 A Once-in-a-Lifetime Yoga Experience Awaits You in Lefkada, GreeceImagine practicing Ashtanga yoga at sunrise, overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea. Picture afternoons filled with laughter, exploration, and connection as you discover ancient monasteries, sip local wines, and move your body with intention and care. This is not a dream—it’s your invitation to the Lefkada Yoga Retreat 2026 with Krista Shirley. Whether you’re seeking deep practice, meaningful rest, or soulful adventure, this retreat offers an unforgettable blend of yoga, culture, and connection. Here are 10 powerful reasons to book your spot today. 1. Daily Mysore-Style Classes Enjoy morning sessions rooted in traditional Ashtanga yoga, guided with personalized support by Krista Shirley. Mysore-style practice empowers you to move at your own pace, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned yogis. 2. Afternoon Workshops for Mind and Body Deepen your experience with themed workshops on functional movement, yogic philosophy, breathwork, and mindfulness. These sessions support your practice both on and off the mat. 3. A Breathtaking Mediterranean Setting Lefkada is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages offer the perfect balance of nature and culture. You’ll leave feeling completely recharged. 4. Luxury Accommodations with Ocean Views Stay in villas with infinity pools, open-air practice decks, and cozy, modern rooms. Whether you choose a private or shared space, every detail is designed for peace and beauty. 5. Nourishing Meals from Local Ingredients All meals are lovingly prepared using fresh, seasonal Greek ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options ensure everyone is supported. 6. Cultural Excursions You’ll Never Forget Experience two full-day tours:
7. Time for Rest, Reflection, and Adventure Swim in the Ionian Sea. Journal under the olive trees. Rent a car to explore hidden beaches. Or simply rest by the pool. This retreat balances structure with freedom beautifully. Ready to book or want more info? Click here to view the 2026 Lefkada Yoga Retreat page for full details and to reserve your spot before it fills up. 8. All-Inclusive, Stress-Free Planning We provide yoga mats, props, and workshop materials so you can travel light. With all-day refreshments, concierge services, and thoughtful amenities, everything is taken care of. 9. An Uplifting Community Experience This retreat attracts kind, conscious souls from all walks of life. Many past attendees say the sense of community and connection was the highlight of their experience. 10. A Teacher Who Walks the Path Krista Shirley brings 20+ years of practice, healing, and teaching to this retreat. As a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga teacher and founder of The Yoga Shala, her approach blends discipline with compassion. Additional Tips Before You Pack
Reconnect. Rebalance. Retreat.If you're ready to reset your body, mind, and spirit in one of Europe’s most beautiful islands, this retreat is for you. Whether you come alone or with a friend, you'll leave with a fuller heart and a deeper connection to your practice.
Spots are limited to keep the experience intimate. Click the button below to visit the Lefkada Yoga Retreat 2026 page to learn more and reserve your space today.
0 Comments
 A Journey of Practice, Purpose, and Transformation
Why I Created the Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship
The Journey: Building a Program Rooted in Tradition and Personal GrowthI had been teaching the Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship program uninterrupted since 2007, until my nerve damage in 2019. As I began planning for the 2026 program, I felt a deep need to integrate more of the science-informed healing practices that had played such a vital role in my own recovery. My goal was to preserve the integrity of the Ashtanga lineage while also incorporating modern tools like nervous system science, somatics, and trauma-informed approaches. The result is a nine-weekend immersive experience that dives deeply into the physical, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of yoga, offering a well-rounded, holistic approach for both aspiring teachers and committed practitioners. Participants commit to six days of personal practice per week, attend Mysore classes (in-studio or online), and take part in intensive weekend modules covering:
But more than anything, they enter into a relationship of apprenticeship—with me, with the practice, and with themselves. 👉 To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application. Pivotal Moments: What Makes This Program SpecialA few decisions shaped the Apprenticeship into what it is today:
This is not a quick-fix certification—it’s a rigorous, heart-led container for serious students who want to embody yoga on and off the mat. The Impact: What You Can ExpectSince launching this program, I’ve witnessed incredible growth in students—from practitioners gaining clarity and confidence in their personal practice to new teachers stepping into their role with integrity and skill. Graduates leave with:
The Invitation: Is This the Year You Say Yes to the Deeper Work?If you feel the pull to deepen your yoga practice, receive mentorship, and walk the path of embodied teaching, this is your invitation. The Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship 2026 is open to sincere students ready to commit to personal growth, intelligent movement, and the wisdom of lineage-based learning.
