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!
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.
 December
West yogi & Karma Yogi of the Month - Anna Constance
What first brought you to yoga?
I first started practicing yoga in 2007 when my friend lent me
Bryan Kest's
Power Yoga DVD. I worked
up to practicing at home every day. I first came
to Shakti when Bryan
Kest visited in 2008.
What’s your favorite pose?
Half Moon
What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Music that helps me sink deeper into myself
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I am an Environmental Educator. I love spending time outside hiking,
biking,
backpacking, and kayaking.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ice Cream and Gluten Free deserts
What is your perfect day?
Waking up to the sun rising, practicing yoga, sitting out in nature
listening to the birds sing and feeling the breeze blow across
my skin, and eating really great food.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Yams and Kale
What is your favorite quote?
You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles repenting. You only have to let the soft animal
of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours,
and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile
the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the
landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains
and the rivers. Meanwhile, the wild geese high in the clean blue
air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like
the wild geese, harsh and exciting-over and over announcing your
place in the family of things. –from “Wild Geese”
by Mary Oliver
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find
you in?
J. and Stephanie's classes
 December
West Yogis of the Month - Chris & Kate Johnston
What first brought you to yoga?
Kate:
A painful lower back and a desire to get us off of
the couch and away from
the TV during the winter months. We’re approaching
our one-year anniversary at SHAKTI and I love the time we spend
there more than ever.
Chris: It’s the
best place to get warm during winter. Who knew it would
be fun all year?
What’s your favorite
pose?
Kate:
Vrksasana – Tree pose, because it helps me to feel centered
and brings a sense of peace to my practice.
Chris: Bakasana - Crow,
because it’s the closest feeling to flying
What’s your favorite
music to practice to?
Kate:
I enjoy the variety played by all of the instructors at SHAKTI.
Chris: Anything to flow
to. It’s great when the music and the flow match
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s
studio walls?
Kate:
I enjoy reading and our weekend coffee walks with our Jack
Russell, Sampson. I also love to cook! I managed
to break my Food Network addiction a few years ago, but I still
spend far too much time online looking for new recipes.
Chris: I am all about
college football at the moment, but also like the mountain
sports
What is your perfect day?
Kate:
Waking up in our Westfalia somewhere on the Oregon Coast.
I’m always happy when I’m at the beach, regardless
of the weather.
Chris: Any day with a
practice of course
What is the food that feeds
your soul?
Kate:
Gelato from D’Ambrosio. I never order dessert when
we eat out now, because I know that stopping by D’Ambrosio
on our way home is the best way to finish any meal.
Chris: Soul food
What is your favorite quote?
Kate:
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what
you do are in harmony” - Mahatma Gandhi
Chris: ''There's an old
saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in
Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame
on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again.'' - George
Bush
What class or classes can a fellow
SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Kate & Chris: Typically
Monday and Wednesday nights, although we try to fit in a weekend
practice whenever possible.
.
 November
West Yogi & Karma Yogi of the Month - Tim Whitworth
What first brought you to yoga?
My Mom actually. Literally. I was lucky, brought me when I was
19.
What’s your favorite pose?
Well, I kinda like them all ... probably warrior 2.
What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Anything happy. Mostly reggae.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Bus, bike, run, and walk around. See the parks, people watch.
Visit the local tea shops and book stores
What is your perfect day?
Napping, eating, and napping.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Stir-fry or Indian food or beans and rice.
What is your favorite quote?
Do what you feel, ya, do what you feel - Diggable Planets.
 November
East Yogi of the Month - Lisa Conaghan
What first
brought you to yoga?
A few
years back, I was feeling an inner prompting to begin some sort
of movement that had some spiritual connection to it, but I knew
nothing. I looked into several types of movement and then
several yoga studios. Shakti East had a very peaceful and
lovely feel to it and I was attracted to the beautiful space and
colors. So I signed up for the Intro Series and have been
doing yoga ever since.
What’s
your favorite pose?
I have
a few. Half Moon I just love! I feel like a starfish!
I
also love Reverse Warrior and Dancer Pose. Wheel is really good
for me, but I can't say that I love it!
What
music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
I'm
open to any sort of music the teacher wants to play.
I also enjoy no music. But my favorite is any chanting music,
especially Krishna Das, Deva Premal, and Jai Uttal.
What
do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I have
the luxury of being retired, so now I enjoy taking care of my
family and home. I have two boys that keep me very busy!
