Shasta Townsend
Shasta Townsend – E-RYT500, Reiki Master, Director Balanced Life Yoga, 2011 Lululemon Ambassador & Host of Possibility 101 on Vivid Life Radio
What and where to do you teach? I try to always teach the deeper practices of Yoga – ease, love and joy and I do this through many offerings including Fire & Water Yoga, EMPower Yoga drop-in classes, workshops and retreats, Spiritual Life Coaching and in my radio show Possibility 101. I am also the Director of Teacher Training and the creator and Director of Balanced Life Yoga.
What do like best about teaching? Inspiring people to move past perceived limitations and connect with their true potential so they live a more fulfilling and passionate life. I also feel more alive teaching and I am able to see the soul in all of at this time than any other.
What drew you to yoga? I battled with anxiety and insomnia for years as well as the ability to beat myself better than anyone could— in my first yoga class I remember feeling relaxed and at ease with myself in a way I never had before and I was hooked.
What is your favorite pose? I love backbends and arm balances. They remind me how far I’ve come in this practice— the fear I have released and commitment I have made to get to that level of practice from a woman who was 30 pounds overweight and could not sleep without medication not to mention not even touch her toes!
What is a challenging pose for you? Sivasana
What did you want to be when you grew up? A gypsy or a foreign correspondant—I love to travel!
If you could have dinner with any 4 people alive or dead who would they be and why? My husband Ian, who is one of my greatest teachers and the love of my life. Gandhi—loving, forgiving and a sense of humor! Swami Radha, I would love to hear more about her life and teachings. Krishnamacharya, the teacher of the teachers. And maybe Jack Black for a little laugh so we don’t get too deep!
What is something about you that may surprise people? I love old county music.
What is your personal mantra for happiness or success? It’s all good!