The Shala - Cape Town Yoga School

THE TREE WITHIN US✨
Hosted by Ndivhudzannyi Mphephu (RYT200)

Saturday 7 September 2024
11:30 – 14:30
R600pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

We are the stories we tell. This workshop invites self-inquiry on the stories that have shaped your life, and an opportunity to write a new, fulfilling story for the future.

Explore your life story through the Tree of Life metaphor, supported by somatic practices, art-making, and a held group environment.

Just as trees have networks of branches and roots; so our bodies have a similar structure. Our lungs, with their bronchi and bronchial trees, resemble the shape of tree branches. Inspired by this connection, we will begin with breathing and other somatic practices, to ground and prepare for reflection, creative expression, and connection.

We will create a visual representation of your life story with the Tree of Life metaphor, using natural art materials to connect your roots, values, skills, hopes and dreams, relationships, gifts received, and the legacies you wish to leave.

Finally, just as trees communicate, feel, and live in social networks that care for each other; we’ll create a supportive space to share our stories and honour our experiences.

You are welcome to share your story with the group, or to simply be present with others, maintaining privacy and comfort. Whatever your choice, this workshop aims to leave you with a sense of grounding, and a sacred appreciation of your life story. ✨

Highlighting Candice Momsen (RYT500) ✨

“As a passionate and dedicated yoga teacher, I specialise in creating personalized yoga experiences that empower individuals on their wellness journey. With expertise in various styles including Hatha, Restorative, and Yin, I tailor each session to meet the unique needs and goals of my students. My approach focuses on cultivating mindfulness, improving physical alignment, and enhancing overall well-being. Join me to explore the transformative power of yoga in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Available in-person and online.

Email: [email protected]

What I Offer:
* One-on-one sessions in the comfort of your home or preferred location.
* Personalized yoga plans based on your goals (stress relief, flexibility, strength, mindfulness, etc.).
* A variety of styles to choose from (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and more).
* Flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle.
* A nurturing and supportive environment to enhance your practice.
* Why Choose Private Yoga?
* Focused attention to improve your alignment and technique.
* Tailored modifications to suit any physical limitations or injuries.
* The ability to explore deeper aspects of yoga, including meditation and breathwork.
* A dedicated space to cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness.“

Winter Wisdom ✨
Hosted by (RYT500) & (RYT500, YACEP)

Wednesday 14 August 2024
19:15 – 21:00
R350pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

We gather on this chosen night to consciously and collectively connect to the wisdom of winter.

The earth soaked cold with rain, the deep felt silence from the darker skies. We usher in the awareness of the moon at First Quarter.

This night we gather for sound, movement and breath healing.

Held in the sacred space of our Shala, Mandisa and Tamsin collaborate to dose each body with vibrational and spacial medicine.

A winters gift for yourself to help you integrate what this winter has brought up within you. 

Spaces are limited please be sure to book✨

We are delighted to welcome back Nena Butler-Wright (.za) after her maternity leave!

✨Nena will teach our in-studio Slow Flow classes on Monday’s and Friday’s from 8:45-9:45am; starting Monday 5th August, 2024.✨

Nena will also be offering a new weekly post-partum class on our Shala Online platform.

The Shala is a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School offering both 200hr (Foundational) and 300hr (Advanced) Yoga Teacher Training Courses.

Our advanced RYT300 runs over three distinct modules, which may be completed in any order.

Our upcoming module (Introspection) runs from Friday 16th - Sunday 25th August, 2024.

This is an opportunity for all yoga teachers, and dedicated yoga practitioners, to take these 10 days and deepen your practice, develop your teaching skills, and refine your own understanding of self and your place in the world.

We are honoured to spotlight the offerings from our co-facilitators:

(MA, RYT500) will be sharing her insights on the devotional and ritual practices that have formed the deep ground for yoga throughout the ages. Firdose will present her research into how poetry and sound developed within the yoga traditions to expand consciousness. She will also cover how the tools from yoga have been used for transformation and liberation all over the world. These studies help us understand how our own introspection can lead to positive action in the world around us.
space (RYT500, Mindfulness Facilitator) will hold the space for self-enquiry, based on the framework of a Chakra system, to navigate our internal environment. Using the process of body mapping, relevant questioning, art, and literature to bring into our consciousness aspects of the light and shadow within ourselves.