I also do a lot of volunteer work at their school.
What
is your guilty pleasure?
Julie's
Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches. The one's with the gluten-free cookies.
They're round, which is fun, and they're delicious!
What
is your perfect day?
Any
day that I am feeling peaceful. I could be doing anything,
and if I'm peaceful, it's a perfect day.
What
is the food that feeds your soul?
Really
being there for people- friends, family, random strangers.
Just working on being a kind and loving friend to everyone I meet
really feeds my soul. Quiche also works nicely : )
What
is your favorite quote?
"Do
you prefer that you be right or happy?" -A Course in
Miracles.
What
class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you
in?
Usually 9:30 am or
noon during the week. 6:30 am if there's no school.
Weekend's I'll go to any class that fits in to the crazy weekend
schedule.
 October
West Yogi Couple of the Month - Jenni Klein & Brent Paine
What first brought you to yoga?
Brent joined me at Shakti in mid 2006 & I found yoga in the
Fall of 2004. I followed Peter Avolio to Shakti in late 2004 from
a studio where he was filling in.
What’s your favorite pose?
Jenni: head stand
Brent: half pigeon
What’s your favorite music to practice to?
Jenni: soothing sounds
Brent: Teacher's choice
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Jenni: Spend time with family and in the outdoors.
Brent: Work in the fishing industry and play
a lot in the outdoors
What is your guilty pleasure?
Jenni: Naps
Brent: Ice cream
What is your perfect day?
Jenni: Not having to rush
Brent: Two feet of Powder @ Alta
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Both: Sushi & sake kasu black cod
What is your favorite quote?
Jenni: "Imagination is more important than
knowledge." Albert Einstein
Brent: "Every good turn deserves another"
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
Both: 6:15 AM Ballard
 OCTOBER
East Yogi of the Month - Siona Windsor
What first brought you to yoga?
My daughters Rachel and Brianna had a friend
in dance who wanted to try yoga because it was supposed to help
with dance. They were too young to drive so I offered to
drive and I thought what the heck I will see what this is about.
I could do very little "yoga" that first day, but I
loved the heat and movement and there was just something about
the experience - I can't really say what - that enticed me
to want to come back.
What’s your favorite
pose?
I have
a number of favorites - but frog is probably #1.
I also enjoy just folding
forward and triangle.
What music do you like to practice
to?
I love any music
so long as it is not too loud.
What do
you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I do a lot of hiking
and backpacking and just walking outdoors rain or shine. I
also always have to have a book I am reading.
What is your perfect day?
I am having to adjust
to what is a perfect day because I just lost my dog of
14 years last week and my perfect days always included at least
some time with her. But a perfect day would be taking a
really long, exhausting hike with my husband exploring a
new geographic area we don't normally see.
What is
your guilty pleasure?
Hard to say because
if I feel pleasure, don't normally associate it with guilt.
But my pleasure include massages (absolutely the best) and, finding
hotsprings in beautiful isolated moutains. Now that my daughters
live in other states, I love doing anything with them.
What is the food that feeds
your soul?
Sushi
What is your favorite quote?
Wherever you go, there
you are.
What class or
classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Monday and Wednesday
night at 5:30pm, Saturday or Sunday morning.
 SEPTEMBER
East Yogi Couple of the Month - Tom Virgin & Asha Singh
What first brought you to yoga?
Asha: A pastry and cup
of coffee from Belle Pastry. I had always heard of the benefits
of yoga and one Friday morning I went
to Belle Pastry to indulge myself and noticed the sign for Shakti.
I went into the studio and ended up trying Gina’s 9:30am
class and have been hooked ever since. Shakti had only been
open a few weeks when I started and it has been wonderful to see
the Shakti community grow. Tom kept asking me where I’d
been when I came home in a puddle of sweat. I convinced
him to try the beginner classes and he’s never stopped.
I didn’t expect him to continue with yoga but he now practices
more frequently that I do.
What’s your favorite
pose?
Asha: Wheel,
wheel, wheel what a wonderful deal! Six wheels in Kristy’s
morning classes. Tom: Ardha Chandrasana,
but it is the combination of poses and flow that I enjoy most.
What music do you like to practice to?
Asha: I grew up in the
Caribbean where reggae and calypso was always blasting loudly.
I like practicing to music with an up-beat tempo like hip hop
or reggae. It helps me relax, gets into my body and makes
me want to move. Tom: I’m open to
all the teachers play lists, but find more focus just listening
to breathing.
