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Lauren Farina O’Brien is the co-owner of Shakti Power Yoga in Nashville, Tennessee, with her sister Kelly. With over 16 years of experience in yoga practice and teaching, Lauren has studied under significant mentors like Dharma Mittra, where she completed her 500 and 800-hour certifications. Passionate about building community and holistic health, Lauren emphasizes blending traditional yoga with modern practices, offering various yoga styles and workshops at Shakti Power Yoga. Lauren has been instrumental in leading international yoga retreats, expanding her influence and providing immersive yoga experiences worldwide.
Visit Lauren on her website: https://www.shaktiyoganashville.com/
Key Takeaways:
- Lauren emphasizes the power of community and the pivotal role it plays in the success of Shakti Power Yoga.
- Diverse yoga offerings, including heated power flows and restorative classes, cater to varying student needs and preferences.
- Lauren’s collaboration with her sister Kelly is foundational to Shakti Power Yoga’s success, highlighting the significance of having a supportive partner.
- International yoga retreats led by Lauren and Kelly offer enriching experiences that combine travel, culture, and deepened practice.
Embracing Yoga’s Resilience: Insights from Lauren Farina O’Brien on Building Community and Evolving Practice
Key Takeaways
- Community and Connection: The power of yoga lies not just in physical postures but in fostering a connected, supportive community that becomes an integral part of practice.
- Adapting Through Challenges: Lauren Farina O’Brien underscores the opportunity within adversity, notably how COVID-19 served as a pivotal moment for reflection and adaptation.
- Balancing Tradition with Modernity: The synthesis of traditional yoga practices with contemporary needs, such as integrating mental health awareness, is crucial for evolving the practice.
The Lifeblood of Yoga: Community and Connection
In the vibrant narrative shared between the speakers, Lauren Farina O’Brien emphasizes the indispensable nature of community in her yoga journey and in running Shakti Power Yoga. The studio, co-owned with her sister Kelly in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, has grown not just as a business but as a communal space where relationships flourish. “I’m just in so much awe of the people that come into Shakti,” Lauren observes, highlighting the deep connections formed over the years, turning clients into a family. This theme of community resonates throughout the transcript, showcasing the value of human connection in sustaining yoga practice.
Lauren’s experience underscores that a yoga studio is more than its classes. It is a refuge, a realm of camaraderie that supports its members through their individual journeys. Her words, “Just know their families work, you know, just… It’s just such a beautiful community,” highlight the joy she finds in this interconnectedness. Such relationships not only enrich personal practice but also provide the backbone for enduring business success. This offers a profound insight into the essence of yoga as not merely a physical practice but a social sanctuary that nurtures human bonds.
Navigating Adversity: Yoga’s Evolution Through Challenges
Lauren’s reflection on managing a yoga studio through COVID-19 provides a compelling narrative on resilience and adaptability. While she candidly acknowledges 2020 as “the hardest thing for us,” she also perceives it as an opportunity to reassess and rejuvenate the business. Her perspective that the pandemic granted “an opportunity to start over and to, like, clear out what wasn’t working” aptly exemplifies the adaptive nature of yoga professionals in the face of adversity.
This theme extends beyond business challenges, touching on personal insights as well. Lauren’s resilience during such a trying period allowed for a reassessment of priorities, both within the studio and among its community of practitioners. Her ability to turn hardship into a transformative process not only for herself but for her community exemplifies yoga’s grounding philosophy. The broader implication of her experience suggests that adversity, when navigated thoughtfully, can forge pathways to growth and renewed purpose—essential reminders for practitioners and business owners alike.
Blending Tradition with the Contemporary: Evolving Yoga Practices
A captivating theme is Lauren’s focus on merging traditional yoga elements with modern practice requirements. Her deep respect for her training with Dharma Mittra, paired with the practical needs of operating a successful studio, illustrates a balanced approach to embodying yoga’s rich heritage while meeting contemporary demands. When reflecting on simpler practices such as restorative yoga gaining popularity, she notes, “People are really wanting that and I love that.” This signifies a shift within yoga culture toward integrating more holistic, introspective practices, aligning closely with mental health awareness and the evolving needs of practitioners.
Lauren’s willingness to adapt and introduce diverse yoga styles—ranging from heated flows to meditative practices—captures the dynamic landscape of yoga today. Her insights are testament to the necessity of preserving yoga’s traditional core while embracing innovation to cater to varied community interests. This blend, deeply rooted in authenticity yet responsive to change, not only enriches the yoga experience but also expands its accessibility and relevance.
Reflecting on a Shared Journey
Lauren Farina O’Brien’s journey is a testament to yoga’s enduring power to connect souls, redefine challenges, and merge the timeless with the contemporary. Her reflections reveal a nuanced understanding of what it truly means to run a yoga studio—where community, adaptability, and tradition converge seamlessly. Her insights on maintaining a strong community foundation while skillfully navigating business adversities during COVID-19 echo deeply with the essence of yoga: resilience in the face of challenges and strength in unity.
Ultimately, Lauren’s approach serves as a guiding light, highlighting the balance and harmony needed to thrive in yoga and life. Her closing words capture the core ethos: “Keep practicing. Just keep practicing.” This refrain speaks volumes, reminding practitioners and teachers alike of yoga’s profound simplicity and its transformative journey of never-ending exploration and growth.
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