A spiritual seeker from a young age, I’ve always been intrigued by the mystique of Eastern philosophies and religions. After serving in the Israeli Defense Forces as an infantry combat field instructor, I was looking to experience greater peace. This renewed sense of freedom led me on an extensive and profound journey through Southeast Asia, namely India, and to the study of yoga. Over the years, I’ve studied several styles of yoga starting with Sivananda and Anusara, and, in more recent years, Prana Flow and Ashtanga yoga.

 

My passion for yoga and meditation did not end with my travels. As a clinical psychology graduate student at Columbia University in NYC I focused my studies on positive psychology and the psychology of spirituality through the Spirituality & Mind/Body Institute at Columbia. During my time there, I assisted my mentor Dr. Lisa Miller, Director of the institute, on a study examining mindfulness meditation and how it may help reduce professional burnout.

 

It’s during this time in NYC that I also discovered the world of Vinyasa yoga, a dynamic and exciting form of “flow” style yoga and fell in love all over again! I earned my 200-hour yoga certification with Sonic Yoga, under Lauren Hanna and Johanna Bell. Tying it all together, I wrote my final grad school thesis on the benefits of yoga for postpartum depression.

 

For the past few years, I’ve been studying with internationally renowned teacher and muse Shiva Rea, whom I am also honored to assist. I completed a 500-hour Prana Flow training with Shiva, as well as a 200-hour Ayurvedic Life Style Consultant training with Maria Garre, a faculty member at the Ayurvedic Institute under Dr. Lad.

Off the mat, I’m a passionate world traveler. I’ve spent time working and volunteering abroad and spent the last decade living in Miami, London, Hawaii, NYC and now in the great city of Boston! I love to laugh and make people feel good. My goal is for yoga practice to feel like an adventure, an enjoyable exploration, and an opportunity to let go and flow regardless of level or experience. In my classes, I incorporate my knowledge of positive psychology, mindful living, movement meditation, martial arts, and Ayurveda to make practice a fun, sweaty, and transformative experience. My classes aim to balance hard work with internal reflection and relaxation.

 

Always a student of yoga first, I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have learned from so many wonderful teachers along the path and from the amazing community of Boston yoga teachers. I’m honored to be a brand ambassador for Natural Fitness and YogaEarth. For more info please visit Facebook.com/ShaktibyShuli Jai!