Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Meet Your Mentors: Shauna MacKay E-RYT



Shauna MacKay will be a mentor in our upcoming 300hr Professional Teacher Training Program. This program begins in September and our first information session is on Sunday June 1st from 1-2pm at Prana Yoga Center.

I began my yoga journey 14 years ago in an Ashtanga class, in Del Mar. It was intense and I loved it! For the first time in years, I felt freedom from my over-trained athletic body and my overused philosophical mind. 

The practice became my medicine. My postures were never “pretty” but over time my breath deepened and my heart softened. I loved yoga, yet never imagined I would ever become a yoga teacher! I simply felt I wasn’t good enough. 

My mom started practicing yoga at age 78. She experienced the heart of yoga and reminded me that yoga was a transformative practice, regardless of age, fitness level, or years of dedication. 

A couple of years later when my mom was dying of cancer, I had a vision of someone guiding her through a gentle in-bed yoga practice. Within weeks of her passing, I registered for the 6-month YogaWorks Teacher Training program. 

Less than 2 years later, I found myself at the bedside of a brave and beautiful, stage IV breast cancer patient, guiding her into a place of stillness and peace. It was a moment that I will never forget.

With a degree in Physical Education and several years working as a fitness trainer, I take an anatomical and structural approach to breaking down the practice, to make it accessible to various levels and limitations. I adore teaching seniors and working with students who have cancer and other illnesses. My Hatha class is not a gentle class rather a thoughtful, kosha-inspired vigorous event. 

When not teaching yoga, I love to pile onto the sofa with Henry and Millie, my rescue kitties, and my husband Ron to watch competitive cooking shows.  

Mentoring a yoga teacher on their journey is a privilege that I take very seriously. There is no greater relationship than one whose intention is to inspire the best in each other. 


Shauna teaches regularly at Prana Yoga Center  Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30am, Saturdays at 10:15am and Mondays at 10am. You may find our more information about Shauna on her website. 






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