Meet Our Team: Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Shaun

Everyone say hi to Shaun, she is the teacher for our virtual Vinyasa yoga classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m., as well as a Friday Yin class at 7:00 p.m.  Shaun has a M.A. in Yoga Studies that has allowed her to create inclusive, authentic, and rich classes that use ancient and classical yogic texts to support the many practices offered.  Through imagination and breath, Shaun offers a well-rounded class to many populations that is freeing, creative, and warm. 

AGY:  What is your Astrology Sign and how do you relate to it?

Shaun:  My sun sign is Cancer.  I relate to my sun sign for an infinite number of reasons.  I am a homebody and I love having guests over so that I can “take care” of them.  Cancers are also very nurturing and maternal, which makes us the ultimate caretaker.  I’m also loyal, Cancers are fiercely loyal, and sometimes to a fault.

AGY:  How did you get into Yoga?

Shaun: I began practicing yoga in middle school.  During this time Madonna was all over the place talking about yoga and I purchased a set of Wai Lana VHS so that I could practice in the living room.  When I went to college one of my acting professors suggested yoga as a way to tap into creativity and that was the little push I needed to try studio led classes.

AGY:  What is your favorite asana and why?

Shaun:  My favorite asana is Natarajāsana, Lord of the Dance.  I love this posture because it pays homage to Śiva (adiyogi).   Śiva is the regenerator God and this posture is a snapshot of him in his cosmic dance.  This shape reminds me that every breath is a new beginning

AGY:  Why are you passionate about teaching yoga?

Shaun: I’m passionate to share yoga philosophy.  There are infinite perspectives and practices in yoga that move beyond asana practice and I think paying homage to the lineage and origins of yoga is a necessary part of the practice.  I also love the community of a yoga class and yoga studio.

AGY:  What is your spirit animal and why?

Shaun:  My spirit animal is a Lion, they are social and also rest most of the time.  I am a busy-body, and like the Lion I am social but I also remember the Lion when I need to slow-down.

AGY:  Describe yourself in three words: 

Shaun:  Sensitive, Loyal, Forgiving.

AGY:  Who has been your biggest mentor on your spiritual path.

Shaun:  My most profound mentor has been my Sanskrit professor, Dr. Urmila Patil.  She has really guided me on the path of one day hopefully reading and understanding spiritual texts on my own.

AGY:  What brings you most joy and why?

Shaun:  I love cooking for others, especially those that I love.  I find the whole experience intimate, from chopping, seasoning, and presenting, each step requires mindful focus.  Also food and our hands have huge amounts of pranic energy (vital force); therefore, I know that preparing food with love increases the health, wealth, and wellness of the ones I love.

AGY:  What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done.

Shaun:  Traveling in India alone for five weeks.

AGY:  What is your favorite hobby, aside from yoga?

Shaun:  I love swimming, I was definitley a mermaid in another life.

AGY:  What is one thing you have learned from quarantine? 

Shaun:  I’ve learned that I need to learn better, how to be alone.

To attend a Virtual Vinyasa yoga class with Shaun, hit the book button below!