‘The Art of Wholeness’ Blog

The art of living well meets the science of transformation.

Welcome to Circle Yoga Shala’s blog

Here, we explore the interconnectedness of the physical, physiological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of Being.

Our approach is rooted in timeless wisdom and informed by modern understanding, offering a holistic and elegant perspective on what it means to thrive.

From diverse movement to contemplative philosophy, breathwork, and self-inquiry, our blog invites you to cultivate anti-fragility and harmony on every level of your being.

Join us on this journey of discovery, integration, and growth! If you want to make sure you don’t miss new content, sign up for our newsletter.

Vary Your Movement Diet: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Vary Your Movement Diet: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Movement is as essential to your well-being as the food you eat, and relying on a "mono-diet" of sitting leaves your body, mind, and spirit undernourished. At Circle Yoga Shala, we emphasize the importance of diverse movement patterns—walking, running, crawling, climbing, and more—to strengthen your body, enhance mental clarity, and foster emotional regulation.

Our programs integrate 'nutritious' movement into every aspect of learning. When was the last time you climbed, crawled, or threw something for fun?

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Yoga Is Surrender
Stela Balaban Stela Balaban

Yoga Is Surrender

The founders of our school, Matt and Holly Krepps, have built this community on a deep understanding of Yoga as the practice of Surrender. And this concept isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a cornerstone of classical yoga philosophy as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra and it resonates deeply with contemplative traditions worldwide.

Now, let’s take a moment to clarify what surrender really means and how it shows up in our Yoga Teacher Training.

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Caring for the Breath, Always: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Practice
Stela Balaban Stela Balaban

Caring for the Breath, Always: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Practice

Breath is life, and therefore it is a precious gift. At Circle Yoga Shala, we approach breath and breathing with both reverence and simplicity, inspired by ancient texts and informed by modern understanding.

Let’s explore together some of the foundational aspects of working with the breath, often called Pranayama.

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Why We Teach ‘Touchless’ Adjustments
Stela Balaban Stela Balaban

Why We Teach ‘Touchless’ Adjustments

Here at Circle Yoga Shala, we believe the role of a yoga teacher goes beyond teaching postures; it’s about empowering students to connect with their own bodies, cultivate independence, and create a space where everyone feels safe. This is why we include touchless adjustments in our yoga teacher training programs. Here’s how this approach is foundational to our teaching philosophy.

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What to Look for in a Yoga Teacher Training (Part 4)
Stela Balaban Stela Balaban

What to Look for in a Yoga Teacher Training (Part 4)

As you search for the right yoga teacher training program, you may have come across the word lineage. This concept speaks to the heart of yoga itself—a practice deeply rooted in tradition, passed down from teacher to student for thousands of years.

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What to Look for in a Yoga Teacher Training (Part 3)
Stela Balaban Stela Balaban

What to Look for in a Yoga Teacher Training (Part 3)

Let’s talk about the kind of training that keeps giving long after you’ve completed it. Find a Training That Grounds You in Principles.

Yoga is vast—it’s both a practice and a lifelong journey. The best teacher trainings equip you with not just techniques, but principles that can guide your practice and teaching for years to come. These are the “why” behind the “how,” providing a solid foundation for exploration and growth.

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What to Look for in a Yoga Teacher Training (Part 2)

What to Look for in a Yoga Teacher Training (Part 2)

Not all teacher training programs are created equal. Some follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, treating every student and every body as though they’re the same. But yoga is an incredibly personal practice—one that meets you where you are.

Cookie-cutter programs often miss this nuance, leaving little room for your unique body, mind, or spirit to thrive. What’s the alternative?

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