Shala

Durham, 819 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705 | ★ 5 (49 Review)

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Activity

Yoga studio Meditation center

About the Club

Half of Shala is dedicated to our practice space where we offer a variety of yoga and meditation classes for everyone from the beginner student to the seasoned practitioner. We also host specialized events including private therapeutically-oriented sessions, workshops and intensives.

The other half of Shala is made up of five offices occupied by a variety of folks in private practice, offering various body work, health and wellness modalities as well as other work. They operate their own schedule and businesses privately and can be communicated with directly.

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Reviews

Carlye Daugird

★ 5

I really love the vibe of this place. It's always welcoming, peaceful and life-giving. Has all different levels: serious! yoga to Restorative yoga. They have community events, yoga challenges, potluck, yoga retreats... My favorite is Sunday Evening's Restorative Mat yoga! The best! Mira is the real deal, human practicing to be present for self and others, not perfection. Such a place of grace but also a serious work out at any level. Can't say enough about Mira and the community spirit she is and creates.

Source: Google

Kelsey Ward

★ 5

I put off going to studios for years because I couldn't find the right fit. Wish I had found Shala sooner! Mira's teaching is steeped with deep knowledge of the practice and time spent on the mat (and in the books). Her classes balance the physical practice with the mental & spiritual practice - which is just what I was looking for! I also come out of each class with a new asana that I have never done before added to my practice which is fun. Keep the growth edge growing.

Source: Google

Alisha Nissenfeld

★ 5

The Shala Yoga Studio feels like a true yoga home.
A space where community, kindness, and authenticity come together in the most genuine way.

Mira is a wellspring of wisdom, clarity, and devotion. Her teachings beautifully weave traditional yoga philosophy, asana, pranayama, and mantra (accompanied by her soulful voice and harmonium:) into a practice that is deeply nourishing.

The Shala holds a rare integrity that feels humble, empowering, and deeply human. It’s a place of laughter and learning, devotion and discovery. A space people long for… and once found, never forget. Can you tell I LOVE it there?

Source: Google

John Beverly

★ 5

Mira makes yoga come alive. Meditation practice is another gem with Jarret and Mira.

Source: Google

Fang Cai

★ 5

Yoga classes are everywhere, but excellent yoga classes are rare. Mira brings the just-right mix of intelligence, body awareness, spirit awareness, dedication, levity, and humanity to her excellent classes. What a gem for our little community!

Source: Google

Emerson Rhudy

★ 5

Yoga classes and the community at Shala are a sweet anchor in my life. Class is grounding and invigorating; challenging and comforting. Mira is uniquely attuned and attentive to her students, postural alignment, and the practice's spiritual lineage - it's something special. This is a deeply rewarding place to practice, especially if you keep showing up!

Source: Google

Sarah Schafran

★ 5

Shala is an awe-inspiring space for yoga, meditation, and community. Mira (yoga) and Jarret (meditation) are incredible teachers - both very welcoming, knowledgable, and intentional.
As a (relatively) seasoned yoga practitioner, I've practiced in many spaces and I have not found a more authentic community. The classes are challenging (but not demanding), the physical space is beautiful, and the vibes are good. I only wish I had found this place sooner!

Source: Google

Kim Martiniuk

★ 5

My favorite yoga spot in Durham!

Source: Google

Mary Carr

★ 5

Shala has been my favorite Durham find after 20 years of loving this town. They are creating a community centered around self exploration, care, curiosity and love. The yoga offerings are varied and rich, spanning fiery vinyasa flows to slow, intentional asana classes tied to breath. Mira is a powerful guide with a depth of knowledge that offers deep comfort and structure - allowing for all the exploration I’ve dreamt of on the mat. I am so grateful Shala exists. Book a class! 💜

Source: Google

Christine Veit

★ 5

I love this beautiful space! The floors, decorations and lighting are very relaxing. Mira is a great instructor for both novice and regular practitioners. I had a lot of fun, learned a lot and left feeling deeply relaxed.