What do
you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
We both work in finance. I work for
a retailer (Tommy Bahama) and Tom works at a tech company that
does mobile marketing (Hipcricket). Work takes up a lot
of our time. We have a large family with five kids and two
grandkids with another one on the way. My stepdaughters
are 30 and 24 and Tom and I have three kids, Olivia who is 12
and two boys Gunnar and Connor who are 10 and 8. On the
weekends in the summer you can find us on Lake
Washington at 6:30am in the morning water skiing and wakeboarding.
In the winter we’re on the slopes snow skiing. In
between, we are running the kids around to dance lessons and soccer
games. Tom has a car he loves to take to the track.
What is your perfect day?
Asha: A day off from work
where I can get an early morning yoga practice in or a wakeboarding
run and then hang out with the kids for the remainder of the day. Tom:
Snow skiing with our kids.
What is
your guilty pleasure?
Asha: A slice (or two)
of pear tart from Le Panier at Pike Place Market, Tom:
wine (but not that much guilt)
What is
the food that feeds your soul?
Anything Asha’s mom cooks.
She is a great cook and if she knows we’re stopping by to
visit she will always make a favorite food from back home like
curry chicken or curried garbanzo beans. We love spicy foods.
What is your favorite quote?
“We show up, burn brightly in the
moment, live passionately, and when the moment is over, when our
work is done, we step back and let go” from Meditations
from the Mat by Rolf Gates.
What class or classes can a
fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
We fit yoga in whenever we can and like
to practice together. Sometimes that means coming to the 6:30am
class and once in a while Asha can make it across the bridge from
Seattle to get to a 5:30pm class. We also try to make the 8:00am
class on Saturday mornings.
 September
West Yogi of the Month -Young-Mi Murphy
What first brought you to yoga?
I've always loved to stretch and have attended
several yoga classes at a gym in the past few years.
I first came to Shakti in March of 2008 really out of curiosity.
What’s your favorite
pose?
Triangle
Pose
What music do you like to practice to?
I love anything Stephanie plays during
her class. She has a beautiful combination of upbeat rhythm
and soulful melodies that are perfectly matched with the movements.
What do
you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I am a wife, a mother, and a student.
I'm married to a very supportive husband. I have two wonderful
boys ages 6 and 7 years old. I have gone back to school
to become a nurse.
What is your perfect day?
Wake up and go to a morning yoga class.
Have a peaceful relaxing brunch with my family. Have the
rest of the day to myself to organize our house. Then go
out to dinner with my husband while the babysitter puts the kids
to bed.
What is
your guilty pleasure?
Seating around watching movies and eating
junk food.
What is
the food that feeds your soul?
bread and butter. most Korean food.
What is your favorite quote?
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of
life."
What class or classes can a
fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
I have been attending the 6:15 am classes
and weekend morning classes. With my new fall class schedule,
I will start attending 7:15 pm classes.
 AUGUST
West Yogi of the Month - Fred Dehaven
What first brought you to yoga?
hamstrings, a sore back, and a sense of
impending doom. A friend recommended the intro class and I was
almost immediately hooked.
What’s your favorite
pose?
Wheel
really looks like fun, even though I can't do it yet, it's my
favorite
What music do you like to practice to?
The song in my heart.
What do
you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I climb, hike, read,
watch movies and substitute teach.
What is your perfect day?
The only thing I can
say for sure is that it starts with coffee.
What is
your guilty pleasure?
Netflix
and Non Dairy Ice Cream
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Humor
What is your favorite quote?
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman where the Self
Help section was. She said if she told me it would defeat the
purpose.
-Dennis Miller
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student
regularly find you in?
All the classes are
awesome, so I go to with whatever fits my schedule that day.
 AUGUST
East Yogi of the Month - Lynne Cacciola
What first brought you to yoga?
I tried various types of ‘gym
yoga’ in the past, but, it never really energized and inspired
me. A friend invited me to her Baptiste class while I lived
in Dallas – and after one class, I was addicted! I
loved the flow and the focus you have to have to do Baptiste yoga.
I love the style – it allows me time to turn off my mind
and focus on my breath.
What’s your favorite
pose?
Definitely
dancer pose and standing splits – they are always challenging
and wonderful for my body! I have definitely seen changes
in my body after practicing them for a few years.
What music do you like to practice to?
I love Krishna Das, I’ve been listening
to him for years. His voice brings me peace. I also
like Jai Uttal, and Waterbone.
