On Saturday, October 11, Steve Dwelley and Michele Nichols hosted a good-bye gathering for the space in which they have taught for seven years, the Ashtanga Yoga Shala here in downtown Santa Barbara. Steve and Michele are leaving their space behind and moving their yoga teaching to Santa Barbara Yoga Center, one of the two largest yoga studios in Santa Barbara. (Their classes at SBYC officially started two days ago, on Wednesday, October 15.)
The Shala good-bye gathering was was thoughtful and sentimental without being overly sad. The general feeling of the group seemed to be that while the sweet space of the Shala was much appreciated and deserved to be honored, the actual heart of the Ashtanga community lies in the wonderful teachers who guide the practice. The physical space in which the practice takes place is less important than the high-quality, dedicated teaching of Steve and Michele.
Here are some photos that we took during the Shala good-bye gathering:
Lots of chatting happened during the potluck/food part of the evening.
After eating, we formed a circle and shared thoughts
on the Shala’s closing.
Another shot of the circle.
Steve, Jenni, Michele, and Craig pose by the symbolic sign.
**Click here to see even more photos from the gathering!**
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