

What is your favorite quote?
Claudia: Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things.
Savanna:To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Phoebe: Don't cry because it's over, smile because it's happened.
Dakota: I don't have one yet, but my favorite word is "opportunity".

What is your favorite music to practice to?
Claudia: Jack Johnson
Savanna: Jack Johnson
Phoebe: Classical piano
Dakota: Lady Gaga

What is your guilty pleasure?
Claudia: Going to Red Mango when my kids are in school
Savanna: Ben & Jerry's "Cherry Garcia"
Phoebe: Laffy Taffy
Dakota: Cheetos

What is your favorite pose?
Claudia: Triangle & Tree
Savanna: Savasana
Phoebe: Wheel
Dakota: Spider

What class or classes can fellow SHAKTI students find you in?
Monday 4:30, Tuesday 9:30, Wednesday 3:15, Thursday 9:30, Friday 4:00, Sunday 4:00

May West Yogi of the month

Sasha Nosecchi

What first brought you to yoga?
I first started yoga as some friends from my neighborhood were going on Saturday or Sunday mornings and it sounded like fun.

What’s your favorite pose?
I would say I truly enjoy Dancer as it makes me feel so incredibly powerful.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
The best music that I listened to while practicing yoga was a live drummer. Such an amazing sensation was created!

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I organized events/activities around wine. Not a bad job.

What is your perfect day?
My perfect day is always when I get up before the rest of my household,
grab my running shoes and meet my running pals for a long run and then
a big breakfast afterwards.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Any type of curry.

What is your favorite quote?
"When I was 5 years old, my mom always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I was in school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down, ‘happy’. They told me I didn't understand the assignment and I told them they didn't understand life.” - Anonymous

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Carl's great Monday morning 1.5 class as it is such an awesome way to start the week and then Jessica's class on Wednesdays at 6:15am.

May East Yogi of the month

Molly Grove

What first brought you to yoga? After years of running I found Hot Yoga which became a wonderful alternative. Discovered Shakti East several years ago, immediately felt the positive energy, wonderful ambiance and authentic people and knew I had come home.

What’s your favorite pose? Traditional headstand

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to? Krishna Das

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls? HR Manager at NAES Corporation (based in Issaquah, NAES manages and operates power plants worldwide), Mom (Tony-25, Lindsey-22) and Wife (Joe-we will be married for 29 years in July 2012)

What is your guilty pleasure? Flying Apron “Morning Peanut Butter Bars”

What would be your perfect day? Up early on a sunny morning, drink a cup of coffee, practice at Shakti East, Gina’s 8am class (Saturday)

What is the food that feeds your soul? Pad Thai

What is your favorite quote? “Sometimes helping someone else becomes the answers to your own prayers.

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in? 6:30 am weekday class – ALWAYS gets my day started off on the right path!

April WEST Yogi of The Month

Sara Armbrecht

What first brought you to yoga?
I stumbled upon a yoga class years and years ago and was quickly struck by how you can make it work -- no matter where you are at that day or in your life. When I suffered a back injury a few years ago, yoga was instrumental in my healing process and I knew it would be an integral part of my training plan when I set a BIG goal to complete a marathon in March 2012.

What’s your favorite pose?
I love a good triangle pose. I feel so surprisingly powerful and strong and
relish that feeling.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Something I'm not moved to dance to!

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
During the week, I work in Human Resources for a Hospitality Management company. On nights and weekends, I strive for "my perfect day" See below.

What is your perfect day?
My perfect day is a nice balance of quiet time with a cup of coffee, a book and a sunrise
or sunset....an afternoon nap and lots of laughter with friends exploring the Pacific
Northwest, celebrating over good food, or a night out on the town.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Warm creamy soup with a hunk of fresh bread and butter.

What is your favorite quote?
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

“The art of living lies in the fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” - Havelock Ellis

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
You can find me with my marathon training partner, Sasha, in Carl's Monday
morning class—a great start to the day and week!

April East Yogi Of The Month

Evanna Charlote

What first brought you to yoga?
I started yoga a few years ago but after pulling a hamstring (running with my dog) that wouldn’t heal, I had to stop. But I really missed yoga, and cycling as much as I do, I needed to do something in addition for complete conditioning, especially upper body and core. A friend kept telling me about Shakti saying that I would love it, and she was right! Shakti is wonderful! I’ve gone to a yoga studio where I was made to feel like a failure because I couldn’t do anything perfectly (or remotely close). Not at Shakti, where it’s quite the opposite. When I first came to Shakti back in November, I didn’t expect to be welcomed and made to feel part of the community that is Shakti. All the instructors and staff are supportive, positive, dynamic, upbeat and truly very caring people. The philosophy of Shakti of non judgmental instruction and emphasis that when you come to your matt, it is your practice and no one else’s, is very important to me. One thing that amazes me about yoga is for 90 minutes I am completely focused on what I am doing and not my outside thoughts. It’s a meditation in itself.

I recently completed the “40-Day Personal Revolution” at Shakti, which was a fantastic experience, not only in making and keeping a personal commitment, but meeting some special people. I am very thankful to Shakti (Lisa and Kristy) for even providing this opportunity for honest reflection and personal growth.


What’s your favorite pose?
I seriously struggle with the balancing poses, but Standing Eagle and Tree are the ones I struggle the least with. I often refer to yoga as “FOFO” Focus Or Fall Over. I have good balance on my bike, and why that doesn’t translate to my matt I don’t know. I have very weak shoulders from tearing both rotator cuffs and surgery, so my goal is strengthening and being able to do a handstand, with or without the wall.

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
Anything upbeat and happy – Reggae, The Beatles, Deb Nielsen’s music. During final Savasannah, I like quiet melodic piano and Native American flute.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Besides my full-time job as a paralegal, I LOVE cycling. I’m training towards doing the STP in one day this year (205 miles). I also love hiking, gardening, sewing, making jewelry, and most importantly being with friends.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Sitting on my back deck in the late afternoon sun with a nice glass of merlot.

What would be your perfect day?
Hiking The Kendall Catwalk on a bright sunny fall day, and no one on their cell phones.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
B.R.E.A.D. !!! Knead I say more?

What is your favorite quotes?
Live well, laugh often, love much………Bessie Anderson Stanley (& Heidi Busek)
Be kind to all you meet for you know not their struggles…… Anon.
Every strike is just one swing away from a home run……… Babe Ruth

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
5:30pm Monday, Wed, Friday. Saturdays 4:30 with Deb Nielsen or Sunday 4:30 with My Buddy Zak.

Redmond's April Yogi Of The Month

Jessie Brown

What first brought you to yoga?
I heard about the intro series from a friend and it sounded like a great place to start, to see if yoga was for me.

What is your favorite pose?
Half-moon

What has been your best yoga experience?
Just coming to practice as much as possible, and the first time I did wheel pose.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I would have to say happy hour – anywhere!

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?
I work in commercial real estate and take my dog for walks.

What is your favorite quote?
“A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.” - Winston Churchill

If you could do anything in the world with a guarantee of success, what would you do?
I would start my own dog walking business and work for myself.

Redmond's March Yogi Of The Month

Thomas Willingham

What first brought you to yoga?

I have what I refer to as the “rule of 3.” If I hear something from 3 separate sources I have to seriously investigate it. About 2.5 years ago, as I was training for triathlons; a girlfriend, my physical therapist, and a coworker mentioned within a period of 2 weeks that I should check out yoga. I was initially unhappy about having to investigate yoga. Much to my surprise, my first yoga attempt kicked my butt. At first I was unable to do cat / cows. I felt like I was performing the action in my head, but my body didn’t respond. I had trouble performing the balance oriented or stretching poses. I always enjoy a challenge, and I appreciated the idea of getting more in tune with my body.

What is your favorite pose?

I have a couple of favorites. I enjoy the balancing series. For some reason I find that my balance can be elusive. Some days I am able to hit a balance pose, and other days I feel like I’m trying to balance on the high seas. I’ve been working on my inversions and handstands, so include those amongst my new favorites. I also enjoy the space between the poses. I am learning fluidity between the poses, which I have found to be a bit of a challenge. Also you never go wrong with core work!

What has been your best yoga experience?

Participating in the 40 day program was not only an opportunity for personal growth; it has been a great introduction to the community at Shakti.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I like baked goods, and I cannot lie. I’ve also been known to play video games when I’m not training or working.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?

I stay pretty active. When I am not at work I am typically training. On any given day you will find me swimming, biking, running, or hiking.