What do
you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
Oh, lots of things! I never seem
to have enough time to do everything on my long (bucket) list!
I have a small jewelry business, so I love to buy, make, and sell
jewelry! I love to hike, search for ‘found objects’
like sea glass and broken jewelry components. I lived in
Texas for 20 years so I love the rodeo and go to rodeos
around Washington. I read lots of books/magazines on health,
crafts, making jewelry, yoga, exercise, naturopathic remedies,
etc.
What is your perfect day?
Sunshine, warm temperatures, blue skies
– doing something fun (like yoga) with people I love –
and doing it by the ocean/on the beach!
What is
your guilty pleasure?
Hhhhmmm, other than shopping
for clothes/shoes, and making jewelry…dark chocolate cake
with dark chocolate icing and dark chocolate chips (gluten/wheat
free/dairy free of course!)
What is the food that feeds your soul?
I like green veggies, lentils, and quinoa.
What is your favorite quote?
The one quote that has inspired me, and
helped me through all types of situations – “Be the
change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi
What class or classes can a
fellow SHAKTI student regularly find you in?
Well, since I started working at Microsoft,
getting to class during the week has been challenging, but, pretty
much every Sat. 8am and Sun. 9:30am you will find me at Shakti!
 JULY
West Yogi Couple of the Month - Sarah & Chuck Genuardi
What first brought you to yoga?
Sarah: I have
had back issues since I was a teenager and Yoga is the one thing
that has relieved a majority of my pain!
Chuck: Curious about it in college I
took some classes at Yoga on Main in Manayunk, Philadelphia. I
was lucky enough to take some classes with Baron when he was the
stretch coach for the Philadelphia Eagles!
What’s your favorite
pose?
Sarah:
downward dog and savasana
Chuck: savasana of course!
What music do you like to practice to?
Sarah:
I'd say World Music if I had to generalize. I prefer
music without lyrics. This helps me to focus on my breath.
Chuck: Whatever Shakti instructors have
on their I Pods, especially Gina.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s
studio walls?
Sarah:
I tutor kids with learning disabilities and I teach
them yoga as well! It is the perfect mix to relieve anxiety and
to develop better focus! My Husband and I also own the Sunset
Hill Green Market. I also enjoy a good game of ping pong!
Chuck: Push Local and Organic food at
our Natural Food Store - The Sunset Hill Green Market~ surf, Mt.
Bike and get beat by Sarah in Ping Pong.
What is your perfect day?
Sarah:
Yoga in the am and a nice breakfast at home and then head up to
the cascades for a short hike.
Chuck: A day surfing, eating good food,
drinking NW beer, and hanging with Sarah.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Sarah: Oh my gosh where do I begin?
I do love food, but if I had to name one food I think it would
be really good pizza with mushrooms!
Chuck: Any Fresh Fish
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student
regularly find you in?
Sarah:
Anna Davis Monday 9:30 am and Stephanie Greco Saturday 8:00 am
for a good @#!*- kicking!
Chuck: I'm all over the place with my
schedule, most often at Gina's classes.
 JULY
East Yogi of the Month - Kym Campbell
What first brought you to yoga?
I was introduced to Baron Baptiste Vinyasa
Yoga by a friend several years ago following in injury to my back.
It became a mission to find a physical practice to help strengthen
my back and relieve the pain. I’ve been practicing at SHAKTI
for just over a year and it has become an integral part of my
life. I look forward to the instructors, fellow “yogis”
and the warm orange room.
What’s your favorite
pose?
Triangle
pose - Trikonasana
What music do you like to practice to?
In the beginning Krishna
Das but now I enjoy the various styles and artists introduced
by the instructors.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s
studio walls?
I enjoy recreational
activities with my family. We hike, bike, ski, boat, travel and
swim. We enjoy watching movies and the Food Network.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Home
made mac n’ cheese.
What is your perfect day?
The
perfect day begins with a brisk walk with our yellow Labrador
pup Gracie, followed by morning yoga, coffee and croissant. Following
an afternoon family activity, we make a nice home cooked dinner
and relax by an outdoor fire.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
An unsolicited smile, compliment, kind deed or embrace by a loved
one or friend.
What is your favorite quote?
“Be
what you are and say what you feel for those who mind don’t
matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Theodore
Geisel (AKA Dr. Suess)
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
Mostly the weekdays
at 9:30am, 12N on Friday and an occasional weekend class.