Source: Google

Natalie Sulejman

★ 5

Lovely yoga community. Mira has created such a unique, wholesome, and authentic space to hold this community of special people. Really enjoy Mira’s flow, teaching, her attentiveness, approachability, and lightness (sense of humor). I have been traveling and can’t wait to get back to Shala.

Source: Google

James Malphurs

★ 5

Shala is buzzing with life and energy. So too its teachers. So too the sangha and the yoga. I've practiced with Mira and Jarret for 6+ years, and have witnessed and experienced their unwavering loving kindness and commitment to the practice and the community. Together, we've traveled to lost spots and dreamscapes for retreat, and we've practiced shivering in a cold warehouse during covid winter when we couldn't otherwise be together inside. Now we have Shala. I drive from Danville, Virginia to practice with these dear teachers and friends. Bless Shala.

Source: Google

Shannon Lavery

★ 5

Shala embodies all that I love … a yoga space that truly feels like home. The community, Mira’s yoga genius, steeped in years of study/ sharing … her fun classes (that just feel good) and expertise in her ability to meet you wherever you are in your yoga journey and support to guide you in advancing in your yoga practice - wherever you want to go. Very grateful this space exists! 🙏🏽

Source: Google

Shannon Salentine

★ 5

Finding a place to practice yoga has been a very personal experience for me- Shala is unique in that there is only one teacher for all the classes- which makes this really special- Mira’s years of experience, training, and devotion to this practice is evident in her offerings and how she relates to her students. Whether your an out of towner looking to drop in or someone looking for a yoga home- you have to try Shala. And! If you’re ever looking for some feedback on your practice, a tune up, or a bespoke home practice- I’ve had a great experience learning from Mira in a 1:1 private.

Source: Google

Byron Rath

★ 5

I've been learning from Mira for more than 5 years and the benefits of her practice are profound. I find her classes to be rigorous, flexible, from the heart and spiritual without being dogmatic, overly serious, or preachy. The community is truly inclusive and as long as I live in Durham I'll be going to Shala!

Source: Google

Michael Halpert

★ 5

The sense of community and support I found at Shala has been truly remarkable.

The practice at Shala is demanding, but it's worth every ounce of effort. In a world where many instructors simply say, "Good job, keep it up," at the 15-minute mark of a workout class, Mira stands out. She sees you, truly sees you. Mira doesn't just offer generic encouragement; she addresses you by name and provides personalized verbal guidance tailored specifically to you, all while maintaining that same level of care and attention for the other 20 people in the class.

I keep showing up at Shala because the practice continues to show up for me. It's more than just yoga; it's a supportive community that empowers you to be your best self.

Source: Google

lucie house

★ 5

A delightful and warm yoga home. Mira will leave you physically and spiritually nourished. Her classes always find a way to nudge (or shove or lift) my spiritual practice.

Source: Google

Jennifer Chow

★ 5

Thank you Mira and Jarret for creating Shala. I think about you daily when I’m away (is that creepy?) Your dedication to whole nurtured beings is inspiring. I’ve had many yoga instructors. Mira is the best. She’s also much more than that. She changes how I stand in line at the grocery store - both physically and mentally! I’ve learned to check in and ask if the the asana is working for me, not the other way around, to accept and to challenge. Thank you!

Source: Google

Christine Bixiones

★ 5

Shala is a gem of a yoga studio in so many ways. The space is peaceful, the community rich, and the teacher a master. If you are looking for yoga that will challenge and awaken I can't imagine that there is anywhere else in Durham or the Triangle where you will find this kind of beauty. Mira's instruction is so special. My body, mind, and heart are expanded through every practice.

Source: Google

Christian Long

★ 5

Mira is such a nourishing spirit. Her genuine care for herself, her students, and our greater connection permeates through her entire practice.

Shala is truly a HOME. Her demeanor and rich experience allow her to instruct and guide in such a way that allows the practice to transform you as deeply as you are willing to allow it. The classes are both challenging and nourishing. My brother introduced me to Shala a month ago, and I have been hooked ever since. It is a place where you can develop your practice, deepen your awareness, and become more of a vessel for love.