These sessions will offer a safe and creative space to digest and to honour what rituals and devotional practices resonate with each of us, so that we become clearer on our own offerings as yoga teachers, and conscious humans in this modern world.

We always look forward to these rich learning experiences, and we invite you to join us for this transformative journey.

Masterclass • 25 July✨
With
12pm | 90min
In Studio

“Restore in the warmth of a held and sacred space in tomorrows masterclass, inversions and supported forward folds are on the menu.“ ✨

Studio Class Schedule Update✨

After careful consideration of the feedback we’ve received, we are pleased to announce that our mid-morning classes will be starting 15min later - moving from 8:30-9:30am to 8:45-9:45am - to give you a little more time to get to class in the morning traffic.

Please note this change will be effective from Monday 29th July onward.

We look forward to seeing you all on the mat soon!

Winter Wisdom ✨
Hosted by (RYT500) & (RYT500, YACEP)

Wednesday 14 August 2024
19:15 – 21:00
R350pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

We gather on this chosen night to consciously and collectively connect to the wisdom of winter.

The earth soaked cold with rain, the deep felt silence from the darker skies. We usher in the awareness of the moon at First Quarter.

This night we gather for sound, movement and breath healing.

Held in the sacred space of our Shala, Mandisa and Tamsin collaborate to dose each body with vibrational and spacial medicine.

A winters gift for yourself to help you integrate what this winter has brought up within you. 

Spaces are limited please be sure to book✨

Yanna Romano, RYT500 and IMISA Qualified Mindfulness Facilitator

Yanna, who is part of the Shala teaching team, has 8 years of full-time teaching experience in both group and private settings. She currently has space for 2 new private clients for personalised yoga sessions - at their home, or in the yoga studio (Cape Town), or online (globally).

She provides guidance in asana and pranayama, mindfulness, and nervous system support. Her sessions are suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. She offers support in refining yoga technique, recovering from physical injury, navigating mental health and trauma, and managing burnout and fatigue.

Yanna works with compassion, clarity, and encouragement to empower her clients with the resourcing gifts of embodiment and self-connection.

Contact her directly to explore working together: [email protected]

We’re running a July Winter Special! ✨

✨R650 for an in-studio 10 class pass✨

Terms & Conditions:
- One purchase per person.
- Available to purchase from 01-31 July, 2024 only.
- Valid for two months (60 days) from the date of purchase.
- No sharing, swaps, exchanges, transfers or extensions.
- Any/all existing/active class passes will be paused for the duration of the “10-class-pass-SPECIAL”, then reactivated after use/expiration.

Pay in studio, EFT or click on the link in linktree!

Masterclass • 27 June ✨
With
12pm | 90min
In Studio

“Masterclass tomorrow is an exploration in
My most vital posture in Hatha yoga. The best example of effortless effort, deep seat and quiet mind.“ ✨

Masterclass • 20 June ✨
With .space
12pm | 90min
In Studio

“Seeking Quietness and Refuge in the practice.
Letting outer layers settle in each pose to tap into internal resource and inspiration.
Twists, Binds, Balances, Breathwork“ .space ✨

It is will deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Adila Soeker, she died at dawn on Wednesday 5th June.

Adila has been part of our Shala since 2007, as a friend and the most incredible philosophy teacher on all of our trainings since 2012.

She had the gift of holding self-enquiry and deep philosophical discussions with clarity and relevance.

She was at all times honest, authentic and genuine.

She was a powerful truth speaker, coupled with kindness, compassion and the Grace of the Divine.

Our hearts and prayers are with her children and family at this time.

She has profoundly touched so many of the lives in our yoga community.

We will be holding a sacred circle in her memory.