What is your favorite quote?

“Be like the fox who makes more tracks than necessary, some in the wrong direction.”

       - Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front by Wendell Berry
“I love it when the impossible becomes merely challenging.”

       – heard from Brock Cahill
“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”

       – Bruce Lee

If you could do anything in the world without chance of failing, what would you do?

I would be of service to others, by speaking internationally on a topic that helps make people’s lives better.

You’ve had a lot of cool things going on with your yoga practice lately…. tell us about them!

I love the opportunities for growth that my practice has presented to me lately.
As I write this, I recently finished 40 days. As a triathlete, I didn’t encounter any problems with the physical portion of the challenge, but the inquiry and weekly meetings were a great opportunity for personal growth. The program is a great way to build community with your fellow yogis. Seeing other 40 dayers at practice is very motivating. I am heading to Level One in Hawaii at the end of February. I look forward to the challenge, and how this will affect my practice. I also really appreciate the support from the instructors at Redmond and East. They’re always willing to go out of their way to help you with your practice.

West's MARCH Yogi of the month

Wytold Lebing

What first brought you to yoga?

I first started yoga to recover some of the flexibility I had lost after years of running and bicycling. During physical therapy for runners knee the therapist pointed out that the range of motion in my Achilles and hips was pretty limited. He suggested stretching exercises. I belonged to LA Fitness in Ballard and at the time they had yoga classes. I started with the easy classes, but found myself gravitating to one of the teachers that taught a vinyasa style class, and just got addicted. That instructor left LA Fitness last spring, and it then became “club yoga” as usual.
I finally decided to walk under the big Shakti awning on Market Street and immediately got hooked on the quality of the instructors, the staff, the great people in class – just the whole Shakti experience.

What’s your favorite pose?

If I have to pick one right now it’s probably Parsva Bakasana - Side Crow. It was one of the poses I thought I would never be able to do. There’s still a lot of room for improvement there, but I seem to be getting better at it. So I like to play that edge. –and someday I plan to do handstand without the wall.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?

I really like most music. When an instructor puts on something with a beat as sort of a mild background during Sun Salutations I find my whole being tuning into the flow and the music. So really anything from Arcade Fire to Juana Molina to the traditional “yoga music” seems to work well.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?

My job is as a Biotech consultant which gives me a lot of flexibility. I like spending time with my wife, daughter, and grandson. Then anything that gets me outside. In the winter I’m hooked on skiing and snowboarding. In the spring, summer, and fall I try to get in as much fly fishing as I can, plus a bit of deer hunting in the fall. In addition to that there’s riding my motorcycle. I’ve also joined a walking group that is exploring the Seattle area on foot.

What is your perfect day?

Start it with not having to get on a plane for business travel… Then a good yoga class and any of the things mentioned above. Maybe it’s a combination of getting older and yoga, but more and more everyday seems to feel like the perfect day.

What is the food that feeds your soul?

All kinds of nuts are one of my favorites but I’m definitely hooked on chunky peanut butter out of the refrigerator.

What is your favorite quote?

“I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process.” Benjamin Harrison US President 1889-1893

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?

I gravitate toward mornings – 6:15, 8:00, or 9:30.

East's MARCH Yogi couple of the month

Bill and Ellen Cooper

What first brought you to yoga?  

E: I went to  Bikram yoga for 6+ years then pulled my hamstring and didn't go back, then Bill said, "Let's try that yoga studio on Main St."  I'm so glad we did!
B: My sore neck and back.  I stayed with Shakti because the studio is beautiful and the teachers are very positive and encouraging. They know their stuff. 
 
 
What’s your favorite pose?  

E: Savasannah.
B: I love pigeon.  Stretching my hips is wonderful! I would never have figured out this pose by myself
 
 
What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?  

E: The Indian singer that we often hear.
B: I really enjoy listening to music at Shakti.  The teachers do a great job of picking songs with the right amount of trance.  Anything with a '60's flavor is good. Reggae is especially good. 
 
 
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?  

E: Work:  Go to meetings and read e-mails.  Hobby:  Oil painting.
B: During the day I'm a psychotherapist in private practice.  I'm fortunate to be able to do what I love--and yoga keeps me centered and in a positive vibe.  I love to read about psychology.  I also meditate regularly. 
 
 
What is your guilty pleasure?    

E: Chocolate.
B: Watching "Breaking Bad."  I love to see Walter White emotionally overwhelmed and a nervous wreck each week.  He desperately needs some yoga. 
 
 
What would be your perfect day?

 
E: Sunny, about 72 degrees.  
B: I love to hike in the nearby National Parks,Rainier and the North Cascades, on a sunny day in August  It's like being in a postcard. 
 
 
What is the food that feeds your soul?  

E: Lasagne.
B: Coffee. Need I say more? 
  
What is your favorite quote?  

E: This too shall pass.
B: "You're in imminent danger of being OK."  
 
 What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?  

E: Sat @ 4:30pm with Deborah; Sun @5:45pm with Zack.
B:  I try to get to Shakti 4 or 5 times a week.  During the week I take a lot of noon classes. It works well with my schedule, and there's a great group of guys to practice with. The afternoon classes on the weekends fit well with my schedule.  Ellen and I usually make it to one of these-there's a lot of good energy and support. 

February West Yogi of the month

molly carney

What first brought you to yoga?

For several years, I had been seeking an exercise routine that wouldn't bore me out of my skull, and one that was more social than running.  I was also in my late 40s and trying to find something healthy I could do as my body continues to age.  During a brief period of unemployment, I took the intro series and was pretty quickly hooked.  I got hooked not only because the routines feel good, but yoga is a great antidote to my challenging work life and affords me the meditative focus I'd also been seeking.
 
What’s your favorite pose?

I like both side angle and locust.  Side angle is very challenging, feels cleansing, and it's at once stretchy, twisty, lengthening and strengthening.  I like locust pose because it appears to be pretty simple but it's, for me, tricky to do correctly.  It's also a great low back strengthener.
 
What’s your favorite music to practice to?

I like sounds without words.  It's easier to stay focused on my internal state rather than
getting distracted by lyrics. 
 
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls? 

I help run a local methadone clinic for people with opiate addictions. 
 
What is your perfect day? 

Vacationing on a beach, eating tropical fruit, indulging in good fiction, being with
my husband.

What is the food that feeds your soul?

Fresh fruits and vegetables generally.  They keep my mind clear.  I have plenty of indulgences, but feeding my soul to me means enhancing my overall well being.
 
What is your favorite quote?

"Keep breathing!" from one of Shakti's instructors. This quote comes in handy all day long and in so many situations.

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?

Saturday 8 AM, Sunday 9:30 AM, and usually two 5:30 PM classes during the week - typically Monday and Wednesday.

February East Yogi of the Month

Francisca Hunt

What first brought you to yoga?

What first brought me is my interest bout yoga itself. It's like a calling, I knew it's something for me but I could not find a studio to practice where I lived in Indonesia. It's funny how I found it after I moved to the States

What’s your favorite pose?

Hmmm, hard to say .. can I say core sets like the boat, 60/30 legs, yoga bicycle and so on ... it just those are the things that I get so lazy to do at home by myself. Most of the times, I just count to 10 and done : )

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?

I like to practice with trance and techno - from the down tempo to fast and back descending again is very uplifting

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?

Photography! : ) and traveling. I like to go overseas or outside this state.

What is your guilty pleasure?

errr When I see an amazing pair of shoes

What would be your perfect day?

Perfect day is when my house spotless clean cos then I can relax and ease my mind

What is the food that feeds your soul?

Indonesian foods definitely

What is your favorite quote?

To what can our life on earth be likened? To a flock of geese, alighting on the snow. Sometimes leaving a trace of their passage

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?

When I am in town almost every weekdays at 5.30PM

February Redmond Yogi Of the month

Cindy Noteboom

What first brought you to yoga?

I first explored yoga through a program at the Y right after my first child was born. From my very first class I loved the integration of movement with breath and the sense of calm it brings both on and off my mat. Over the years (let’s just say it, as I’m getting older) yoga has become almost critical to helping me maintain an active lifestyle and avoid injury.

What is your favorite pose?
It depends on the day, my energy level and if there is something I am looking to get out of a specific practice. I love the joy I feel in Dancer and equally love the opening (and for me, the spinal and hip alignment) of Sugarcane. Inversions are my most challenging poses but I really enjoy playing with them and look forward to the day when I am more comfortable being upside down.

Can you remember your best yoga experience?