Class begins in January. Space is limited to preserve the depth and intimacy of the experience. 📩 To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application.  What is Reiki?At The Yoga Shala, we believe in offering a holistic approach to wellness—one that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Among our offerings is Reiki, a powerful form of energy healing that can bring deep relaxation, clarity, and balance. But what is Reiki exactly, and how can it support your wellness journey? Whether you’re booking your first session or exploring modalities as part of your 200-hour yoga teacher training (also referred to as our apprenticeship program), understanding Reiki is a transformative first step. The Origins of Reiki
How Reiki Works During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner channels energy through their hands into your energy field. This flow of Chi helps restore balance, release blockages, and support your body’s natural healing processes. You might feel warmth, tingling, or simply a profound sense of peace and stillness. Reiki is non-invasive and can be delivered either in person or through remote sessions, making it accessible and deeply versatile. Benefits of Reiki Reiki offers numerous benefits, including:
As you continue your wellness journey—or deepen your studies through our apprenticeship/200-hour yoga teacher training—Reiki can offer insights into the energetic layers of your being. Who Should Try Reiki? Anyone seeking a more balanced life can benefit from Reiki. Whether you're navigating stress, grief, illness, or simply seeking clarity, Reiki offers a gentle, supportive way to heal from within. Reiki is also a powerful complement for yoga students and teachers-in-training. Those enrolled in our 200-hour yoga teacher training/apprenticeship program will explore how practices like Reiki align with yogic philosophy and holistic healing principles. Schedule Your Reiki Session Today Are you ready to experience the transformative power of Reiki for yourself? Click the link below to schedule a session with one of our experienced Reiki practitioners. Sessions can be held in person at The Yoga Shala or remotely, allowing you to receive healing wherever you are. 👉 Schedule Your Reiki Session Now Give yourself the gift of balance, peace, and alignment. You are worthy of it—and you don’t have to wait. Stay Connected with The Yoga Shala Stay in the know about wellness tips, upcoming events, and apprenticeship/teacher training opportunities by following us on social media:
📸 Instagram: @theyogashala_ | @kristashirleyyoga 📘 Facebook: The Yoga Shala | Krista Shirley Ashtanga Yoga 🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@YogawithKrista Namaste, Krista Shirley CEO & Founder | The Yoga Shala  Introduction: You’re Not Broken — You’re SurvivingIf you’re living with chronic pain, fatigue, tension, or the nagging sense that your body is working against you — this is your reminder: You’re not broken. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone. At The Yoga Shala, a boutique wellness studio in Maitland, Florida, we meet students every day who have “tried everything” — yoga, PT, massage, even medications — only to feel defeated when the pain or exhaustion returns. But there’s a reason most approaches haven’t worked: Real healing doesn’t happen by pushing harder. It begins when your nervous system feels safe enough to let go. In this case study, we’ll walk you through 7 nervous system-informed practices we use to help students reclaim their bodies — gently, sustainably, and without overwhelm. Client Background: When Healing Feels ImpossibleMeet Sarah. A 42-year-old mother, caregiver, and full-time professional who came to The Yoga Shala after years of back pain, tension headaches, and constant fatigue. She had already tried multiple physical therapists, acupuncturists, yoga apps, and even pain medications — with little relief. “I kept thinking I just needed to stretch more, try harder, or be more disciplined,” she shared. “But everything just made me feel worse.” Sarah’s story is common. When our nervous system is dysregulated — from injury, trauma, stress, or years of burnout — traditional movement or wellness routines often backfire. What we need instead is a nervous system-informed path to healing. Challenges Faced: The Missing Link in Her RecoverySarah didn’t just need another workout or supplement. She needed:
Like many of our students, Sarah didn’t need to be fixed — she needed to be heard, supported, and slowly guided back to her body. Solutions Provided by The Yoga Shala: 7 Steps to ReconnectionHere’s how we helped Sarah — and how we can help you — start healing gently and sustainably. 1. Stop Blaming Your Body Pain is not weakness. Fatigue isn’t failure. These are messages from your nervous system trying to keep you safe. The moment you stop fighting your body, the real healing begins. 2. Start Small and Stay Kind Forget the pressure to “bounce back.” Healing is a gradual journey. We encouraged Sarah to begin with 5-minute breathwork practices, gentle walks, and mindful check-ins — no pressure, no perfection. 3. Use Breath to Reset Before movement, comes regulation. Sarah learned a foundational breath pattern:
This single tool calmed her nervous system and laid the groundwork for deeper healing. 4. Anchor Into Your Core (Without Crunches) Using our signature Body Mechanics class and breath-led Mat Pilates, we rebuilt Sarah’s core strength with functional, nervous system-supportive movements — no fast reps, no pain. 5. Choose Teachers Who Teach (Not Just Lead) At The Yoga Shala, our instructors don’t just demonstrate — they guide, adjust, and educate. Sarah felt deeply supported as she learned how to move safely, not just what to do. 6. Prioritize Recovery Like It’s a Workout Rest is not optional — it’s essential. We helped Sarah integrate guided meditation, sound baths, and deep rest practices to rebuild her energy and rewire chronic tension patterns. 🎯 Download Now! Get your free guide: “7 Ways to Start Reclaiming Your Body — Without Overwhelm, Meds, or Giving Up Again” 👉 Download Here 7. Reconnection is the Goal, Not “Results” Healing isn’t about becoming who you were. It’s about coming home to who you are — right now. For Sarah, the biggest breakthrough was letting go of metrics and embracing how it felt to be in her body again — grounded, safe, and supported. Results & Benefits: What Healing Actually Looked LikeWithin 6 weeks of our nervous system-informed approach, Sarah reported: ✅ Decreased pain and tension ✅ More consistent energy throughout the day ✅ Deeper sleep and fewer headaches ✅ A newfound sense of trust in her body ✅ And best of all — a path forward that finally felt sustainable Conclusion: Let’s Rebuild TogetherIf you’ve said, “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works,” it’s time to try something different — something designed for your nervous system, not just your symptoms.