 JUNE
East Yogis of the Month - The Beach Family! Kim, Jim, Patrick,
Adrianne
What first brought you to yoga?
The usual: the desire for more flexibility
and healing from other sports injuries. What is amazing is all
of the other benefits gained - this really is a special studio
because of the great teachers and welcoming/supportive SHAKTI
community.
What’s your favorite
pose?
Jim's is definitely eagle,
Patrick loves inversions -
especially handstands,
wheel is Adrianne's and Kim's are lunges and hip openers.
What music do you like to practice to?
We all like Dora's eclectic
mixed tapes - music is a great addition to the practice and something
we really like about SHAKTI.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
We have always been an
active family - basketball, bicycling, running, walking. Everyone
loves to cook and we still enjoy family dinners when schedules
allow.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Warm chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.
What is your perfect day?
Any day off from work
that is warm and sunny!!!
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Sweet potato oven fries.
What is your favorite quote?
Life is here and it is
now - either we meet it, we live it or we miss it.
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
Saturday mornings, Sunday evenings, and
after work on week days.
 JUNE
West Yogi of the Month - Andrea Freimuth
What first brought you to yoga?
I think my first yoga class was about
10 years ago with my dad, who was doing Bikram yoga at the time.
My best friend has also been practicing for many years. I saw
how it benefited both of them, and despite a lot of trepidation
and insecurity, I gradually got increasingly comfortable and grew
to love it. I now actually look forward to going to class!
What’s your favorite
pose?
Sarvangasana (shoulder
stand). I love the sense of calmness and relaxation while still
feeling like I am pushing myself. The perfect blend of effort
and ease. I also know that my body is really benefitting from
the inversion. And it’s at the end of practice!
What music do you like to practice to?
Classical guitar, traditional
sitar, or sanksrit chanting (call and response). And of course,
Krishna Das. His voice piercing the silence at the end of Shakti
practice can bring tears to my eyes.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I love hiking and spending
time outdoors with my dog, Bodhi. I live in Ballard, so you will
also find us roaming the neighborhood on sunny days. I am also
lucky to have a great family and group of friends so I am often
hanging out with them. I am a lawyer for the state in child welfare
cases by day, so I like to unwind by seeing local live music at
night, reading books or magazines, or watching the Daily Show
when I need a good laugh.
What is your perfect day?
Bodhi and I get up early
and head to the mountains for a long, sunny hike, followed by
a drink with friends and then heading out to see a favorite musician
or band in Ballard.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Pomegranates! I love how they require time and mindfulness to
get to the seeds and how delicious the juice is. And because the
season is so short, I really appreciate each and every one as
a spiritual experience.
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
Tina’s Sunday afternoon Level 1.5
class; her spirit and kindness are the perfect end to the weekend
and start of the workweek. I also love Nicole’s Wednesday
morning class; a great way to start the day with her incredible
knowledge of yoga and supportive attitude.
 MAY
East Yogi of the Month - Peter Rosen
What first brought you to yoga?
Yoga has been part of
my path for many years, but the physical challenge of power vinyasa
really resonated, takes you out of the head and makes full awareness
of body sensation unavoidable.
What’s your favorite pose?
All the twisting poses.
I love the image of creating
space for internal organs
and rinsing. Revolved triangle puts it all together, every time
it's a precarious thrill!
What music do you like to practice to?
I'd go with the devotional
music of Krishna Das.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I telemark ski in the
winter, run trails in Issaquah, garden, work a lot - environmental
issues, hang with family, chase live music, etc.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I'm not guilty when it comes to pleasure.
What is your perfect day?
A morning yoga class
with Lisa, followed by a slow afternoon languishing in my backyard
garden in the sunshine with nature, family & friends, eating
sun-warmed raspberries.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Anything with coconut, from curry to ice cream.
What is your favorite quote?
"False identity
results when we regard mental activity as the very source of perception."
Yoga Sutras -Patanjali
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
Most anytime I can make it....weekday evenings,
weekend mornings.
MAY West Yogi of the Month - KiiChi Katagiri
KiiChi has been a Karma Yogi with SHAKTI since 2006!
He gives the studio and the studio floors a good cleaning each
week - THANKS KiiChi!!
What first brought you to yoga?
I started reading about
yoga at home and started practicing at home. My sister who lives
in Japan has been practicing for 15 years and encouraged me to
take classes at a studio. I have now been practicing for 10 years!
What’s your favorite pose?
