Our Sangha, Our Community
Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala is located in Dana Point, Orange County, California, midway between San Diego and Los Angeles.
We are a traditional, authorized Ashtanga Yoga Shala.
Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala is dedicated to you, the student. May this always be your sacred place, your school of higher education, the place where you nourish your body, your spirit and respect yourself, your sanctuary.
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Director and Instructor Diana Christinson is a traditional Ashtanga practitioner.
Diana has been teaching for over 30 years. She is trained by Tim Miller and authorized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy at the 2nd level at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. |
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When I walked into the yoga Shala in 2021, I was a ball of raw nerves. I was introduced to Diana through Charlotte Fryer who was guiding me on a path of holistic healing in a difficult time of my life. I immediately felt a connection with Diana, a place of solace that has only deepened as I have continued this practice of Ashtanga.
In our first private lesson I remember Diana offering for me to borrow a sacred item from the altar as a touchstone through this time. Unbeknownst to me, I chose Richard’s Tibetan bell and dorje which had belonged to Diana’s late partner. I felt it was a blessing and encouragement to foster this relationship with Diana and the practice.
I have tried many modalities as a source of healing. With the hope of radically changing and “fixing myself” only to be disappointed by my own unrealistic expectation. Ironically, I entered yoga not thinking it would really change me on an emotional or spiritual level. Not expecting that it would be anything more than stretching. What a huge underestimation this was.
In my first classes I remember feeling like a fish out of water. Watching these yogis bend and breathe with serene expressions while I looked around frantically. My arm is supposed to go where?? With my leg there? I couldn’t imagine that my body would ever be able to move that way. I was never a flexible person, or even someone who had much of a positive awareness of my body at all. Despite the discomfort, I returned. Mostly because of the kindness I felt in the community. The complete lack of judgment and camaraderie. I was so used to being in a competitive setting, this family feeling was new to me.
Slowly I started looking around less, breathing more deeply, and parts of my body surrendered. The practice really bloomed for me when I began coming to Mysore. This early morning self-led class fosters an experience of solitude while simultaneously a feeling unity with fellow practitioners. Each nugget of wisdom from Diana and Timea felt exciting. I could spend time researching asanas and challenging the countless “I won’t ever be able to do that” thoughts in my head. Ashtanga serves as a physical example of what happens through consistent trying. A lesson in patience I desperately need.
Now, when I miss one or two usual days of practice, I notice it. I feel more distant from myself, less even. Being on my mat at Pacific Ashtanga allows me to come home to myself. To soften sharp edges of my mind and allow pockets of my body to unwind, to strengthen my heart alongside my muscles.
I am so grateful to Diana and all the special people who have gathered in this Shala. Thank you for making me a better human ♥️ you are so loved.
~A
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Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala is more than a yoga school: since its inception in 2005, it has been a sacred space for people from all walks of life to practice.
We support each other. As a community, or sangha in Sanskrit, our common goal is health: physical, mental, and spiritual. The benefits we gain as individuals from our yoga practice - such as more energy, focus, peace, and strength - spiral out into our lives beyond the shala. Each member of our colorful community has their own unique story, and each is a vital part of The Story of Us. |
Hero's Journey: The Return
BE A LIGHTENING BUG
Dedication
This is a dedication to my guru, beloved teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who has passed on this beautiful practice. Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Guruji has benefited thousands of people by providing all those who practice with a discipline that strengthens the body and mind and ultimately leads to happiness, peace, and liberation.
Blessings to Sharath Rangaswamy, whose humble presence, beautiful practice, kind teaching, and unwavering commitment to Guruji are an inspiration to all.
Blessings to Tim Miller, whose love and loyalty for Guruji and his teachings have inspired many students to practice and teach this beautiful tradition. His humor, wit, and compassion reflect the lightness and beauty of Ashtanga Yoga.
It is with humility and great respect that I pass on this practice which has been given to me by my teachers, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Rangaswamy, and Tim Miller.
The Story of Us
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Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala is more than a yoga school: since its inception in 2005, it has been a sacred space for people from all walks of life to practice. We support each other. As a community, or sangha in Sanskrit, our common goal is health: physical, mental, and spiritual. The benefits we gain as individuals from our yoga practice - such as more energy, focus, peace, and strength - spiral out into our lives beyond the shala.
Each member of our colorful community has their own unique story, and each is a vital part of The Story of Us. |