- 15th June, 2024.
- ⁠The Shala.
- ⁠11.30am.

Masterclass • 6 June ✨
With
12pm | 90min
In Studio

“We call our yoga practice ‘the practice’ as it is our practice, every day we call ourselves home into our bodies. Through adaptations when we are sick or injured, full throttle when we are well, hanging to threads when we are grieving and whole body bliss when we are in the flow of life.
Practice is daily, it’s our inner sanity, sanctuary and where we can touch our own soul.
Masterclass explores all of our edges so that we expand from the inside. “ ✨

The Science, Art and Yoga of Nutrtion✨
Hosted by (RYT500, MSc)

Saturday 13 July 2024
First Session 11:30 – 14:00
Second Session 14:30 - 17:00
R750pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

Proper nutrition is a pillar of good health; however, nutritional education is flooded with inconsistent and conflicting information.

This workshop will unpack the science, and present a comprehensive yet accessible review of nutrition that can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

We’ll also introduce simple yet effective yoga practices to strengthen and improve functionality of the digestive system.

This event is for anyone with an interest in nutrition and digestive health, and includes a complimentary session of Q&A from 17:00-18:00.✨

Masterclass • 23 May ✨
With
12pm | 90min
In Studio

“Masterclass tomorrow will offer a deep dive into the back body strength needed delight in back extensions. Working with all the directions of the body and the mat to flow ourselves into a delicious warmth where the spine is buttery and the pelvis and legs supportive.“ ✨

Highlighting our 8:30am weekday classes, which are paced a little slower, providing time and space to explore each shape in more detail.

Thomas Sheehy offers Slow Flow every Monday & Friday. Key focus areas include breath work, joint mobility, core stability, and digestive health.

Magenta offers Strength & Alignment every Tuesday & Thursday, focussing on building strength, refined body alignment and mobility through a grounding practice to prepare for the day ahead. .sphere

Both classes are suitable for all levels of yoga experience, offering modifications to suit beginners, intermediate and advancing practitioners.

Bookings via MindBody…

Masterclass • 16 May ✨
With
12pm | 90min
In Studio

“Tomorrows masterclass we will work towards galavasana requiring deep core connection and hip opening.
This arm balance is quite accessible with the right preparations and alignment. “ ✨

UPLEVEL workshop✨
Hosted by Tamsin Sheehy (RYT500) and Naomi Marshak (RYT500)

Saturday 25 May 2024
First Session 11:30 – 14:00
Second Session 14:30 - 17:00
R899pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

This is an invitation to all yoga instructors who would like to delve deeply into a collective learning space. We will focus on the theory and implementation of teaching skills, to refine your unique offering as a teacher of yoga as a physical, mental and spiritual practice.

Tamsin and Naomi will be collaborating on the content of this workshop, combining their many years of teaching experience into this applied skills-based training.

As we develop the teacher within us, we refine what we want to teach, in what settings we are best suited to teach in, and how we effectively prepare for those classes.

As teachers of a physical body, we must study how to help students come into their own bodies. We can stay inspired to keep growing our knowledge by asking how we can deepen our sensitivity and relevance today.

Session 1: Theory

Back to basics: We will discuss voice, language, verbal and physical adjustments, effective cueing (from the foundations of each shape) holding a multi-level class, body language and movement in the room, presence and purpose. We’ll also look at setting and sequence, effective timing, and tips and tools to take care of one’s own body and energy whilst fulfilling the role of teacher. We’ll finish with reflective questions to ask oneself after every class to enable personal and professional growth and development.

Session 2: Implementation

Sequencing: Here we’ll work on refining the focus of each class, and successfully building repetitive shapes for effective alignment, that will help each student to understand the more complex shapes in their bodies. We’ll explore verbal and physical adjustments, and how to utilise these for efficacy, support and safety. There’ll also be questions and feedback from the group, as we all learn and grow together.✨

Harriet Came, our pre natal yoga teacher here at The Shala has just launched an app for students struggling to get to class, managing babies at home or living outside of Cape Town central.

app is created to help you feel the best you can in pregnancy & early motherhood and help you prepare for the birth you are planning for. It aims to help you find freedom in your body, peace in your mind & connection with yourself and your baby during your pregnancy, birth, early motherhood and the on-going roller coaster of life.

