Shawn Harrison

My practice of yoga over the past 20+ years has given me the strength and ability to embrace all aspects of myself. Yoga has given me the freedom to be authentically who I am in each moment; with the only requirement being that I am mindful. So this is what I work on - being mindful. Instead of trying to fix myself, or trying to be perfect, I simply do my very best in each moment, each day, each week, and each year, to be mindful. My interest is in self-awareness rather than self-improvement. From this place of presence, the parts of me that I admire can shine and the parts of me that aren’t so sparkly have their place too. I believe, my (and everyone’s) true self is pure loving-kindness. All of the practice, study and teaching that I engage in is to this end - knowing my true self. This is what I have to share in my classes - my imperfect self, my shiny self, and my dedication to working with and exploring all aspects of yoga. I am a thoughtful, knowledgeable, kind and sometimes funny teacher. I am dedicated to offering others the countless benefits of yoga that I enjoy; it is my life’s work and my honor to share the practice of yoga with you.

My teaching is informed by my ongoing daily yoga practice and continuous study in the field of health and wellness. I completed study at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2003. From there, in 2004, I trained at Sivanada Ashram and Osho Meditation Center in India. The next 4 years were spent at Ananda Ashram; immersed in study and beginning to teach yoga. In 2008 I created Yoga Lab and continue to steward it's growth and evolution. I have completed a year of Yoga Anatomy study with Leslie Kaminoff, a restorative yoga teacher training with Judith Hansen Lasater and am certified as a Kripalu Yoga in the Schools Teacher. I also spend some time each year on silent meditation retreat with my teacher, meditation master, Shiva Rudra Balayogi.

Cory Nakasue

Cory Nakasue is a movement teacher and therapist. She has been studying and practicing yoga, Pilates, dance and somatics for over 20 years. Her diverse experiences in movement include collaborations with psychologists, neurologists, choreographers, and athletic trainers to facilitate deeper relationships to the body-mind. An ideal group class environment for Cory is one that feels safe enough for students to experiment with the unknown, and therefore grow at their own pace. She is the Co-Developer of Educational Programming at Yoga Lab. And when Cory is not working with bodies she works as an astrological counselor, writer, and arts consultant at Gemini Hill (arts residency in Kingston), in NYC, and abroad. More info at www.corynakasue.com

Micah

I do the work that I do because I believe that we are each the social architects of our society. So we can manifest whatever it is we choose and in fact, we do. I see choice as the only force in the universe. I am an artist and though my work is only occasionally in tangible form, my life is my art. The way I walk, talk, move and breathe is my expression. I believe in living in possibility, and want to prove to my kids that anything is possible, even world peace. Anything is possible. I believe that we are moving towards oneness. I work to unify where there is division. I work selfishly to expand my own definition of self till I can act selfishly and towards the good of the universe simultaneously knowing that they are one in the same. In seeking unity I work to counter-measure the us vs. them paradigm. I do all of this as a yoga teacher at Mudita, as creator of DAY 1, on the board of Wild Earth and the Center for Creative Education, as a part of O+, working at the Kingston Farmer’s Market, as a City of Kingston Art Commissioner, just as a human being working in my community and especially as a father.

Randy Loder

Randy uncovered his deep connection to the yoga practice here at Mudita. Early in this discovery his meditation practice was sparked by being with Babaji and receiving his instruction and guidance. Both of these led Randy to fully embrace the journey of yoga teaching. It is a beautiful connection to the work that Randy has been engaged in as a music teacher at Rondout Valley, exploring the breath and the effect it has on the mind and body. Randy began his musical training twenty four years ago and through this training has observed the power of the breath not only in music but in life. He explores the connection between the breath, body and mind to his own practice and shares it in each of his classes. Randy's vibrant chanting welcomes beginners and those with experience to be present and mindful, using the yoga postures as a clear path towards happiness and peace.