The community is family. As we work to develop our compassion for ourselves during practice and meditation, we more readily allow that compassion to spread towards others and ultimately, transform our experience for ourselves and the Shala community.

I have yet to do a meditation class with Jarret but am certainly looking forward to it. I have no doubt that it'll prove to be just as compassionate, as informational, and of course, as nourishing.

Shala is truly the place to be! I’m so thankful to have such an amazing home to develop, to learn and grow, to nurture my being, to nurture my capacity to love, and ultimately, to join others in our journey to be more aligned with Self.

Source: Google

Sean Long

★ 5

Shala IS the place to practice and to be, simply put. Mira’s contribution to those who regularly attend can’t be replaced. The studio really has become a home as the name defines. It is a place that I look forward to returning to each week, like a beacon or a place to check in and explore. I tell everyone I know about, from friends to clients and family alike.

When I visited her and Jarrett’s website, the words Shala, which means home, and the word community really stood out to me. There’s a warmth inside that permeates everything here and it encourages you to explore the body-mind connection with curiosity and joy. It had been a long time since I felt I had a community to practice with and learn from but I can say at least for me and everyone I’ve brought to a class that the experience is the real deal.

Shala offers online resources as well so you can practice at home, which is actually how I got started, but I had to show up physically to really enjoy what’s offered here. I’ve yet to work in person with Jarret and his meditation services but from his bio and demeanor, it is so clear that the two of them have spent years in practice and learning from their own selves and experiences that It inevitably reflects outwardly as depth and compassion. Depth and compassion are what strong communities and practices are built on. You will experience that here.

Source: Google

David Napp

★ 5

The space is great and Mira is a very skilled teacher. I have been taking class with her for many years and I highly recommend.

Source: Google

stacey l. kirby

★ 5

Shala is a wonderful community of caring people who come together for shared practice. I appreciate the honest, grounding approach to yoga, meditation and mindfulness inspiring me to look within for my own inner teacher.

Source: Google

Anne Roderer

★ 5

Shala is such a lovely place to land, explore, and soar through the practice of yoga. Mira is both an experienced guide - full of expert knowledge and alignment tips - and an ever-curious practitioner - generously creating space for inquiry. In fact, the entire Shala community is warm, welcoming, and fun. Classes at Shala, in a relaxed and comfortable space convenient to downtown Durham, are always welcome nourishment for my mind, body, and soul!

Source: Google

Betsy Bledsoe

★ 5

There are not enough good things to say about Shala. Mira and Jarret are two of the kindest people I have ever encountered and they have created a wonderful community where all are welcome in yoga and meditation classes. The beautiful studio space offers a safe environment - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you want a relaxing stretching class, a good workout, or an opportunity to grow your practice, Shala has something to meet your needs.

Source: Google

Molly Minor

★ 5

I always thought I hated yoga until my sister-in-law dragged me to a class that happened to be taught by Mira. This was right before COVID and so then I was super bummed to suddenly be without in-person classes. So when Shala opened this year I was so thrilled to have a regular place to be in Mira’s class. I’ve taken other yoga classes in the interim and they have all felt like just an exercise class. Mira’s class always leaves my body and mind and my heart too feeling challenged and stretched. She gives instructions that make me suddenly aware of parts of my body I did not know exist. The atmosphere is super friendly without feeling clique-ish at all. I never feel embarrassed if there’s something I straight up can’t do. And if there’s something you can do easily she always has suggestions for challenging yourself. If you’ve tried yoga in the past and thought it was anything other than awesome it’s basically just because you haven’t been to Mira’s class.

Source: Google

Happi Adams

★ 5

I love this studio so much. Mira pushes me physically, mentally, and spiritually. Every class feels like an experience. I especially love the Thurs night expanding class - it almost feels like a workshop in that I learn something new every time.

