The Soma Shala

Yoga ~ Embodiment ~ Nature

The Soma Shala is where I run classes, courses, workshops and one - to - one yoga therapy sessions. It is 10 mins outside of Ashburton at TQ126NZ and the full address and directions are sent upon booking. The Soma Shala is a glass fronted converted Mongolian yurt with expansive views of the south Devon landscape based at The Husbandry School.

It was very important for us in creating this space that the land around could be felt and connected with. I was inspired by the yoga spaces I experienced in India, Indonesia, Portugal and Costa Rica where the outside comes in ~ as you move and breathe you are literally absorbing the healing power of nature as part of the practise. Often these structures are partially open aired and allow a connection with nature to enter into the felt awareness of the body. For our colder climate a yurt is perfect. Warm and cosy but the bird song, rainfall, wind and elements can be easily connected with. An embodied connection with nature can support nervous system regulation which is an important part of what The Soma Shala seeks to support and we have sought to create the conditions for that to arise here. Many people report feeling settled, calm and grounded just from sitting in this space.

Soma can be interpreted as body from Ancient Greek, all the offerings in this space are centered around healing through our connection to the body. Shala is a Sanskrit word for home and is often used together with the word yoga to describe a place where people come together to practise yoga.

Mission Statement

My intention is to offer and host work that has a therapeutic approach to yoga and movement and that has authenticity and integrity at the heart of its core values. I support diversity and inclusion and self fund subsidies for those who cannot access work here due to financial hardship. I especially welcome enquiries from anyone who identifies as being marginalized due to race/ethnicity, disability, gender and those from the LGBTQ+ community who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of societal bias and discrimination. I hope to create a sense of diverse and inclusive community that is nourished by an embodied connection to ourselves, each other and nature.

We are just a 10 min drive outside Ashburton with plenty of onsite parking.

I look forward to welcoming you here for a class, workshop, course, CPD, event or day retreat.

• The Soma Shala is also available to hire in Autumn and Winter, depending on the work being offered. Please email me for more info.