I do a lot of hiking and camping, you can often find me on the trails heading to the top of a mountain which is where I feel most at peace and spiritually connected to the world. My best yoga experiences are when I incorporate elements of my practice into my time outdoors, well away from the noise and stress of everyday life. There was a particularly beautiful Fall day on Orcas Island a couple of years ago, I was on a short hike and crossed a bridge beneath a waterfall, the only other people around were my two boys (who by now are very adept at ignoring their mother’s eccentricities), they stopped to play in the water and I did a few sun salutations on the bridge – it was a perfect moment of serenity and connection with the world around me.

What is your favorite music to practice to?

As much as I love music, I don’t really have a favorite music to practice to. I enjoy when it’s being played, but am equally content when it’s not.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?

In my personal life I am blessed with two beautiful boys (13 and 11) and the most wonderful husband in the world. There is a constant stream of activity and semi-organized chaos in our house, getting the kids off to their various activities, juggling all of our schedules and finding time to just be a family.
In my professional life, I work in project delivery for a small Business Intelligence consulting firm. I do a lot of team coaching and mentoring in Agile Project Management (which is a huge energy boost for me because I absolutely LOVE to teach people new ways to solve tough problems and help them achieve successes they did not think possible) and building or maturing many different aspects of our business; from employee professional development and growth to better management of client relationships.

What class or classes can fellow Shakti students find you in?

It’s a bit of a grab bag depending on the demands of work and family, but I am most frequently in the noon Power Hour classes and the 8 AM class on Saturday.

What is your favorite quote?

I’m going to cheat here – because this is poem not a quote. But every line of it speaks to me and I hold much of it my heart.
Desiderata:
Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy

Do you have any funny or sweet Valentine’s Day stories from your past?

Let's see......  there was the time I committed my college roomate to the psych ward on Valentines day..... oh wait, not funny or sweet.  Sad to say, that's the best I've got.

January West Yogi of the month

Daryoush Mehrtash

What first brought you to yoga?

Years ago group of coworkers wanted to bring a yoga teacher after work. The group needed a minimum number of students to start the class, they were short a few people, I signed up to get the process started. After a few session I realized I liked it and when I changed job I tried various studios, teachers, and styles. I got hooked on Ashtanga. I really liked the fact that poses where fixed and that I could see progress. After a while I thought I could do it on my own at home. But that never happened so I decided to try various studio. I ended up in Shotki. I like the classes here as they are warm but not too hot. I like the room

in the Shatki West, and got impressed by helpers in the beginner classes. Adjusting my poses was a nice touch. I am hooked now :)

What’s your favorite pose?

I like Sun Salutations. There is a lot going on. I also like the crow pose. I can't do it, but it is usually done at what seems like half way point in the class. I think of it as recess. Good time to get some water and get ready for the 2nd part of the class. Isn't that what crows do? :)

What’s your favorite music to practice to?

I am still looking for it. Tina once played an Spanish music that I liked. Middle Eastern and Indian music seem to be a good match, but I have yet to find a favorite.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?

I like to listen to live acoustic music, mostly Jazz and world music. I like cooking and baking bread and pizza. I am always in search of good coffee, beer, bread.

What is your perfect day?

It starts and end with a good night sleep.

What is the food that feeds your soul?

Simple foods, good bread and yogurt, and any food that inspires me to try to make it myself.

What is your favorite quote?

I like one in Tao De Ching (and Tao of Pooh): "when nothing is done, nothing is left undone". There is also one I heard in Shatki class that has stayed with me... "the cage is not locked".

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?

I work in downtown these days and can only make it to the late evening classes. On Monday and Wednesdays I do the 7:30 class, sometimes I drop in to the beginner series classes.

January redmond Yogi of the month

Heather rivas

What first brought you to yoga?
A dear friend of mine teaches a yoga class here in Redmond in a little studio surrounded by llamas. About a year ago, she asked if I would like to come, and I hesitantly (because I thought that I was just too unbendable after a lifetime of running, swimming and biking and not enough stretching to make it work) decided to give it a try. From the very first day, I was really hooked. I loved the peacefulness, the physical challenge, the quiet focus, and, of course, the llamas. I felt so wonderful after each class –and I noticed that it brought a heightened level of lightness and ease to my life. She only taught there once a week, and the one week between classes was too long a wait. That’s when I stumbled on Shakti thanks to another friend of mine who saw that they were opening a studio in Redmond.

What is your favorite pose?
I’m not really good at deciding favorites, as I always want to include too many things on the exclusive “favorite” list (rendering it not that exclusive after all…). However, Dancer is definitely on the list –I just think it is so beautiful. So is Handstand –I love the challenge. And of course Headstand –because it is fun. Eagle pose is also on my list. I also love arm balances, which are especially great to try with my son when I get home.

What is your most memorable yoga experience?
My kids came with me a couple times in the summer, and one of my favorite moments was when I was in class and looked down my row and caught eyes with my three kids all stretched out Dancer pose –that was lovely. Also, after seeing how much I was loving yoga, my husband started coming with me after work in the evenings. The moment he decided to return again after his first (pretty tough) class, was a delight.

What is your favorite music to practice to?
I am not picky at all when it comes to music during yoga. You can put on rock music, dance music, meditative music, chanting, folk music, samba drums- it’s all good to me.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?
I love finding spots we have never heard of and exploring them together with my family just to see what we find. We rarely have an agenda, and we don’t do any research –we just go. We have discovered so many little gems this way and it is always amusing to have these little shared memories of adventures that have “gone good” or “gone bad” –but in a good way. When the kids are in school, I teach a couple small Spanish classes to kids during the week. Otherwise, I just like to be out and about.

What is your favorite quote?
Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like it's heaven on earth. Mark Twain

2012 is here! Do you have any resolutions for the New Year?
I tend to not make New Year’s resolutions, maybe because it’s too much pressure for me!

Tell us about the triathlon you did this summer!
I lately have been doing a sprint triathlon in the summer, but this year I ended up doing two because my daughter wanted to do one with me. The first one was during the 90 day challenge, so I was doing yoga every day. I wasn’t training at all for the running, biking or swimming, but I felt plenty strong enough with all the yoga. My daughter was in shape with running –and less so with biking, but had never swum that far in her life. We were ready J! It was wonderful. It was fantastic doing it along with my daughter –and she was exhilarated. We sprinted into the finish line together happy and exhausted. Then I went home to take a nap and come to my afternoon yoga class. Perfect day.

December West Yogi of the Month

Lisa Mattle

What first brought you to yoga?
I first discovered yoga after sustaining a back injury. I was not able to lift weights or run for about a year and yoga was the only thing that made the aches, pain and stiffness go away. Fourteen years later, I am still committed to a regular practice because nothing feels better than lying in savasana after a challenging vinyasa class!

What’s your favorite pose?
I love so many different asanas but my favorites are probably headstand and plow posture. I am especially drawn for some reason to inverted postures and arm balances. I love the strength of will and focus that it takes to hold powerful postures and the alternate frame of reference you get when you are upside down!

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
I don't have a favorite song to practice to since most of my yoga history has been in the
traditional Astanga method but any music is a nice touch!

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I spend most of my free time with my husband Scott and our three dogs! We love to go hiking and work in the yard and we try to travel internationally on a yearly basis when we can!

What is your perfect day?
A perfect day for me would be to get up early in the morning with a cup of coffee, take a long walk with the dogs on a beautiful sunny day, take a challenging vinyasa class followed by a fresh healthy meal or any day that I am traveling abroad and learning about different ways of being!

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Organic fresh crunchy veggies with hummus!

What is your favorite quote?
"Change your thoughts and you change your world"

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
My favorite classes are the level 2 or 2-3 classes but I love to attend any class at Shakti that I can! Thanks for such a great space with great teachers to practice yoga!

December East Yogi of the Month

Jamie Cannon

What first brought you to yoga?
I started practicing two years ago. Ravi knew I ran marathons and kept politely inviting me to his class as additional training. I was hesitant at first: I didn't want to practice "stretching." Needless to say, I left that first class sweaty, sore and yearning for more. In the time since, yoga has served my physical and mental well-being over and over again.

What’s your favorite pose?
I enjoy the challenge of inversions and balancing poses. My favorite is a tie between eagle and handstand.

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
I almost always practice at the studio, so you'll find me rocking to the mixes of Deb, Kristy and Ravi any day. (Ps. Deb: your U2 mix is awesome!)