Carefully curated by Harriet (a experienced specialist in this field of yoga for over 15 years and a doula) and constantly updated, she provides you with a variety of yoga classes, moving meditations, breathing exercises & top tips to improve your energy, strength & skills for this phase of life which you can access on both live & on demand platforms.

Join today, get a 7 day free trial of the app and explore not only the classes, but a community who understands where you are right now.

There is a class library only option for just R250 a month, or R350 for lives & community as well. Such a profound, informed & wonderful offer for women at this stage of life all over South Africa & beyond.

Link in bio ✨

This past weekend and held a deep journey into reaping the harvest of this Autumn time. The cultivation of joy through embodied practice and breath as we touched divinity within. Thank you to everyone who came and held space for each other. ✨

We are excited to open our new library at The Shala 📚

Books may be borrowed on an honest basis, with a few Ts&Cs listed below.

Any book donations to our library are also welcomed, please contact [email protected] to arrange.

Happy reading 🤓

Ts&Cs:

- An active class pass is required to borrow books.
- Two weeks maximum loan period.
- Enter your info into new “lending book”.

Autumn Harvest 🍂🍁
Hosted by (RYT500) & (RYT500, YACEP)

Saturday 13 April 2024
11:30 – 14:30
R599pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

Cooler days and the changes to the morning light signal our flow into Autumn 🍂
Mandisa and Tamsin have crafted a 3 hour deep ritual practice to mark this transition.

‘“We want to create an environment of deep gratitude and appreciation for our own bodies and the medicine we hold within.

Reverence for the gifts of Autumn’s Harvesting in the absorption of light and warmth into our cells.
Deep physical practice, breathwork and meditation.

Nourishing hands on adjustments and a space to honour yourself and your personal journey in this time.

We look forward to inviting you all into the sanctuary of The Shala and our shared offering.”

Spaces are limited please be sure to book✨

UPLEVEL✨
Hosted by Tamsin Sheehy (RYT500) and Naomi Marshak (RYT500)

Saturday 25 May 2024
First Session 11:30 – 14:00
Second Session 14:30 - 17:00
R899pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

This is an invitation to all yoga instructors who would like to delve deeply into a collective learning space. We will focus on the theory and implementation of teaching skills, to refine your unique offering as a teacher of yoga as a physical, mental and spiritual practice.

Tamsin and Naomi will be collaborating on the content of this workshop, combining their many years of teaching experience into this applied skills-based training.

As we develop the teacher within us, we refine what we want to teach, in what settings we are best suited to teach in, and how we effectively prepare for those classes.

As teachers of a physical body, we must study how to help students come into their own bodies. We can stay inspired to keep growing our knowledge by asking how we can deepen our sensitivity and relevance today.

Session 1: Theory

Back to basics: We will discuss voice, language, verbal and physical adjustments, effective cueing (from the foundations of each shape) holding a multi-level class, body language and movement in the room, presence and purpose. We’ll also look at setting and sequence, effective timing, and tips and tools to take care of one’s own body and energy whilst fulfilling the role of teacher. We’ll finish with reflective questions to ask oneself after every class to enable personal and professional growth and development.

Session 2: Implementation

Sequencing: Here we’ll work on refining the focus of each class, and successfully building repetitive shapes for effective alignment, that will help each student to understand the more complex shapes in their bodies. We’ll explore verbal and physical adjustments, and how to utilise these for efficacy, support and safety. There’ll also be questions and feedback from the group, as we all learn and grow together.✨

Long Weekend Schedule ✨

Friday✨
Public Holiday Practice | 9am | 90min


Saturday ✨
Saturday Practice | 9am | 90min


Sunday ✨
Homecoming Practice | 9:30am | 90min


Monday ✨
Public Holiday Practice | 9am | 90minsphere

Photo:

ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING✨

Module 1: Introspection (100hrs)
16 - 25 August 2024

• Reflect upon where we are as students & teachers.
• Use the chakra system as a roadmap inwards.
• Explore areas of discomfort to serve our growth.
• Anatomy & physiology associated chakra points.
• Enhance teaching skills.

