Shala

I moved to Durham 10 years ago from New York City and have been searching for my yoga community this whole time. My standards were high in terms of the wisdom and experience of the teacher and I finally found what I was looking for with Mira. She goes deep with the teachings of yoga but does it in a very down to earth, easy to understand way. She is authentic and soulful and so, so wise. I have been doing yoga for 30 years yet I learn in every class I take with Mira. She kind of kicks my butt sometimes! I would have gone to any studio to study with her, but when she opened her own space I felt the universe was giving me the biggest gift. Not only is the space beautiful (I am an interior deisgner, so the aesthetic of space affects me deeply) & very conveniently located, but Mira and Jarret together are the most wonderful team. Jarret teaches meditation and also is a musician. Together they are knowledgeable, musical, inspiring and so, so commited to making the space one for the community. They designed it for belonging. The Shala is absoluetly one of the greatest gifts in my life right now, where I feel like I belong.

Mira and Jarret are two of my favorite people on this beautiful planet. I've had the incredible luck to know them for about twelve years and meeting them at a yoga studio in Arizona has led to my bi-coastal fanfare and love of everything they do. Mira is the most soulful, subtle and powerful yoga teacher I've ever had. Mira is a postural master, yet she's after [you finding] your heart. I regularly attend Jarret's meditation club over zoom - and his ability to inspire, challenge, and guide a community of meditators is unparalleled. Mira, Jarret - thanks for the deep care and beauty you give to me and to this world. Durham, you're so lucky to have these folks nearby! Soak up every drop of what they have to offer! Or, just try it if you're on the fence ;) I can't wait to join in live, in-person sometime soon.

if you want a studio that is welcoming and has tons of class-types to offer alongside one of the most amazing teachers i've encountered in my 15+ years of doing yoga, come to Shala and practice with Mira. I first took classes with her when i moved to durham 5 years ago and quickly started prioritizing her classes over basically all the others: she has an amazing range of thoughtful sequences, challenges you no matter your level, gives supportive adjustments, SEES and NOTICES things about your body that you might not, and builds community around her, even in hard times. Cannot recommend this studio highly enough!:)

I so grateful that I learned about Mira’s classes during COVID and can attend them regularly. Mira is deeply knowledgeable, thoughtful, empathetic, creative, and an all-over ‘five star’ teacher & guide. I’m impressed by how she breaks down principles, benefits, and poses so that it’s accessible to all. My body and practice feel stronger with every class <3An additional note – Mira and Jarret have created a beautiful, restorative space in Shala along with a kind and supportive community. Highly recommend that you join!

I've been practicing yoga for over 20 years. That's a long time and a lot of yoga teachers. I've been fortunate enough to be led by many gifted teachers and I've never regretted a single class. Well, almost never...there was that one time I accidentally walked into a Bikram class and stayed. A few of these teachers have been extraordinary. For me, Mira is one of those teachers. Somehow in the little town of Durham I found not only one, but two teachers who have a gift you cannot teach. Mira has that gift She is knowledgeable about all things yoga, but not preachy about it. Her classes are thoughtful and challenging (and so so fun!) yet accessible. Her opening Dharma talks (more like little stories) always leave me thinking, laughing or crying...sometimes all three. The space she has created with her husband is as welcoming as it is beautiful. Much like the two of them. I know this might sound a little corny, but I always leave a better person after having taken a class with Mira. Sure, it doesn't last long, but that's why I keep going back and why I practice. Even before Shala, Mira's room always felt special. Now she teaches in a space equally as special as her teachings. -Stacey Green

First, all the other reviews are true! Shala, situated in a renovated mill house, embodies everything that is good about Durham. Authentic, unassuming, a little bit funky. Mira and Jarret’s approach is accessible for people of all ages, all levels. I have been so fortunate to be welcomed into this community. I recommend you check out the yoga, meditation, and other fun offerings like retreats in gorgeous places and workshops to deepen your practice.

Mira is hands down the most talented yoga instructor I've ever worked with. She is masterful at guiding you into a pose, encouraging you to challenge yourself - while also reminding you to listen to and respect your body. Her energy and passion for yoga (not just the poses, but the practice) is palpable. As a teacher, Mira is warm, playful, and phenomenal at creating the right vibe (room layout, smells, temperature, music).If you are growing tired of doing the same wash/rinse/repeat vinyasa classes - or maybe you are growing bored with yoga, or have plateaued in your yoga journey - I would HIGHLY recommend Shala. Mira will keep you engaged, consistently teaching you new poses, bringing your practice to the next level. At least that's what she has done for me :)Also: Jarret is an incredibly gifted meditation teacher and fabulous human. His Zoom gatherings kept me sane through the covid pandemic. Both Mira and Jarrett are such lovely people - they bring a beautiful sense of community and loving kindness to our city, and for that I am so grateful!

Shala isn’t just a physical space in Durham, although it is that and a beautiful space it is, but Shala is also a community that stretches across the country and meets regularly on Zoom. We meditate and listen to, and support, each other long distance. I am in Tucson Arizona and have been a part of the Sunday and Wednesday Meditation Club, led by Jarret, for the past two years. I do yoga in Tucson, because Mira encouraged my husband to become a yoga teacher. Mira and Jarret have changed our lives. They are treasures that Durham is so lucky to have and the magic of Zoom can expand their community to anyone with a computer. Join us for Meditation Club in Durham and beyond.

Dancing in my seat to be the first reviewer of beloved Shala! Mira and Jarret are wonderful and you really feel home when you walk into their beautiful space. I’ve regularly attended Tuesday’s vinyasa class with dabblings in the Expanding Thursday class and Restorative Sunday class. All are wonderful. Mira’s focus on yoga in its entirety makes class a true mind-breath-body experience, and her alignment cues are the best I’ve heard in my yoga life.

Every time I walk into this Shala studio, I feel welcomed and at home (a VIP). Many years ago I started my practice of yoga for the yoga thinking that I just needed to learn to move thru asana and some magic might happen. Now I come for the entire experience - This is the magic. Mira is my teacher, my guide in the journey of experience. Mira makes it fresh, she makes it real, she makes it accessible to everyone. Thank you for all you do, Mira!! Shala rocks!