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I stay active: I'm training for the Paris Marathon next spring and my first full Ironman in August. I spend time with my friends, travel, enjoy photography and I've started reading more often.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I've got a bad sweet tooth.

What would be your perfect day?
Yoga, coffee, newspaper, friends, the beach, run, cooking dinner and a Blue Moon.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
My family and community. I'm kidding. I don't eat them. I do, however, enjoy brussels sprouts.

What is your favorite quote?
Wherever you go, there you are.

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
I practice as much as I can, which means my schedule is unpredictable. Weekdays are a must and I'm usually there Saturday or Sunday.

The pic: at the top of Rainier, June 2011. Is that a sun salutation in three layers of North Face gear?

December Redmond Yogi of the Month

Randy Libby

What first brought you to yoga?
I have been a runner for years, and while I was looking for a more balanced exercise and practice that I could participate in within a community with others having the same interests, I was introduced to yoga by my daughter. I thought that it was just going to be 'meditation'...........what a lovely surprise! After practicing at many studios around the country, Shatki is by far the best. We are lucky to have this studio in our own backyard.

What is your favorite pose?
I love the alignment and balance when in 'Half Moon' pose, and while I would like to be able to do 'Bird of Paradise' I am not quite coordinated yet..................Dans ma prochaine vie?

Can you remember your best yoga experience?
I think my best yoga experience is when I inadvertently took a level 2-3 class (as my second ever yoga class), and making it through the end of the practice!

You recently participated in the 30 day challenge (August) First, what inspired you to do the challenge and second what did you gain from the challenge?
I was inspired by the commitment of others in the class who were already on their 30th, 60th or 90th straight day of yoga: I wondered if I could make it through 3 days straight, then a week, etc. After I got hooked on it, then I didn't want to stop............I think I am now at 120 straight days of yoga. It feels as though I have gained much more strength, calmness, and balance practicing yoga for the first 30 straight days of yoga than I ever did in 25 years of running.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?
Outside the orange walls of the studio, I actually try to have a life traveling and sailing (and yes, I still enjoy my work, but am trying to reduce that also to 1-2 days/week) to give myself more time freedom.

What is your favorite quote?
There are so many great quotes by the writers of the world, but one of my favorites is 'Now join your hands, and with your hands your heart' (King Henry VI - Shakespeare's quote on cooperation)

What class or classes can fellow Shakti students find you in?
Usually at the Redmond or Bellevue studios in both levels 1.5 and 2.0 or one of the workshops!

Christmas is just around the corner, what traditions do you and your family share during this holiday?
Spending time with family and hopefully another short excursion to Italy (but only if I can find a Vinyasa studio to practice)..

November West Yogi Of The Month (Karma Yogi Volunteers)

Danielle, Bron, Indigo, Sheila, Robert, Kate,
Shannon, Gretchen, Ashley, Kiichi, and David

What first brought you to yoga?

Shannon: My mom encouraged me to try it - I did my first class during the intro series at Shakti with Lisa Black, right when the studio first opened.

Sheila: As a kid, I would take down yoga books from the shelves at home and flip through the pictures. I was and still am amazed at what people can do with their bodies!

Robert: A growing awareness of the mind-body connection, and a desire to heal through conscious
attunement to this biofeedback mechanism (i.e. listening to my body).

What’s your favorite pose?

Indigo: My actual favorite pose is half-moon. But I always tell myself that my favorite is warrior one,
because honestly I don't like it and probably need to appreciate it more than I do.

Robert: I really enjoy Garudasana—‘eagle pose’—intertwining my limbs generates a sense of focus and power channeling through me as I breathe.

Sheila: I love rag-doll - nothing makes my neck feel better.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?

Shannon: I generally enjoy silence but I've had fun listening to Jack Johnson or Ray LaMontagne.

Robert: I like to consider Tool my musical mandala. The albums Lateralus and Ænima in particular weave magic and energy into my movements, I get a supercharge from the songs The Patient, Parabola,
Lateralus, Reflection and 46 & 2. 

Indigo: At home I like to practice to classical music, especially Bach or Chopin.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls? 

Sheila: I'm a full-time student at UW. I'm in my last year of a degree in biology with a math minor. I also was training for a half-marathon during the summer. Oh, and I'm very into cooking, so you're likely to find me in the kitchen when I'm not studying.

Indigo: I spend a lot of time working and playing with my dog. 

Shannon: I work at a small advertising agency as an account manager and my husband and I
take trips in our new (to us!) 85 Volkswagon Vanagon camper van as often as we can!
I also dabble in photography and love to cook.

Robert:  Aside from working in the business office of an orthopedic physicians clinic, I enjoy nature excursions (with lots of exploration and activity), photography, reading and running.

What is your perfect day? 

Robert: Waking up early, refreshed, to enjoy yoga and meditation. Enjoying coffeeand a warm breakfast, and then heading anywhere out the door to explore somewhere new or even well-known but seen with new eyes.

Sheila: Equal parts sleep, productivity, and leisure. Also, any day spent with my lovely fiance!

What is the food that feeds your soul?

Sheila: A home-made curry.

Shannon: I love Thai food, but I'm a bigger fan of breakfast sandwiches. Toasted sourdough bread, bacon, two fried eggs, cheddar cheese - YUM! I also LOVE fresh seafood - any kind.

Indigo: In the end when my soul really needs feeding, all I needs is a chocolate chip cookie!

What is your favorite quote?

Shannon: "Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver and
"A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world." - John le Carre

Robert: “Repugnant is the creature who would squander the ability to lift an eye to heaven,
conscious of his fleeting time here.”

Indigo: "Have no fear of perfection- you'll never reach it" - Salvador Dali

Sheila: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” - Plato

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?

Indigo: Usually Mike's class on Saturday evening, Jessica's Monday class at 5:30 and
Gina's Tuesday morning (when I don't feel like sleeping in :)

Sheila: I love levels 1.5 and 2!

Shannon: I've been taking the Monday 7:15 class and am hoping to start taking the
Wednesday 7:15 class and Saturday 9:45 class.

Robert: I have not had a ‘regular’ attendance since finishing the intro series. I am always there on Saturday mornings, and lately have started practicing in Tina and Ben’s 9:45am class. It keeps me flowing.
A huge thank you to each and every one of our KYs who are a vital part of our Shakti family!
You are amazing and we love you!
Left to Right: Sheila, Indigo and Shannon

October Redmond Yogi Of The Month   

Pam Collier

What first brought you to yoga?                                                                                     

I started practicing yoga a little more than two years ago. Initially, I was            

drawn to the idea of increasing strength and flexibility after a series of

stress injuries and falls from long-distance running and cycling. I quickly

began to enjoy the physical benefits of yoga, but what conitnues to draw

me back to my mat is that I feel like I meet my true self there. On my

mat, my mind and body come into sync and I emerge with more peace,

strength and love to fuel my parenting and my work.                                        

What's your favorite pose?

I love many yoga poses - head stand, because I recently found the courage to move away from the wall; and twists because I feel so balanced after a good set. My current favorite is triangle. I love the stability of the wide, straight-legged stance combined with the freedom and fluidity of a heart-opening reach up and bend back into space.

Can you remember your best yoga experience?

I completed 40-Days to Personal Revolution with Shakti earlier this year and experienced transformations in my approach to nutrition, in my sense of community and in facing some fears and personal saddness that were weighing in my heart. I also learned to appreciate silent meditation for the quiet peace it brought to my life.

What is your favorite music to practice to?

My practice feels more energized when I'm listening to almost any type of percussive music - I love a good rhythm. I also find misic in the rhythmic breathing of other yogis in the room.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?

I have a ten-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter who keep me busy with their schedule of schoolwork, activities and friends. I also work full-time managing a team of editors at a local technology consulting company. My personal interests besides yoga include food an nutrition, running, hiking, walks with my chihuahua, meditation and reading.

What is your favorite quote?

The following quote reminds me that I am empowered to shape my life, my destiny- not through grand moves, but from the smallest shifts in perspective.

"Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become your character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."

- Lazo-Tze

Congratulations on completing the Baptiste Power Flow Immersion with Baron Baptiste! It's good to have you back. Tell us your most rewarding memory of the trip, and anything elso you'd like to share about it!