Source: Google

Elika Bergelson

★ 5

if you want a studio that is welcoming and has tons of class-types to offer alongside one of the most amazing teachers i've encountered in my 15+ years of doing yoga, come to Shala and practice with Mira. I first took classes with her when i moved to durham 5 years ago and quickly started prioritizing her classes over basically all the others: she has an amazing range of thoughtful sequences, challenges you no matter your level, gives supportive adjustments, SEES and NOTICES things about your body that you might not, and builds community around her, even in hard times. Cannot recommend this studio highly enough!:)

Source: Google

Jenny Leinbach

★ 5

I have taken yoga classes on and off for 40 years, I’ll bet, and never have I had the holistic experience that is offered by Mira and Jarrett at Shala. This practice, for me, fully integrates the yoga mind/ body experience. We are always reminded how important the breath is to the practice; quieting the mind and focusing the energy needed to fully dig deep. I love Mira’s ability to blend the eastern groovy aspects of yoga with down to earth humor and deep sense of community.
Whether you’re looking for exercise, meditation, weekend sessions on philosophy or music, or like me, all of the above—get yourself down to Shala! Conveniently located near Whole Foods on Broad St.

Source: Google

Jenna Barnes

★ 5

Shala offers a holistic yoga experience that honors and embodies the roots of this practice. If you are searching for something different in your yoga practice, Shala offers a unique experience not found in other Durham studios.

Source: Google

Deborah Klinger

★ 5

Shala is a warm and welcoming place, and Mira is a gem of a teacher, who brings heart and soul to her work. Her teaching style, while grounded in a profound understanding of alignment and postural integrity, is also relaxed and relational. She integrates yoga philosophy into her classes, facilitating inquiry and discussion in a manner that's simultaneously light-hearted and depthful. I'm a yoga therapy practitioner and used to teach yoga regularly myself, and Mira is one of the best teachers I've had the honor of experiencing. I always learn something new in her classes, even after all this time!

Source: Google

General Contact

★ 5

I am one lucky girl to have found Shala and have had Mira as my first yoga teacher! I've had multiple, serious joint issues for over forty years but have been able to practice continuously for the last five years, thanks to Mira's leadership. She gives incredibly specific directions and tells you exactly what to do to protect yourself. When I occasionally attend another class, I worry that I'm doing something dangerous and never leave feeling as invigorated. Up with Shala!

Source: Google

Jennifer M.

★ 5

I so grateful that I learned about Mira’s classes during COVID and can attend them regularly. Mira is deeply knowledgeable, thoughtful, empathetic, creative, and an all-over ‘five star’ teacher & guide. I’m impressed by how she breaks down principles, benefits, and poses so that it’s accessible to all. My body and practice feel stronger with every class <3

An additional note – Mira and Jarret have created a beautiful, restorative space in Shala along with a kind and supportive community. Highly recommend that you join!

Source: Google

Stacey Green

★ 5

I've been practicing yoga for over 20 years. That's a long time and a lot of yoga teachers. I've been fortunate enough to be led by many gifted teachers and I've never regretted a single class. Well, almost never...there was that one time I accidentally walked into a Bikram class and stayed. A few of these teachers have been extraordinary. For me, Mira is one of those teachers. Somehow in the little town of Durham I found not only one, but two teachers who have a gift you cannot teach. Mira has that gift She is knowledgeable about all things yoga, but not preachy about it. Her classes are thoughtful and challenging (and so so fun!) yet accessible. Her opening Dharma talks (more like little stories) always leave me thinking, laughing or crying...sometimes all three. The space she has created with her husband is as welcoming as it is beautiful. Much like the two of them. I know this might sound a little corny, but I always leave a better person after having taken a class with Mira. Sure, it doesn't last long, but that's why I keep going back and why I practice. Even before Shala, Mira's room always felt special. Now she teaches in a space equally as special as her teachings. -Stacey Green

Source: Google

Joy Sotolongo

★ 5

First, all the other reviews are true! Shala, situated in a renovated mill house, embodies everything that is good about Durham. Authentic, unassuming, a little bit funky. Mira and Jarret’s approach is accessible for people of all ages, all levels. I have been so fortunate to be welcomed into this community. I recommend you check out the yoga, meditation, and other fun offerings like retreats in gorgeous places and workshops to deepen your practice.

