Kathy Shirley

I began practicing yoga in 1999 but really fell in love with the practice in 2007 with my first Ashtanga class. Since that time, I have traveled to Costa Rica to complete my 200 hour Vinyasa Teacher Training and am currently registered with the Yoga Alliance. My teaching background as a classroom teacher also inspired me to complete extensive training to gain certification in the renowned YogaKids program to become a certified YogaKids teacher as well. Later, I completed an eight day intensive at "Duke University" in teaching yoga to seniors. I LOVE bringing yoga to our senior population here in the Keys!

 I opened Key Largo Yoga in January of 2008 after completing my 200 hour YTT in Costa Rica. Since then, I have been teaching classes at various locations in the upper keys. 

I have studied with a variety of Master Teachers and learned so much from them, but my true teacher is my own 5'7' body when I step on this little rubber mat. Each and every day I discover things about my body and what it is and is not willing to do. 

I started practicing Ashtanga Yoga daily, with a DVD of Sharath, after my first true yoga class with Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois! Yes, my very first yoga class was with Guruji himself!! Ashtanga was my first love, but I have come to love all styles of yoga. Yoga has become a daily study and practice as I try to discover the possibilities that lie within.

My perspective on life is simple. Life is merely a balancing act. When your needs are met you feel a sense of well-being. When your needs are not met, the balancing act continues.

We all enjoy feeling good physically and mentally. We would like to have peace of mind. We all enjoy being joyful, peaceful, energized and relaxed.

One of the most obvious things about aging is that our bodies tend to become stiff. As our bodies tighten, not only are we less comfortable, we actually becomes less efficient and more prone to dis-"ease" and degeneration of the muscles and bones.

I am living proof that we can actually bring the suppleness of youth back into our bodies and be more flexible, durable and stronger. As I have learned to focus my physical and mental energy more effectively, I have become stronger, more flexible and centered.