The Baptiste Power Flow Immersion was simply amazing. Asana aside, a day that starts with elk walking you to a breakfast extravaganza that someone elso prepared for you - and majestic mountains everywhere you lift your gaze - promises to be special. What I found most rewarding was to be in the presence of approximately 500 people who are positively lit up about practicing yoga and living authentically. I have a new gratitude for this ancient set of poses and pricinples and for the people who answer the call to teach and lead others in practice. We all share the journey to discover what is possible at a personal level and together as a community. Baron Baptiste reminds us to "bring love to the love of the practice," and to "bring love to what you love." Love was definitely in the room!

October West Yogi of the Month

Tom Riley

What first brought you to yoga?
Last November, I had a really scary nerve injury in my hips that made my legs lose feeling and be very weak. After all the traditional doctors failed to figure it out, a great physical therapist used manipulative massage and diagnosed me properly. He then said you either pay me $65 twice a week for the rest of your life, or you can go do yoga.

Very soon after, I stumbled across Teacher Sean O'Connor at the Dutch Bicycle coffee shop in Ballard (the coffee Shop should be named Shakti Ballard Ave, given that Sean hangs out there, Teacher Brian Cisneros was a barista there, and Claire, a recent student is a barista there now.) Sean gave me the encouragement to come into Shakti and do the beginner program...The rest is history.

What’s your favorite pose?
Warrior Two, because I keep moving my focus to different parts of the pose and can always find a different place to go. And I love reversing my Warrior. It is my favorite movement.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
I’ve just gotten into Krishna Das and really enjoy it. Especially really loud.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I take care of my business; I play golf; I eat out and cook in. I pay attention to and provide transportation to my 16 year old stepdaughter.

What is your perfect day?
Machiatto at Dutch Bicycle Shop, 9:30 class at Shakti; Pho for lunch; 18 holes of golf in the afternoon; Dinner out with a good bottle of French wine.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
I love of avocados. My grandfather owned avocado orchards. I make the world's best guacamole.

What is your favorite quote?
"Comparison is the thief of joy".

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Tuesdays at 5:30pm.

October East Yogi of the Month

Lance

What first brought you to yoga?

A sore lower back. I also wanted to work on core strength and flexibility to help me with my snowboarding and wakesurfing.

What’s your favorite pose?

Honestly I don’t have a favorite pose, I do like the challenge of inversions though.

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?

I usually practice at the studio but if I do practice at home I usually listen to some reggae or some mellow beats like Thievery Corporation.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?

When the weather is nice I like being on the water, either wakesurfing or stand up paddle boarding. In the winter I snowboard.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Cinnamon rolls with frosting.

What would be your perfect day?

Hanging in the sun on a nice beach somewhere that has decent waves with my board, a couple of bro’s and my girl.

What is the food that feeds your soul?

Meat, fruit, vegetables.

What is your favorite quote?

“There is a solution.” - Bill W.

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?

Weekday evenings and weekend mornings.

September West Yogi of the Month

Shakti West’s August 30 Days Baptiste Challenger:

Claire Brummet

What made you decide to join the 30 Days Baptiste Challenge?

I joined the 30 day program because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

What was the most challenging aspect of the 30 Days program?
And on the other end, what was the easiest?

Staying positive and bringing energy to every yoga class was challenging. I realized through this program that not every yoga class is going to be your best. Accepting that my practice goes up and down was difficult and rewarding. Nothing about the 30 Day program was easy for me. My mom, practices yoga at Shakti and she would come to classes with me and ask me what class I had been to everyday. Her support made this program easier for me.

What is the most important thing you will take with you after the
30 Day program?

I loved this program because it forced me to check in with my body every day. In each yoga class I would notice the differences in my body and attitude. This has helped me quit some bad habits and develop better ones.

September Redmond Yogi of the Month

Thereza Howling

What first brought you to yoga?

Pain in my lower back! But once I had strengthened my back, I realized there was so much more to yoga than just fixing that.

What is your favorite pose?

I currently love bird of paradise! There is something about flying that I love, so I admire all “bird poses” really.

Can you remember your best yoga experience?

Besides all creative moments that have hit me during class or in savasana, a great experience was when I finally did a headstand. I also enjoy very much when our family - my husband, kids and I practice yoga poses together at our house. At the end, we usually have a contest to see who can stay in savasana the longest, but we always burst into laughter.

What is your favorite music to practice to?

I have listened to many different styles during Shakti classes, even rap, which was quite surprising for me! But when I am practicing in my zone, it is hard to even hear what is being played, so I really do not mind if there is music or not during class, and therefore I have no favorite music to practice to.

What do you do outside of Shakti walls?

I like to walk my dog, to go hiking with friends, to find something the whole family is interested in doing together, and to write on my blog.

What is your favorite quote?

“Our bodies are our gardens - our wills are our gardeners.”, by William Shakespeare.

What class or classes can fellow Shakti students find you in?

I like to take the 6:30AM classes to start my day just right, but the noon classes are another good option for me, especially when I bring a friend to try class for the first time.

Summer is coming to an end. What exciting things did you do over the summer?

I swam with whale sharks, learned to paddleboard and to do headstands. And obviously I can’t forget to mention the fact of taking 90+ classes of yoga since summer started!

September East Yogi of the Month
Joni Mellick

What first brought you to yoga?

I had casually mentioned to my husband that “I may want to give yoga a try.” I arrived home from work that same day and he had already signed me up for the Shakti beginners series. I started the next day and have never stopped!!

What is your favorite pose?

It varies from day to day but I always look forward to wheel or Viparita Karani

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to? Sting is always great! I had the opportunity to practice with Steve Gold live this summer and have a new found appreciation for his music. I also really like it when Valerie plays “Trailer for Sale or Rent” by Roger Miller.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls? Spending time with friends and family, bike riding and seeking fun life adventures.

What is your guilty pleasure? E-bay!!

What would be your perfect day? Yoga, good coffee, hot bath, pedicure, dinner and then a great play at the ACT Theater.

What is the food that feeds your soul? Oysters or black licorice

What is your favorite quote? “When you know better – you do better” Maya Angelou

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in? Saturday and Sunday mornings and whatever evening classes work with my schedule during the week. Would love to be able to attend 6:30 AM everyday but schedule does not allow. It is such an energizing way to start the day.

August West Yogi of the Month

Shakti West’s July 30 Days Baptiste Challengers:
Mary Beth Abel, Lindy Blevins, Nico Lund, Tracey Olsen, Wendy Rockhill, Julie Stalter, Caroll Galm, and Jen Krohn

What made you decide to join the 30 Days Baptiste Challenge?

Mary Beth: I like experiences that intensify my growth or learning. For that reason, I've been wanting to do the 40-day program, but it never fit in my schedule. The 30-day, mid-summer opportunity was perfect for me. Also, I participated because I wished to get to know more people within the Shakti community.

Jen: I am a runner and had an injury early this year that meant a big reduction in my running training this summer. This brought me to Shakti more frequently and I decided to join the 30 Day program to deepen my Baptiste practice because I was enjoying it so much!

Wendy: Two things: 1) Years ago I watched/talked with a woman, Ruth, who worked full time And who's husband was ailing, go through the 40 day program. She inspired me. 2) If yoga is going to be more than just a workout, I need to figure out how to fit it into my life every day.

What was the most challenging aspect of the 30 Days program? And on the other end, what was the easiest?

Jen: The most challenging aspect has been making it to practice after working all day (but I'm glad I did!). I am surprised at how easy it has been to give up sugar and caffeine, something I thought I would be impossible at the start of the program.

Wendy: Most challenging - I chose to do the 10pm electronic shut down. It was really hard. I did not achieve it every day, but I did most days and I am certain I am better off getting more sleep and stepping away from the keyboard earlier in the evening. Easiest - getting to see the other 30 and 60 day people in the studio. It was lots easier to do 2 sessions in one day when your buddies were there too.

Mary Beth I'm not in the habit of doing the evening meditation because I'm inclined to just crash in the evening. So, keeping up with this commitment has been challenging. But, I appreciate the opportunity to practice this one. Actually, the easiest part is has been, surprisingly, showing up each day for yoga. Having a commitment in place (and one that's supported by the studio with the happy little sticker stars) really works for me.

What surprised you the most during the last 30 days?

Wendy: I was most surprised that I could make it every day and even if I started off tired, angry, thinking about work, not wanting to do another Chaturanga - ever, I always finished feeling better and ready to face the world in a different way. And while not a surprise, it was a pleasant reminder how many great teachers there are at Shakti as I would go to whatever class worked for me each day. Each teacher brought some new perspective to the practice for me.

Mary Beth: The support I received for doing this both at Shakti and within my community of friends and family. I tend to think that a commitment will get in the way of my relationships, but I believe now from this experience that a commitment strengthens relationships, especially if the commitment has clarity.

