The Shala Yoga House

about the shala in 2002, kristin leigh and barbara verrochi opened the shala in union square with the intention of creating a space where fellow practitioners could gather, breathe freely, build strength, and find ease in their bodies. in june 2011, the shala expanded to fort greene, where the lafayette avenue location has since become a cozy sanctuary for brooklyn-based yogis. yoga originated in india and is one of the six systems of indian thought. we honor and respect the roots of yoga through chanting, harmonium-playing, philosophical discussion, and use of sanskrit posture names. the shala’s core offerings include daily ashtanga and vinyasa classes, meditation, and pranayama. asana classes are taught with consistency and authenticity under the guidance of certified teachers. additional offerings include lectures and workshops, anatomy lessons, monthly kirtans, 200-hour and 500-hour teacher trainings, a unique mentorship program, and international retreats. kristin and barbara are grateful for the amazing community that has blossomed around this practice. they offer deep thanks to their team of skilled and loving shala instructors, their dedicated students, and their own mentors and teachers—sri k pattabhi jois, sharath and saraswati jois, eddie stern, sharon salzberg, and pema chodron. the shala’s diversity and inclusion mission statement we at the shala recognize how in both the global and in our personal yoga community there has been a lack of diversity, inclusivity, and representation. we believe all people should have access to yoga and its benefits, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age, religion, culture, or socioeconomic status. our yoga practice reminds us that spiritual growth and social change are two sides of the same coin. we cannot bring about justice and equality for all without turning our gaze inward to see where we (as individuals and as a community) are failing. we need to hold ourselves accountable in bringing about the changes we want to see in the world. with clear intention and tapas (fiery discipline), we are committed to the work of fostering a safe, welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment for growth and learning. it is of the utmost importance that our policies, trainings, workshops, and teaching practices support greater social change and contribute to consciousness-raising both within and outside of the studio. it may be a slow process with many bumps along the way, but we do this together as a sangha (community) we welcome your feedback as we course-correct in our initiative to make the world a safer, more just place for all.