At The Yoga Shala, we use functional movement therapy, breathwork for healing, Pilates for nervous system support, and trauma-informed teaching to help you rebuild — without overwhelm or shame. You deserve to feel strong, supported, and safe in your body again. And we can help you get there. ✨ Download Now! Your free guide: “7 Ways to Start Reclaiming Your Body — Without Overwhelm, Meds, or Giving Up Again” 👉 Click here to download 📍 The Yoga Shala, Maitland, FL | Led by Krista Shirley, Level Two Authorized Ashtanga Teacher 📞 407-506-4626 | 📧 [email protected] 🌐 Visit Our Website This is a topic I really love to talk about. How do I keep my practice consistent when I have LIFE to tend to, children to raise, a job to work, a business to run, a husband/wife to spend time with, friends and family and housework and the list goes on and on and on and on…. and take away the ‘list’ there is the discomfort of practice as the body changes and the mind shifts, working through old emotional scares the practice brings up, facing yourself each day on the mat, doing the work when you would much rather sleep in or stay up late or eat another slice of pizza or have another glass of wine…. This is hard. Plain and simple. BUT keeping a consistent practice is the easiest part of it all…don’t sigh at me, its true! And, guess what, you are absolutely WORTH it!
Commit to yourself and your practice for 21-30 days
These simple techniques can make a world of difference for your practice and your whole life!
The many phases of the moon cycle are determined by the moon’s position to the sun. A full moon occurs when the sun and moon are in complete opposition to each other. In contrast, a new moon occurs when the sun and moon are in total conjunction to each other. The sun and moon both exert a tremendous gravitational pull on the earth, and at the same time, every human being on earth. Keep in mind that the human body is comprised 60-75% of water. We are similar to the earth, which is made up of 71% water. And like all things of a watery nature, we mortals are sensitively affected by the phases of the moon. Like the earth, the sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on our own individual bodies too. The positions of the sun and moon create various different energetic experiences that we can feel in our body. Many yogic traditions compare these energetic experiences to that of a breath cycle, or an inhale and an exhale.  The Moons EnergyThe energy of a full moon can be compared to the very end of an inhalation. That is the point when the force of prana (life force energy) is highest. This kind of upward moving, expansive energy can make us feel both energetic and emotional. However, that energy is not well rooted or grounded. According to the Upanishads, the primary prana resides in the head and during the full moon humans thus tend to be more headstrong. In contrast, the energy of a new moon is often compared to the end of an exhale, the point when the force of apana (downward flowing life force energy) is greatest. Apana is a downward moving force that contracts and helps us to feel grounded and calm. However, the force is dense and the energy wants to be exerted. According to the Farmers Almanac, it is ideal to plant seeds at the time of the new moon. This is when the rooting force is strongest. The Farmers Almanac also suggests we transplant the seeds at the full moon. That is when the flowering force is greatest. If you look at nature closely, you can begin to observe the effects of the moon cycle on all living things. The more frequently you connect with nature, the more keen your observation becomes of such natural cycles. And the same goes for practicing Ashtanga Yoga. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga consistently, over time, helps us become more aware of these natural cycles. And by observing the moon days we are able to create a greater connection and awareness to these rhythms of nature. That enables us to live in greater harmony with it. Honoring the Ashtanga Yoga TraditionWhen you first begin this practice, you may not understand the importance of taking rest on the moon days. Connect to the tradition and embrace the experience. In time, you will come to treasure these days of rest from practice. Correspondingly, you will notice that your body and mind are not as sharp during the new and full moon, and more prone to accidents. As you become more aware of the moon cycles, you will notice your mind can be erratic jumping more quickly from thought to thought. You will notice less connection to your breathing and your bandhas, less connection to the energy in your body. And if you do a traditional 6 day per week asana practice, your body will appreciate these days of rest each month.
Instead of doing asana on the new and full moon, create moon day rituals you can enjoy instead of yoga asana on these special days of the month. My personal moon day rituals include waking at the same time I usually do for yoga asana practice, but instead of movement I devote that time to meditation and journaling. I work with the energy of the moon phase to work on mindset, manifestation, goal setting and connection. I meditate on the energy of the moon and deepen my connection to all life force energies. And when I finish journaling and meditation, I take a long walk in nature to more fully connect to this energy in and around me. Tap here to learn about this years new and full moon days. Namaste |
Archives
June 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
Quick Links |
Address140 Circle Drive #4
Maitland, FL 32751 |
Ashtanga Yoga For Every Body
|