Jen: It was surprising how much I really took from the practice into my life. I was able to take the focus I have on the mat out into the rest of my life, which was really great. It's like I really woke up and am now able to be more mindful in my life.

What is the most important thing you will take with you after the 30 Day program?

Mary Beth: Having greater skill in flowing in my yoga practice and being guided by my breath and body rather than my head. When I was just showing up once or twice a week, I always did (what I thought) was the maximum level of a pose -- say upward dog instead of cobra. Each day of the challenge, I experienced myself moving more instinctually and taking cobra or going to child's pose as part of a flow rather than by sticking with one variation of the pose because I felt it was better than another. And some days, I would hear myself saying "I'm not going to take wheel today." But, then, I would be up in that pose. It was startling and rewarding to experience that and recognize that my body knows better than my head.

Jen: I have everything within myself to make it through all sorts of challenges. It is really awesome to feel so strong!

Wendy: I will take with me 1) the knowledge that yoga at 6:15am is a great way to start the day for a non-morning person, 2) I CAN do yoga every day and I will appreciate doing it and 3) there are some good buddies who helped make the entire experience fun and inspiring.

August Redmond Yogi of the Month

Kristina Laidler

What first brought you to yoga?
In the back of my mind, I’ve always had a whisper hint that yoga was right for me. After a few running injuries and a whole lot of work stress, I thought I’d finally give it a try. That was about 5 years ago and I grow more in love with yoga each practice.

What’s your favorite pose?
I’m finding power and balance in the “dancer” pose; it’s my favorite right now.

Can you remember your best yoga experience?
There are a few big moments in my yoga repertoire but any real time “teacher assist” is “my best” yoga moment. I can feel the poses but can’t “see” them so the supportive coaching and guidance of a skilled teacher is huge treat. The small things done just a little differently really open the yoga experience for me and my teachers always help me find the right spot. Whether it’s a sweet half-moon, a scary hand stand or a stretchy frog pose - yah teachers!! They collectively make up the best yoga experience for me.

What is your favorite music to practice to?
I love the surprise that comes with a new tune and the comfort of a familiar piece of music. I find it completely amazing to hear someone like Madonna, U2 or Bob Marley in the context of a yoga class. It’s all so unexpected and joyful.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
My beloved husband and I enjoy golf so much – we’ve been tweaking our game for years and appreciate all the fine tuning that comes with learning the “sport”; we also watch movies (my favorites are documentaries and he favors post-apocalyptic zombie movies). We’re real home bodies; we hang out a lot in the kitchen experimenting with a wide range foods; we tinker with home improvements and we lounge about as much as possible. Of course, I have a day job too and find yoga the perfect foil to the rush and tumble that is corporate America.

What is your favorite quote?
“Must be present to win” J that’s usually a rule applied to contests but totally applies to life.
Share with us a piece of wisdom that has helped you form your positive outlook.
Connecting with gratitude and abundance each day, on some level, is so important. I find it such a gift to have air to breathe, clean water to drink, cherished friends, family, work I enjoy, a healthy mind and body to move through this world. Everything else is the cherry on top of the sundae.

Summer has finally come to Seattle! What are your summertime plans?
As much golf as possible! I am a fair weather player so I love to practice and play while the sun is shining. The combination of yoga and golf is completely delicious; all the lovely balancing, twisting, and focusing carries right out to the golf course.

August East Yogi of the Month
Tracy Baker

What first brought you to yoga?

I was just looking for a change of 'scenery'. I had been training and running marathons and doing weights at the gym and was in a rut. A friend had mentioned yoga so I challenged myself to go. My very first class was taught by Gina Skene. What a great way to be introduced to yoga. I was hooked immediately!

What is your favorite pose?

I have 2 favorite poses. Warrior 2. The powerfulness of that pose just amazes me. It has shown me how strong I truly am. I also love Tree pose. I feel so grounded.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?

I work part time and have 3 very active children. If I am not on a soccer field, baseball field, football field or basketball court I might be running, skiing or snowboarding.

Do either of you have guilty pleasures?

Anything candy! And not the good for you dark chocolate. Give me licorice, gummy bears, tootsie rolls, etc... I love it all! AndDiet Coke

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Mexican food does it for me.

What is your favorite quote?
Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. "Unknown"

How would you spend your perfect day?

I would start my day off with a long run, then hit a yoga class. After that I would love to sit with a good book on the beach soaking up the sun. I'd probably throw a nap in there too!

What class or classes have fellow SHAKTI student regularly found you in?

9:30 or 5:30 depending on my work schedule. I also hate to miss Saturday and Sunday 8am classes. Gina the silent assassin and Kristi's 7 wheel Sunday do it for me! Always a great way to start the day.

July West Yogi of the Month

Heather Carey, Erin Christie, Carol Galm, Tisha Mahal, Tracey Olson, Tina Whiteside and Alison Yun

What made you decide to join the 30 Days Baptiste Challenge?

Alison: To challenge myself and explore the benefits of practicing yoga everyday.  When I went to a yoga retreat last year, my instructor told me that doing yoga everyday for 10 minutes is so much more beneficial than doing it every few days for an hour.  I try to remember to do yoga everyday at home but I just do so much better in a class environment.  This 30-day challenge program is just what I needed!

Tracey: I joined the 30 day challenge because I had a "love-hate" relationship with yoga. I really needed a push to get committed. I knew my body would benefit from it, but my mind set limitations.

Tina: I'm trying to get back down to my college swimming weight so I wanted something to jump start my summer progress

What was the most challenging aspect of the 30 Days program?

Tisha: At first it was how to do this day after day with no breaks or rest, but ultimately your body adjusts and you begin to look forward to it.  I would say the most challenging thing now is the constant laundry!

Carol: Being tired after a long day on my feet at work and pushing through it.

Heather: I was having trouble focusing and maintaining the necessary energy to get through class.  I pushed through though and by the end of the second week, I was feeling great, having lots of energy and having a great practice each day.

Erin: At first, staying hydrated, fitting a daily practice into a busy schedule and keeping up with the laundry was challenging and then practicing through a full blown cold was challenging! But the most challenging aspect of 30 Days was managing the mind: managing the negative thoughts that tell you a rest day in necessary or that an invitation to dinner sounds better than sweating in a crowed room.

Tina: Going to the studio even when I'm tired from working all day, commuting, and have a sink full of dirty dishes that are crying to be washed!

Alison: For my schedule, the early morning  (6:15am) weekday class worked the best. But since I'm not a  morning person, getting up early in the morning has been the most challenging part of the program. 

What surprised you the most during the last 30 days?

Tracey: Most surprising thing I learned, was that committing to Yoga everyday is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Carol: I feel much lighter and super strong in my positions, and I'm even getting to love the eagle pose!

Tisha: I am always surprised when I am in practice and flow into a pose that I previously struggled in. The improvements are very small but the amount of confidence and boost I get from it is immeasurable.

Heather: I am gaining a lot of muscle and strength and able to still have energy in every class to get into wheel and inversions.  I got into shoulder stand for the first time and am now able to lightly hop to the top of my mat.  I am impressed with how my practice is evolving!

Erin: The mind.  It surprised me that is where I found the most reward in these 30 days.  I have been far more clear headed, focused, determined and confident than usual.  I feel more aware, awake, integrated.  I learned what my mind tells me has no relationship to what is really possible at any given practice or day or work situation.  

July Redmond Yogi of the Month

Chris and Brie Miske

What brought you guys to yoga?

Brie: when I first met Chris, he mentioned that he regularly practiced yoga. I was intrigued and a bit intimidated, but was finally convinced to check it out. I was training for my first half Ironman in Bend and found yoga to be the perfect complement. My first class was in Bellevue last May and I've been hooked ever since. Chris: Long before Peter and Lisa were married, Peter invited me to attend one of Lisa's classes in Ballard. After giggling through my first OM and dabbling at Shakti throughout the years, I finally became an annual member. Shakti and yoga has been an important part of my life ever since.

What yoga pose does the other person looks best in ;)?

Brie: Chris has crow dialed, jumping lightly into the pose and hovering both legs. I know it takes core strength and focus. Chris: Brie is strong in all her inversions, but lately she has been sticking handstand.

What is your favorite music to practice to?

Brie: Thomas Otten Chris: I’m pretty much open to any music depending on my mood and the time of the day.

What do you love most about yoga?

