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The Yoga Shala Blog

10 Reasons You Need to Join the Lefkada Yoga Retreat in 2026

6/20/2025

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A Once-in-a-Lifetime Yoga Experience Awaits You in Lefkada, Greece

Imagine 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.
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Here are 10 powerful reasons to book your spot today.

1. Daily Mysore-Style Classes

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Experience two full-day tours:
  • Meteora Monasteries Tour: A moon day journey into ancient spiritual sites atop towering sandstone cliffs.
  • Lefkada Culture & Taste Tour: Wine tastings, artisan visits, and traditional meze in charming villages.

7. Time for Rest, Reflection, and Adventure

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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

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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

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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

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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

  • Bring beachwear, yoga clothes, a reusable water bottle, and a notebook for reflection.
  • Plan to rent a car if you want to explore the island during your free time.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended.

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.
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Click the button below to visit the Lefkada Yoga Retreat 2026 page to learn more and reserve your space today.
Learn More
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The 2026 Ashtanga Yoga 200 Hour Apprenticeship with Krista Shirley: A Life-Changing Path to Deeper Practice and Teaching

6/11/2025

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A Journey of Practice, Purpose, and Transformation

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At the heart of The Yoga Shala, nestled in Maitland, Florida, is a deep commitment to authentic yoga practice, personal transformation, and whole-person wellness. This is more than just a studio—it’s a sanctuary where students are empowered to move better, feel stronger, and discover the power of breath-led, lineage-based practice.

I’m Krista Shirley—an Authorized Level II Ashtanga Yoga teacher, functional movement educator, and founder of The Yoga Shala. I was authorized for 11 years and teaching for more than that before my nerve damage and had been teaching yearly apprenticeships since 2007.

Why I Created the Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship

The 200 Hour Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship 2026 is designed to be different from other programs. It’s not just a “teacher certification” — it’s an education, a mentorship, and a living tradition. This apprenticeship is ideal for students who want to go beyond poses. Whether your goal is to become a yoga teacher or simply deepen your understanding, it honors your unique path and offers a transformative experience.

I began my own yoga journey in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2007 that I started offering the apprenticeship at Yoga by Extension in College Park. The owner, recognizing the need for a more authentic and traditional program, asked me to create one. At the time, I was one of the only teachers in Orlando who had studied extensively in India, and she wanted to offer students a training that reflected the true Ashtanga lineage.
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Since 2005, I have traveled to India over 11 times and spent more than 24 months studying directly with the source. In 2009, I became a Level II authorized teacher at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, which later became the Sharath Yoga Centre after the passing of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, when his grandson, Sharath Jois, took over the leadership.
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The Journey: Building a Program Rooted in Tradition and Personal Growth

I 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.​
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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:

  • Asana (Primary & Intermediate Series)
  • Anatomy & BreathworkPranayama, Chanting, Meditation
  • Adjustments, Sequencing, Cueing
  • Yoga History & Philosophy
  • Teaching Methodology & Ethics
  • Somatics, Neuroplasticity & the Mind-Body Connection

​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 Special

A few decisions shaped the Apprenticeship into what it is today:

  • Capping class size: This ensures every student receives close mentorship and personal feedback.
  • Offering lifetime audit privileges: Graduates can re-attend the entire program in future years--for free—as a way to revisit, evolve, and stay connected.
  • Making space for real transformation: The program requires consistency, honesty, and effort—but meets every student where they are, creating space for physical, emotional, and spiritual breakthroughs.

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 Expect

Since 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:
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  • A deep understanding of Traditional Ashtanga Yoga
  • The ability to teach responsibly and confidently
  • A toolkit for healing, resilience, and lifelong practice
  • Lifelong friendships and a supportive yoga community
  • A 200-hour Certificate of Completion from The Yoga Shala

Whether you’re a dedicated practitioner, a wellness professional, or someone simply longing for deeper connection and purpose, this program is designed to meet you where you are—and take you where you want to go.

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.
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📩 To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application.
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What is Reiki? Discover the Ancient Art of Energy Healing

6/9/2025

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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

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Reiki was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist teacher in the early 20th century. Following a period of fasting and meditation on the sacred Mount Kurama, Dr. Usui experienced a spiritual awakening that enabled him to channel universal life energy to support healing in others.

The term Reiki combines two Japanese words:
  • Rei – Universal
  • Ki – Life Energy (also known as Chi or Prana)

This system of healing quickly gained recognition worldwide for its ability to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

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.
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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:
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  • 🌿 Relaxation & Stress Relief – Calm your nervous system and release emotional tension.
  • 🌟 Energy & Vitality – Restore your body’s natural energy flow and feel more alive.
  • 💫 Pain Relief – Reiki may support chronic pain management and recovery from illness or injury.
  • 😴 Better Sleep – Many clients report improved sleep patterns after sessions.
  • 🧘 Emotional Balance – Feel more centered, resilient, and grounded in your daily life.

​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.
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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,
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Krista Shirley
CEO & Founder | The Yoga Shala
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7 Nervous System-Informed Ways to Reclaim Your Body — Without Overwhelm, Medication, or Giving Up Again

6/4/2025

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Introduction: You’re Not Broken — You’re Surviving

If 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:
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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 Impossible

Meet 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.”
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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 Recovery

Sarah didn’t just need another workout or supplement. She needed:

  • Safe, supportive movement that met her where she was
  • A way to regulate her nervous system before trying to stretch or strengthen
  • Instruction, not just choreography
  • Permission to rest and heal without guilt or pressure

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 Reconnection

Here’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:

  • Inhale 4 counts
  • Exhale 6 counts
  • Repeat for 2 minutes

​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 Like

Within 6 weeks of our nervous system-informed approach, Sarah reported:
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✅ 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 Together

If 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
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  • About
    • The Yoga Shala
    • Instructors
    • Location
    • Testimonials
    • Studio Rental
    • Shop >
      • Young Living Essential Oils
      • Clothing
      • Skin Care
      • Yoga Products
      • Miscellaneous
      • Return Policy
  • Classes
    • Class Schedule
    • Class Descriptions
    • New Students
    • Pricing
    • Pregnancy Yoga
  • Private Instruction
    • Yoga & Pilates Instruction
    • Breathwork
    • Meditation
    • Reiki
    • Life Coaching
  • Events
    • 2026 Yoga Retreat
    • 200 Hour Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship
    • Ashtanga Workshop - June 22, 2025
    • Ashtanga Workshop - July 20, 2025
    • Ashtanga Workshop - August 17, 2025
    • Ashtanga Workshop - September 21, 2025
    • Ashtanga Workshop - October 19, 2025
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • Moon Days & Mantras >
      • Moon Days
      • Ashtanga Yoga Mantras
    • Ashtanga Yoga Lineage
    • Videos
    • Yoga Blog
    • Contact
  • Login/Register