The Shala - Cape Town Yoga School is a RYS300

Graduates are able to register as RYT300
*BURSARY POSITION AVAILABLE ✨

Please email [email protected] to apply.
For applications - follow the linktree in our bio. ✨

Autumn Harvest 🍂🍁
Hosted by (RYT500) & (RYT500, YACEP)

Saturday 13 April 2024
11:30 – 14:30
R599pp • in-studio

Bookings via or email [email protected] ✨

Our Autumn collaboration will focus on appreciation and gratitude.

Taking students through a 3 hour immersive practice of asana (postures), pranayama (breath awareness) and meditation (mindfulness).

Autumn is a time of harvesting all that has been learnt and integrated in the vibrant summer months. Reaping the fruits of an active and blooming summer we start to acknowledge the changing of the environment around us heralding a transition towards colder and darker days and nights.

A call  to gather, store and embed the light from summer into our cellular structures as internal nutrients. Marking these natural transition periods through ritual and collective practice is an embodied way to honor the cycles within and work within community for strength and support. 

Every thought you make and every action you take represents the seeds you sow, and the seeds you sow bring about the harvest you shall reap. We hold space for what was, what is, and what is still to come. 

Mandisa and Tamsin will seamlessly weave these themes of Autumn throughout the workshop. Honoring the seasons transitions as deep medicine that bring uplevelling  and refinement to our internal environments. 

We are offering you a space to practice with us and take the time to honor yourself in this time.✨

Our beloved Nena Butler-Wright is taking maternity leave! 🌷

Please join her final classes (for now...) this week, finishing with Morning Practice on Thursday 22nd February at 7am.

Nena completed her RYT200 with us back in 2017, followed by RYT300 in 2020. She has since become an integral part of our teaching team; able to hold a wide range of class styles, while specialising in Yoga Foundations and our seminal Absolute Beginners yoga course.

Nena is an exceptional human being and yoga instructor. She is well known for her grace and kindness, intelligent class sequencing, and as a powerful space holder.

Everyone at the Shala wishes Nena and Vaughn so much joy in welcoming their baby into the world. We look forward to meeting their new family member, and to Nena’s return to teaching around June of this year.

Please help us in sending Nena some love .za

Photo:

We would like to highlight the work of our friend and Shala student Bongeka Qhanga.✨

Bongeka completed RYT200 with us in 2021, and is currently completing modules toward RYT300 graduation.

Together with her husband, Bongeka is the founder of ‘Thembisa Ratanga’, a non-profit organization situated in Khayelitsha in Western Cape, South Africa.

For the past 8 years, the programme has become a treasured safe space for members of the community. Converting a previous dumping site into a place of hope and safety, they now offer a platform for young people to receive help with school work, participate in yoga and other sports and arts activities, and showcase their various talents.

The programmes run from Monday to Friday and targets 7 to 16 year olds; plus, offers youth programmes on weekends. On a given day, community members participate in festivals, live music, poetry sessions, yoga, and other community initiatives including soup kitchens, and clothing and sanitation drives.

Fundraising for this important programme is a constant requirement, and resources at the center have recently been depleted with the indoor space damaged by weather, and a broken external fence that typically serves to protect the children.

They are fundraising to support efforts to rebuild this indoor space by installing shipping containers, renovating the fence, and purchasing more resources (i.e. books, art supplies, computers, chairs & tables) for the community’s use.

Please help us to support Thembisa Ratanga to realize their vision of cultivating a sustainable, safe, and welcoming environment that inspires and empowers all involved.

Please donate via our linktree in the Shala bio. ✨

And please forward this message to your contacts to help this campaign reach its target!