Brie: My day tends to be chaotic, so coming to my mat, slowing down and truly connecting with my breathe and body. The power and energy I feel after a hard practice is exhilarating. Chris: Practicing next to Brie.

What SHAKTI class/es can we find you in?

Brie: I'm in sales, so it just depends on the day. The 6:30am classes are a refreshing way to start the day. Chris: During the summer (I'm a middle school teacher) it varies. During school year, the 5:30 classes or Friday at 4. I wish I could start every day with a morning class.

How would you spend the perfect day with one another?

Start the day with yoga, little bit of outdoor adventure(mtn biking, skiing, cycling, rock climbing, etc), little bit of relaxation (Victor's coffee, a hoppy IPA, deep Cab Sav, topped with a vegan cookie.)

What food feeds your souls?

Brie: Being from Ohio, I enjoy anything homemade. We both share a sweet tooth, but are able to balance it lately with fresh greens from our garden. Chris: Brie's homemade cookies.

Do either of you have a guilty pleasure?

Brie: Dark chocolate. Chris: Again, cookies (see above).

What are your favorite quotes?

brie: Don't sweat the small stuff. Chris: Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment.

You two just rang the wedding bells! What was your favorite part of the wedding?
Brie: We had a very small wedding (18 people) and I convinced Chris that we start the ceremony connecting everyone by OMing. I have found a spiritual connection with yoga and the grounding that the initial OM provides as we start the class and thought it would be good way to start the ceremony. With only a few giggles from my nephews, it was a unique and memorable part of the wedding. Chris: Despite torrential downpour rain in Santa Cruz, flash floods, power outages, and a last minute change of venue; we proved flexibility and keeping a positive spirit. It set the tone for our life together.

June East Yogi of the Month
Kim and Jim Beach

What has kept your yoga practice strong?

We love the sweat, stretching, infinite possibilities for growth and the spirit of just playing around at Shakti.

What are your favorite poses? Most challenging?

Definitely inversions, something we weren't even considering 18 months ago and we are determined to get handstand, unsupported and no wall!

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?

Cycling is a big passion, especially in Europe. We are moving to London, UK for three years at the end of July and are looking forward to lots of new adventures.

Do either of you have guilty pleasures?

Kim's is gelato or great ice cream (any time any place) and Jim's is really good dark chocolate.

How would you spend your perfect day?

A beautiful sunny day of cycling, yoga and spending time with our kids, Patrick and Adrianne.

What class or classes have fellow SHAKTI student regularly found you in?

Kim's a 9:30 am regular and Jim is an early morning guy. On the week-ends we really love Gina's Saturday Killer class and Kristy's 7-wheel Sunday special.

SHAKTI will miss Kim & Jim Beach!!

June West Yogi of the Month

Samson Kim

What first brought you to yoga?
After constantly kayaking my first 2 years, I started to experience various injuries ranging from shoulder sprains, tendonitis in the knee, and misc back injuries.  It turned out that I had unbalanced muscles, and a friend suggested to try yoga to sort them out.  I started by watching some videos which helped, but it wasn't until I took a Vinyasa Flow class at the gym that got me hooked.   I have practiced fairly regularly since and haven't had to deal with any major injuries (knock on wood).

What’s your favorite pose?
Tough one to call out since there are a few.  I would say right now it would be side angle.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
There are a few songs by Moby I enjoy, notably Everloving. Tina has got me hooked on Ulrich Schnauss.

What do you do outside of SHAKTIs studio walls?
I usually spend my time outdoors mostly whitewater kayaking.  I also enjoy hiking/trail running and have recently picked up rock climbing.  Food is another passion, so finding "good eats" is another side hobby I have.

What is your perfect day?
Although many people find it odd, I really enjoy rainy days especially during the spring and fall.  I find it very refreshing and I get a lift just from breathing the air.  Add a nice run on the river followed by a yoga practice and it's all good.  Doesn't hurt to pig out at a good Mexican restaurant afterwards to balance it all out.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Southwestern and Thai.  Food that is bold and has lots of flavor get me going, but I also enjoy sushi and Vietnamese as well.

What is your favorite quote?
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
- Gautam Buddha

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
I usually show up for Tina's Level II class on Wed.  Lately I've been showing up to J's level II on Mon and Jessica's 1.5 on Sun.

June Redmond Yogi of the Month

Bhargavi Nadimpalli

What first brought you to yoga?
It has been a long time since I involved myself in any kind of physical activity. I browsed the net to find out about yoga and was fascinated by the wonderful asanas in each style of yoga. As the Redmond Shakti studio is walkable from my apartment I enrolled in it and this is my first yoga experience.

What’s your favorite pose?
Initially I found shoulder stand to be challenging. I almost struggled for 10 classes to get into the pose. Finally when I got it right, I was on cloud nine. Even now when I am in the pose my mind is at peace.

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
I love music by Krishna Das.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I am an accountant by profession. Presently as I am not working, I take great pleasure in cooking food and watching cooking shows. I also love reading books, watching movies and playing ping pong.

What class or classes can fellow Shakti students find you in?
You can find me in Jen's or Mary's class at 5.30pm or 9.30am.

If you could accomplish one thing related to yoga, what would that be?
My dream is to practice vinyasa yoga for my entire life and also learn other styles of yoga which are equally challenging.

Do you have any wise words to share with other yogis?
Despite any limitations one might have, consistent practice of yoga would fetch great results. Few of the many benefits I got from yoga are increased stamina, concentration and a very relaxed mind.

In celebration of the spring months, share with us a spring-time tradition or activity you love!
Long walks and hikes are best for spring-time.

June East Yogi of the Month
Arun Moorthy

What first brought you to yoga?
I was about 10 years old when I went to my first set of yoga classes (I tagged along with my sister to a summer yoga
program at her middle school). Back then it beat me why all the adults were having a hard time touching their forehead to their shins. Fast forward 20 years to my next yoga class my head didn't want to go anywhere near my shins. I did the Intro series at Shakti East last summer and have been hooked since, and even completed the 40-day program earlier this year. The physical benefits of yoga attracted me to the practice, but that's only a small part of what keeps me coming back. The struggle, skirting the edge, the flow, the calm, the surrender, the bruises to my ego, and the satisfaction are just a few other reasons.

What’s your favorite pose?
Half-Pigeon: because it always challenges me. The Tree pose is another favorite - I never know what to expect each time I transition into it.

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
I don't have a favorite, but I like all the music that the intstructors play at Shakti. I've discovered a few new artists
through them - B-Tribe, Steve Gold, Krishna Das, Habib Koite and more. A special mention to Peter's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" Shavasana from the Sunday afternoon classes.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I live to fly paragliders. Everything else is just stuff that gets in the way of the paragliding :-) To support this habit
and lifestyle, I work as an engineering manager in a software company while waiting to win the lottery.

What is your guilty pleasure?
For the record, I feel no guilt about any of my pleasures. Some of which are - Canolis from Gelatiamo in Seattle, accumalating books I never get around to reading completely, and watching too many hours of The West Wing and Dexter.

What is your perfect day?
A morning Crossfit workout or yoga practice, followed by a nice, long paraglider flight from Chelan Butte, an easy
retrieve in a car filled with friends and cold beer. And if somehow the day could end with a sunset on the beach. And while we're at it, thrown in a scratch Margarita and Tandoori Chicken too. And...

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Fruit smoothies. Meeting my goals, realizing that the journey was more important than the destination and starting all over again.

What is your favorite quote?
I have too many to pick one favorite. Here are a couple:
- "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" - Edmund Burke
- "Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours" - Richard Bach

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Weekday evenings or weekends at Shakti East or Redmond. Every instructor brings their own brand of energy and I love how different each one is.

May West Yogi of the Month
Shaylah Robertson

What first brought you to yoga?
My first experience with yoga was during college. I took a Vinyasa style yoga class for a P.E. credit and fell in love immediately. After college I got wrapped up with work and stopped attending for about a year. About three years ago a friend got me back into it. It was perfect timing too, I had just gotten out of a very serious relationship and had been struggling with pretty severe anxiety that was starting to really effect my life. At the time yoga was my therapy. A place I could go and concentrate entirely on myself and how I was feeling. I truly believe yoga saved me, I will never give it up again!!

What’s your favorite pose?
Gosh, what a difficult question!! This is right up there with, what is your favorite food, movie or band. There are SO many great yoga poses!! I don't think I have a favorite pose, I really enjoy more challenging balancing poses. I love arm balances and practicing head and handstand. I have a love/hate relationship with frog. I love the feeling of getting deeply into this pose and surrendering to the struggles that come up while in the pose.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
I love it all, but really enjoy Steve Gold.

