Vaishali - Founder and Teacher of Yogashali
My Journey to Yogashali
I was born into an Indian household rooted in Vedic philosophies, where conversations about impermanence, detachment, ego, death, and the true Self were part of everyday life. I moved to the U.S. as a teenager in the 1980s and have called the Northeast home ever since, carrying those teachings with me through every season of life.
For many years, I chased balance through intense workouts and gym routines, but they never quite brought the calm or consistency I was seeking. In my late 40s, I turned more fully toward yoga—asana, pranayama, and meditation—as a way to quiet my mind and reconnect with myself.
With regular practice, I began to feel more at peace, more at home in my body, and more accepting of my own strengths and limitations. I found myself rediscovering the basics, appreciating differences, and meeting life’s challenges with a calmer, steadier mind.
As a mom of two daughters, I’m deeply committed to modeling self‑love and acceptance, and acceptance, and to helping them embrace who they are. Teaching has always been part of my path - I hold a Master’s degree in Education and spent over a decade in the public school system, supporting young people as they grow.
In 2020, I completed my 200‑hour RYT Yoga Teacher Training and Kids Mindfulness and Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Haven under the guidance of Betsy Kase. Yogashali is the natural next step: a space where I can share the transformative power of yoga and hold space for others to do their own inner work.
My hope is simple: that everyone who practices with me leaves with a little more peace, kindness, and harmony—a small sparkle they can carry back into their own lives, families, and communities.
Why Yogashali Exists
At Yogashali, the path is simple but profound: remembering who you truly are.
The Yogashali Way is a gentle journey back to your Self—a space where you can acknowledge, accept, embrace, and love who you are, exactly as you are.
Through mindful movement, breath, and practical philosophy, Yogashali becomes your gateway to self‑awareness and healing, especially when life feels fast, loud, and demanding. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply seeking a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day, this work is here to help you cultivate inner steadiness and meet life’s challenges with more grace.
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. ~ Bhagavad Gita
The Yogashali Way - The Path to Your True Self
The ultimate intention of Yogashali is self‑realization—not as an abstract concept, but as a lived experience of making peace with who you are. In every class and session, you’re invited to slow down, listen inward, and build a kinder relationship with your body, mind, and heart.
All of our sessions are rooted in a Vinyasa flow style, linking breath with movement in approximately 60‑minute practices designed to help you:
Build core strength and physical stability
Quiet your mind through focus and breathwork
Increase body awareness and acceptance
We welcome you just as you are—young or older, athletic or not, experienced or brand new. Safety and mindfulness come first, so you’re always encouraged to honor sensitive areas, move with care, and choose what feels supportive in your body.
Our Foundational Practice
My approach is gentle, intentional, and grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern understanding of the nervous system. I invite you to move slowly enough to notice your experience, to practice with curiosity instead of criticism, and to honor your limits as an act of self‑respect.
You’ll hear teachings woven through class about self‑awareness, detachment, compassion, and the courage to pause before reacting—always offered in a way that feels practical and relevant to daily life. Whether we are working one‑on‑one, in a group, with families, or in an organizational setting, the heart of the practice is the same: helping you feel more grounded, more present, and more authentically yourself.
Safety First: As you move through your asana (postures), the most important thing you can do is take care of any sensitive areas. We encourage mindful movement—you are always better off playing it safe than being sorry.
A Gentle Invitation
Walk the Yogashali Way with me
If you’re longing for more calm, clarity, and connection—and you want support that honors both your inner and outer life—I’d be honored to practice with you. You’re welcome here whether you’re taking your very first class or returning to your mat after many years away.