“I started taking yoga classes after years away from any yoga practice at Shakti Yoga about 10 months ago.  I remember feeling nervous that I wouldn’t be strong enough, fit enough, bendy enough (all those… am I enough? insecurities) to not embarrass myself in a yoga class.  I decided to start with a “Gentle Flow” class, the one that sounded least intimidating and Kalyani was the teacher. Immediately, all my fears were put to rest as she reassured us that this was a time to go within rather than a competition or about who looks like the models on the cover of a yoga magazine. In fact, she mused (and now I know she says often,) “When you fall, you know you are a real yogi.”  Continuing to go to her classes, I started to get stronger.  More importantly, I began to find my center and my confidence, enough to branch out and take other classes and I enjoy all the different teachers and their styles.  Still, it’s her classes that I always aim to attend, even if it means rearranging my schedule. As time progressed, I opened up to her more about my personal goals and I had a chance to work with her in a private lesson.  Somehow, and I wasn’t expecting this from a yoga session, I got more from one session with her than I have in a lifetime of counseling, therapy, and doctors.  Her openness and willingness to share with me on a personal level allowed me to open up to her and we were able to get to root issues that neither myself or anyone else has been able to make me aware of or help me with.  She has given me guidance in my practice and resources in my life that have put me on the path to healing and she continues to do so. I am grateful for her insights, her encouragement and that I was lucky enough to walk into her class on that first day.  To put it simply, as a teacher and a person, Kalyani exudes warmth, compassion and sincerity and has the heart of a true healer.”