Source: Google

Clare Counihan

★ 5

It has been so joyful to watch (and take part in!) Mira and Jarret bringing Shala into being, from the first pictures they shared to the very beautiful home they continue to build. Their love and generosity and wisdom are everywhere. And I haven't even gotten to the actual yoga! Mira is an *amazing* teacher, combining an incredible depth of technical knowledge (sooooo much alignment!) with a grounded and accessible offering of philosophy and theory. And she's incredibly patient and supportive, answering ALL the questions with heart and encouragement. I may be ruined for other teachers.

Source: Google

Armide Newby

★ 5

Every time I walk into this Shala studio, I feel welcomed and at home (a VIP). Many years ago I started my practice of yoga for the yoga thinking that I just needed to learn to move thru asana and some magic might happen. Now I come for the entire experience - This is the magic. Mira is my teacher, my guide in the journey of experience. Mira makes it fresh, she makes it real, she makes it accessible to everyone. Thank you for all you do, Mira!! Shala rocks!

Source: Google

Sheila O'Rourke

★ 5

I moved to Durham 10 years ago from New York City and have been searching for my yoga community this whole time. My standards were high in terms of the wisdom and experience of the teacher and I finally found what I was looking for with Mira. She goes deep with the teachings of yoga but does it in a very down to earth, easy to understand way. She is authentic and soulful and so, so wise. I have been doing yoga for 30 years yet I learn in every class I take with Mira. She kind of kicks my butt sometimes! I would have gone to any studio to study with her, but when she opened her own space I felt the universe was giving me the biggest gift. Not only is the space beautiful (I am an interior deisgner, so the aesthetic of space affects me deeply) & very conveniently located, but Mira and Jarret together are the most wonderful team. Jarret teaches meditation and also is a musician. Together they are knowledgeable, musical, inspiring and so, so commited to making the space one for the community. They designed it for belonging. The Shala is absoluetly one of the greatest gifts in my life right now, where I feel like I belong.

Source: Google

Lea Bingham

★ 5

Shala is a beautiful space for yoga and a warm and welcoming, community. Mira is a talented and inspiring instructor. The classes are challenging yet accessible for all levels, full of inventiveness and laughter. Mira cares deeply about helping all participants grow in their practice, and she helps us connect our yoga practice to our lives and community off the mat.

Source: Google

Ilze OLinger

★ 5

Shala is different then any other yoga studio in Durham. This is a true home, wonderful community of great people surrounded and guided by intelligent, creative and experienced professionals Mira and Jarrett. You always will feel welcome, special, you will be heard and loved during your yoga or meditation practice and beyond. You have choices from sweet Flow Vinyasa and Hatha yoga to much more advanced Dig Deep classes and workshops, many special unique ways to learn old traditions and modern discoveries, to stay embodied and open your heart. Yes, and Shala has amazing music playlists, harmonium, Kirtan, and much more...

Source: Google

Caroline Fry

★ 5

Mira is hands down the most talented yoga instructor I've ever worked with. She is masterful at guiding you into a pose, encouraging you to challenge yourself - while also reminding you to listen to and respect your body. Her energy and passion for yoga (not just the poses, but the practice) is palpable. As a teacher, Mira is warm, playful, and phenomenal at creating the right vibe (room layout, smells, temperature, music).

If you are growing tired of doing the same wash/rinse/repeat vinyasa classes - or maybe you are growing bored with yoga, or have plateaued in your yoga journey - I would HIGHLY recommend Shala. Mira will keep you engaged, consistently teaching you new poses, bringing your practice to the next level. At least that's what she has done for me :)

Also: Jarret is an incredibly gifted meditation teacher and fabulous human. His Zoom gatherings kept me sane through the covid pandemic. Both Mira and Jarrett are such lovely people - they bring a beautiful sense of community and loving kindness to our city, and for that I am so grateful!

Source: Google

Chad Saleska

★ 5

From the first yoga class I took with Mira nearly four years ago, I have found her to be inspirational and motivational. She's smart, funny, incredibly knowledgeable, and cares deeply for her students. She also has lovely taste that is apparent in the details of Shala. All these superlatives blend together into a warm, welcoming community even a middle-aged meme of a Dad like me feels comfortable in. I look forward to many more years of practice with Mira and Jarret guiding the way.