I really enjoy Triangle Pose, it is when
I feel the strongest.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s
studio walls?
I love to take pictures.
I have taken several classes at the photographic Center Northwest.
My favorite is to take pictures in a studio of people and models.
What is your perfect day?
My perfect day would include doing a little yard work,
planting some vegetables in my garden and coming to yoga class.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Pranayama is very important
to me. Kumbhaka, or breath retention feeds my soul.
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
You can find me in the 9:30am class on
Mondays, Thursday, and Friday!
 APRIL
West Yogis of the Month- Eliza & Dara Medearis!
What first brought you to yoga?
We were looking for
a way to get in better shape and hang out together more. We took
the Intro Series in '08 and we've been hooked since!
What’s your favorite pose?
Dara: I like anything that has a little twist to it.
Eliza: Half Moon, it helps me let everything
else go.
What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice
to?
Anything upbeat and fun. We really love a class with great tunes
throughout!
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s
studio walls?
Dara: I hang out with 4
and 5 year-olds, painting, sculpting, and
hearing hilarious stories.
Eliza: I work at Fred Hutchinson
Cancer Research Center and love being a part of such a great research
community. I’m getting ready to move to the east coast
in the fall for my Masters. (Boo, says Dara)
What is your perfect day?
It probably starts with a morning yoga
date and a low key coffee in Ballard. Wait, does it have
to be in this country? We’ve had a lot of perfect
days in our travels together, they usually involve exploring some
part of the city we are in, a frozen sweet treat, and some quality
people-watching. Copious amounts of wine are sometimes
a part of this perfect day, too.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Mmmm, we both have a deep love of Mexican
food, Dara's a snack-a-holic and always has a treat somewhere
nearby. We love trying new foods, and everything enjoyed
with friends tastes better.
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
We try to meet up Tues/ Thurs right after
work, we really love the Shakti classes and can’t resist
Stephanie’s early Saturday class!
 MARCH
East Yogi of the Month- Chris Miske!
What first brought you to yoga?
I dabbled in yoga for a number of years. At the urging of a mutual
ski/climbing friend, Peter Avolio and I attended one of Lisa's
classes in Ballard. At the first class, we snickered like irreverent
middle schoolers at the first omm. I've been hooked on Shakti
Vinyasa ever since. Peter eventually married Lisa.
What’s your favorite pose?
Bakasana/Crow. For me, it is the crux of the practice. I enjoy
the challenge of the pose as well as the finesse.
What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
I know when I hear it; the mood and the vibe of the Friday night
class is a good example.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
You can find me skiing (including backcountry and cross country)
in the winter, cycling with Peter and Regan in the dryer months
and surfing when I’m south in California with my family.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cookies. I know every bakery from here to Spokane , Vancouver
, B.C. and Portland.
What is your perfect day?
Bike ride in the morning, hour of power at noon with Peter and
then a massage at Shakti East with Sara Akerland in the evening.
(Followed by a cookie or two with my girlfriend, Brie.)
What is the food that feeds your soul?
The energy and community of Shakti. It has become one of my most
valuable possessions.
What is your favorite quote?
Good judgment comes from experience, experience comes from bad
judgment.
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
Being a school teacher, during the summer, you'll find me in most
of the morning classes while in winter and spring, many of the
evening classes.
 MARCH
West Yogi of the Month - PATRICK NALBONE!
What first brought you to yoga?
I lived in Portland and a friend brought me to a class with a
wonderful teacher trained by BKS Iyengar. It was truly a spiritual
quest as much as anything.
What’s your favorite pose?
Traditional headstand. Sirsasana.
What music/artist/band/sound do you like to practice to?
Mostly I like the voice of the teacher alone best, except during
Savasana when I tend to prefer "new age" instrumental
music.
What do you do outside of SHAKTI’s studio walls?
I'm a psychologist in private practice and lately I am into learning
woodworking. I like to ride my bike too, watch movies and eat
good food and be with friends.
What is your perfect day?
A balance of many thing -- feeling I've been productive in some
way, but definitely with yoga in it, or something else physically
energizing. And time with people I care about.
What is the food that feeds your soul?
Well, I am Italian and that's my soul food. But truthfully? I
do my best with a cappuccino and chocolate ice cream with fudge
sauce. After that I lean toward fish and vegetarian fare...
What class or classes can a fellow SHAKTI student regularly
find you in?
I aim for 5:30pm classes after work and also classes on the weekend
days at 9:30am and the late afternoon classes too.
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