What do you do outside of SHAKTIs studio walls?
During the week I work at a corporate insurance company called Sun Life Financial. I have been with the company for three years now and enjoy what I do, but am not in love with it. I am actually going back to school in May to finish my BA. Once I have completed school I plan on applying for Shakti's teacher training/sponsor program. I see myself teaching yoga and hopefully one day opening up my own studio.

What is your perfect day?
A warm, sunny summer day for sure. It would start out with a healthy breakfast and a vigorous yoga class and go onto a fun day on Lake Washington boating with my friends.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
I would have to say Thai Food.

What is your favorite quote?
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it 'The Present'."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
My favorite class by far is Thursday's at 5:30pm with Lisa. She is an amazing person who I aspire to be like. She is so genuine, I know that she truly cares about each and every one of her students. Other than that, I normally make the 5:30pm class during the week and the 9:45/9:30am class on the weekends.

May East Yogi Couple of the Month
Amy & Mark Van Hollebeke

What first brought you to yoga?
Amy: About 14 years ago, I used a twice weekly class at a local gym as an excuse to regularly spend time with a favorite colleague outside of work. I was instantly hooked on yoga and practiced at several local studios looking for the right one for me. When Shakti opened 2 blocks from my house I was ecstatic and once I started to tap into the community Shakti provides, it became my one and only studio.
Mark: My wife, Amy, first tried to get me interested. I periodically tried different studios and styles without much engagement. It wasn’t until I went to Shakti that I really got hooked. There is something profoundly fulfilling to me—both physically and spiritually—about Shakti’s power vinyassa yoga. I have now come to depend on it in my life.

What’s your favorite pose?
Amy: I have 2: tree and triangle. Both make me feel so grounded and so open that I regularly experience a state of yoga bliss.
Mark: Warrior II is my favorite pose, but honestly—depending on the day—it’s a love/hate relationship. My favorite yoga experience is when—occasionally—I get into the real flow between poses. Then it’s just breath in moving meditation and a centered awareness of the curious phenomena of my body. That’s why I keep coming back.

What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
Amy: My favorite yoga/music experience is flowing to Dream Machine by Mark Farina. I first heard it in Gina’s class and it was just a perfect yoga moment for me.
Mark: Listening to Steve Gold or Krishna Das can help me go into a meditative state, but the first time I heard Alice in Chains blasting in one of Peter’s classes was revelatory. Layne is right, “my pain is self-chosen.”

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Amy: Right now I am planning for a month long vacation in May. I call it a sabbatical, but you could call it a month long celebration of my 40th birthday…
Mark: I have been a philosophy professor specializing in ethics and the history of philosophy for the past 11 years. Now, besides contemplating my navel, I am transitioning into management consulting, specifically in areas of ethics and leadership training in the business world. I also dig modern and contemporary fine art, being a goofball with my wife, talking politics with friends and family, playing a little poker, outdoor anything, and staying active in my community.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Amy: I have a LOT of these. To give you a sample, I enjoy eating Gummi Bears while reading US Weekly and watching The Housewives of Orange County.
Mark: Wild-eyed political ranting about how to solve the world’s problems…over a tasty microbrew.

What is your perfect day?
Amy: I would wake up without my alarm clock and go to Deb’s class. Then I would spend the day at the pool or the beach enjoying sunshine and reading a good book. There would probably be a nap involved and then dinner with friends at our house and evening cocktails on the back porch in the 80 degree weather. And some candy, but I already mentioned that above.
Mark: Any day that involves sunshine, free time with Amy, a midday yoga class, some time to quietly think and a decent dose of laughter.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Amy: What really feeds my soul is cooking great meals that feed other people’s souls.
Mark: Generally speaking, I am a real lover of food especially anything my wife cooks at home. That being said, I particularly like our “patented” panko-and-macadamian-nut crusted halibut accompanied by one of Amy’s hearty green salads. Healthy, tasty, and fulfilling.

What is your favorite quote?
Amy: “Doubt your doubts” – Baron Baptiste and “Don’t let the turkeys get you down” – My Mom
Mark: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” —Chinese proverb

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Amy: 6:30 am week day classes and Deb’s 4:30 on Saturday
Mark: I love going to noon yoga whenever I can, but I also enjoy joining my wife for a 6:30 session. Lately, I’ve become a real fan of classes by Gina “The Silent Assassin” Skene and I occasionally try hanging with Lisa and her Shakti group on Tuesday evenings.

April Yogi of the Month, Samantha Maykut

What first brought you to yoga?
I first started going to yoga as part of a "mother-daughter night" my mom and I made-up shortly after I returned from undergrad, oh some 15 years ago (eeek!)

What’s your favorite pose?
I love "crow pose" - Bakasana. It was the first pose that was “impossible!” when I first saw it and amazed me when I was able to do it. I enjoy it still because I continue to find new ways to grow and challenge myself in it – sometimes moving into inversions, other times just relishing that sense of “flight” and lightness it inspires. Also, it's such a great core work out!

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
I love Steve Gold. Yup. I’m a convert. =)

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I finally completed my teacher's certification in secondary science and I do a bit of subbing these days but my true work right now is caring for our two perfect munchkins, Raina and “Gus-Gus”, ages 4 3⁄4 and 2 1⁄2 respectively.

What is your perfect day?
Wake up with my little ones and snuggle on the couch with juice and stories then go catch Stephanie’s 8:00AM class. Come home for a morning outing with the hubby and kiddos to the Zoo, park, or just a walk to the local coffee shop. For the sun to be shinning but not too hot. To play in the garden in the afternoon and finish up the evening with a festive (if not slightly chaotic) dinner with kids, good food, family and friends.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Fresh fruit - all day, all the time, in ridiculous, copious abundance and as organic as possible (in-season extra tasty!)

What is your favorite quote?
"This above all, to thine own self be true..." (Shakespeare... and my Dad)

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
It varies but I try and catch a few at 6:15AM on the weekdays, otherwise, 8:00AM on Saturday and 4:30 Sundays.

January East Yogi of the Month - David Bruck

What first brought you to yoga?

My wife Jane took me to some "club" yoga in Marin county. Then we went on a weeklong retreat at Klahani on The Big Island. That experience hooked me on Yoga. Then I found my buddy Peter with Lisa @ SHAKTI East.

What’s your favorite pose?
Without a doubt, the king of all poses is Savasana. I could have saved a lot of brain cells had I known about that 30 years ago.
 
What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
Dave Stringer is my favorite Kirtan singer. He, and most of the music Dora plays.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
 I own a small company that sells materials of various kinds. Our newest venture is Baobest Baobab Fruit Powder from South Africa. It’s the new King of Superfruits, and launching it has me quite busy. I’m also on the Board of OPSB Rugby Club and Ceasefire Washington. My wife Jane and I also attend Seattle Insight Meditation Society meetings.
 
What is your guilty pleasure?      
 Wine and Ales.

What is your perfect day?
 Yoga in the morning, Powder skiing day, A lovely Italian Meal for dinner.
 
What is the food that feeds your soul?
 Baobab Fruit!
 
What is your favorite quote?
 “Yes David, I’d like that”.
 
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?

I am a weekday Noon class devotee. Our Sangha rocks.

January West Yogi of the Month - Melissa Pelham

What first brought you to yoga?
I was running all of the time and it was really starting to hurt my knees. So, I thought I would give yoga a try and now I absolutely love it and wish I had started practicing a long time ago.

What’s your favorite pose?
Warrior 2. I just feel so proud and strong when I am in it.

What’s your favorite music to practice to?
I love anything that is upbeat and makes my body move. Tina tends

to play some pretty great music in her Sunday afternoon class.

What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I enjoy walking, hiking, reading, eating my husband's delicious food and anything that is exciting, fun and adventurous. I will try just about anything once. I also have a desk job, which makes me appreciate the yoga practice so much more.

What is your perfect day?
Sleeping in. Drinking a cup of coffee while catching up on the Daily Show. Followed by a nice yoga session and then spending time with my family and friends.

What is the food that feeds your soul?
Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch is super yummy. And Mexican food. Not together, of course.

What is your favorite quote?
Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage. Anger that things are not what they ought to be; Courage to make them what they might be."
-St. Augustine

What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
All different ones. Some early morning classes (Dora and Carl's) and some evening classes (Jay and Dora's), but definitely Saturday morning with Stephanie.