Source: Google

Vicki Mills

★ 5

Shala isn’t just a physical space in Durham, although it is that and a beautiful space it is, but Shala is also a community that stretches across the country and meets regularly on Zoom. We meditate and listen to, and support, each other long distance. I am in Tucson Arizona and have been a part of the Sunday and Wednesday Meditation Club, led by Jarret, for the past two years. I do yoga in Tucson, because Mira encouraged my husband to become a yoga teacher. Mira and Jarret have changed our lives. They are treasures that Durham is so lucky to have and the magic of Zoom can expand their community to anyone with a computer. Join us for Meditation Club in Durham and beyond.

Source: Google

Brandy Saffell

★ 5

I most regularly attend Jarret's Meditation Club on Sundays, and it is has become my home for spiritual health and community. Since practicing at Shala, my meditation practice feels so much more grounded and practical in my day to day life. I enjoy connecting practicing presence with current events and the obstacles I encounter in a contemporary lifestyle. I have also taken a few asana classes with Mira and love how she makes difficult poses more accessible, and how she incorporates philosophical concepts into a practice to deepen the meaning behind each pose. I cannot recommend Shala highly enough.

Source: Google

Sadie Nott

★ 5

I've been practicing yoga for about a decade at various levels of intensity/spirituality in a wide variety of cities and towns that I have called home. I began practicing with Mira when I moved to Durham four years ago and have never looked back (including during two years of a pandemic)! Mira is the most talented teacher I have practiced with and, hands down, the most community-minded I have encountered.

When I learned that Mira and Jarret were opening their own space, I was thrilled. I feel a sense of community in Shala that I really haven't felt elsewhere - and that is because this community element is forefront in Mira and Jarret's minds. Not only has my practice (physically and mentally) evolved significantly over the last four years, but I've also developed deep friendships as a result of my involvement in the Shala community. I cannot recommend Shala highly enough to those looking for a yoga and mindfulness practice!

Source: Google

Martha Strayhorn

★ 5

I moved to Durham 7 years ago, leaving a studio behind that I loved and thought I'd never replace. NOT TRUE! Mira is awesome and has provided me with true inspiration and great yoga since that time. I recommend her to everyone!

Source: Google

Katelin Gallagher

★ 5

Mira and Jarret are two of my favorite people on this beautiful planet. I've had the incredible luck to know them for about twelve years and meeting them at a yoga studio in Arizona has led to my bi-coastal fanfare and love of everything they do. Mira is the most soulful, subtle and powerful yoga teacher I've ever had. Mira is a postural master, yet she's after [you finding] your heart. I regularly attend Jarret's meditation club over zoom - and his ability to inspire, challenge, and guide a community of meditators is unparalleled. Mira, Jarret - thanks for the deep care and beauty you give to me and to this world. Durham, you're so lucky to have these folks nearby! Soak up every drop of what they have to offer! Or, just try it if you're on the fence ;) I can't wait to join in live, in-person sometime soon.

Source: Google

Candise Henry

★ 5

I am so happy I found Mira and Shala! It's really different from any other yoga studio I've been a part of -- it's not just a place for practicing yoga, but it's a community of people to practice with. Mira and Jarret have truly fostered an amazing atmosphere to be in because they're both so passionate about their practices and their students. Not to mention, I always leave the "Expanding" Thursday class with a very good mental and physical workout :) Definitely visit if you haven't already!

Source: Google

Sarah Dulson

★ 5

Dancing in my seat to be the first reviewer of beloved Shala! Mira and Jarret are wonderful and you really feel home when you walk into their beautiful space. I’ve regularly attended Tuesday’s vinyasa class with dabblings in the Expanding Thursday class and Restorative Sunday class. All are wonderful. Mira’s focus on yoga in its entirety makes class a true mind-breath-body experience, and her alignment cues are the best I’ve heard in my yoga life.

Source: Google