Ananda Shanti Yoga Studio and Wellness Center

12/29/2024

As we step into 2025, there’s no better time to embrace the stillness, simplicity, and strength of your true nature. Let’s honor what may seem ordinary and rediscover the extraordinary in every moment.

Retreat House Maine invites you to begin the year with purpose, clearing the clutter of the mind and body through nature walks, yoga, meditation, healthy food, journaling, sharing, and rest.

Nestled in the beauty of Maine’s natural landscapes, this sacred space offers the perfect setting to reconnect with yourself and others, guided by the nurturing presence of Shankari.

Please message me if you are interested. 🙏

07/29/2024

For all friends and Ananda Shanti Yoga & Wellness Center community.

Remembering & honoring a dear Friend and fellow spiritual traveler.

The news of a dear friend’s passing is never easy to bear. Last week, I heard that my cherished friend and fellow spiritual traveler, Evelyn Stewart, had completed her journey on this earth.

The moment I read the news, it wasn’t tears that first came to me. As strange as this might sound to some, a smile appeared on my face and joy filled my heart. This is the feeling I would get every time I spent time with Evy or heard her name in a circle of friends.

Evy and I shared the love and passion for the great teachings and practices of yoga. We shared the same teacher from India and had a deep connection on this sacred path. Evy was not only a beautiful friend but also a great support and strong presence at Ananda Shanti Yoga Studio & Wellness Center, which I owned for over 25years. Evy was a big part of the community and would often play the harmonium in the Ananda Shanti Kirtan Band, where we would hold monthly chants and meditation sessions for many. I loved when she would play because she put her whole heart and deep devotion into the music.

Evy was a pillar of strength and comfort to me, especially during times when I felt overwhelmed and perhaps misjudged while holding the sacred space for so many over the years, wearing many hats. There were so many precious moments I had with her, but one day sticks out for me. I shared my heavy heart that I was experiencing at the studio. She sat there so attentive to my situation and then looked at me with that gleeful smile and said, "Shankari, just chant… share the bliss of the mantra. You are stirring things up for people, and that’s what they need. Let the power of the chant do the work!" Then she would laugh with such joy, it was infectious and would clear anyone’s heart. She taught me the lesson of detachment. Her wisdom and love were endless.

I considered her a true friend and deep soul sister. I am so grateful she was in my path for so many years. She will be missed by so many but will remain in the hearts of all those she touched.

As Evelyn embarks on her journey into the Light of God, I send her my love, respect, and gratitude. I also send her beautiful family and friends love during this time.

As Ram Das so lovingly said, “ We are all just walking each other home.”

And I’m sure those tears will come soon.

Om NAMAH SHIVAYA 🙏💜

Love, Shankari

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hRBjanBEkd4UwD7N/?

View Evelyn Grace Stewart's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

07/17/2024

In today's tumultuous world, I am compelled by a sense of responsibility to share my thoughts. My intention is to raise awareness and encourage self-reflection during these challenging times.

As a dedicated practitioner and teacher in the professional field of psychology, wellness, and yoga for over 35 years, and the proud owner of Ananda Shanti Yoga & Wellness Studio, I am deeply committed to the principles that form the foundation of yoga. One such principle is Ahimsa, the ancient teaching from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which emphasizes nonviolence and compassion towards all living beings.

Today, I was profoundly distraught to come across a social media post from a yoga teacher and studio owner in Florida in regards to the tragic & violent attempt of the assassination of President Donald Trump.

Her inciteful post read, "Damn it he didn’t die. Well, at least one supporter did. I’ll take what I can get." …

Continues to say,

“My heart goes out to the family of the shooter,” she said. “Know that he died doing what needed to be done. Hopefully, someone will accomplish the task before we vote.”

I ask, with a heavy heart…how can any true “ yoga” teacher incite this ?

This expression of hatred and ignorance is antithetical to everything that the sacred teachings of yoga represent. It is challenging to witness such rhetoric, knowing the grave impact it can have on multiple levels not only on students but society at large. Not only does this statement grossly misrepresent and undermine the sacred teachings of yoga, but it also contributes to a culture of divisiveness and hostility.

Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is a cornerstone of yoga practice. It teaches us to act with kindness, compassion, and respect towards all living beings. That means “ All Beings” no matter what political party you support.

Yoga promotes peace, understanding, and the recognition of our shared humanity. When such principles are disregarded, it not only harms individuals but also erodes the integrity of the yoga community as a whole.

I urge the yoga /( all) communities to stand firm in upholding the true principles of yoga , Non violence.
Let us respond to hatred with compassion, to ignorance with education, and to divisiveness with unity. We must engage in dialogues that reflect the essence of yoga, promoting peace and understanding rather than contributing to further discord.

We must remain committed to the authentic teachings. We believe in fostering a community built on love, respect, and nonviolence. It is my hope that through collective effort, we can cultivate a more compassionate and understanding world.

May All Beings Be Safe
May All Beings Have Peace
May All Beings Feel Loved
May All Beings Be Protected from Harm ..

Om Shanti , Shanti , Shanti

With Great Love & Respect,
Shankari 🙏💜

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - Linda Peterson, the self-described owner of Luna Sheen Yoga in Port Charlotte, is involved in an internet firestorm over comments she

07/14/2024

07/14/2024

Let there BE Peace on Earth & Let it begin with Me…🙏💜

06/24/2024

Staying Healthy❤️🙏

The essence of integrating psychological, spiritual, and somatic work with Shankari lies in the age-old wisdom passed down by the masters and sages of the world: the answers we seek are found within ourselves. While it is crucial to look within and heed the guidance of the Higher Self, it is a misconception to believe that this journey must be undertaken alone. Many individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-blame, shame, and mental distress, unable to seek support from those who can offer a safe space for exploration and challenge their blind spots for true transformation to occur.

When we embark on the journey of self-discovery, we are often hindered by the influence of our false-wounded selves, leading to psychological and spiritual turmoil. To truly embody the teachings of self-transformation, we must confront our unconscious beliefs, familial patterns, conditioned thoughts, and maladaptive behaviors. It is essential to address issues such as defensive mechanisms, attachment styles, people-pleasing tendencies, and addictive behaviors in order to achieve self-awareness, wholeness, and establish healthy relationships with others.

Rather than waiting for external changes or expecting others to do the work in our relationships, we are called to take ownership of our own growth and embrace our true selves. As Ram Dass once eloquently stated, “I can do nothing for you but work on myself...you can do nothing for me but work on yourself.” In embodying our greatness and authenticity, we pave the way for personal and relational evolution. So, let us heed the call to be present in the now, embracing the path of self-discovery and integration with Shankari.

Office: Magnolia, Massachusetts
Retreats: Stockton Springs, Maine
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