January 2026 Newsletter
Happy New Year from The Yoga Shala Seattle! We hope 2025 was a beautiful year for you and that you have so much to look forward to in the coming year; we know we sure do!
Celebrating the Shala's Third Birthday
This year, the Yoga Shala Seattle is turning three! To celebrate, Brendan and Christiane are hosting a special guided Ashtanga 1/2 and 1/2 practice on Sunday, January 18th. This powerful practice combines the deep forward folds and hip openings of Primary Series with the backbends and arm balances of Second Series.
The class is donation-based, with all proceeds going to support the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, a nonprofit focused on building immigrant and refugee power in Washington State.
Following the class, stay for a short get-together to celebrate the Shala. Feel free to bring your favorite snack to share!
Pranayama: The Breath of Life with Christiane
Join Christiane on Sunday, January 25th, for a special workshop exploring Pranayama, the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
The session includes an introductory lecture on basic body mechanics, the connection between breath and the nervous system, and some of its energetic effects, followed by an experiential component exploring simple Pranayama techniques from the Ashtanga Yoga lineage. Components of this workshop are complementary to a daily Mysore practice!
This is a mixed-level workshop, suitable for students with an established Pranayama practice and/or new students seeking to learn more about the subtle body.
Continuing Handstand Education at the Shala
Looking to keep practicing your handstand in 2026? We have options for you! Join the Shala for a series of member-focused workshops designed to support the long-term goal of sustaining handstands for Yoga Asana practice. The first edition of Handstand Practice and Integration is coming up on February 1st, but be sure to check out the schedule for the rest of the year:
February 1st: Practice and Integrations
April 12th: Rocket Intensive Weekend (class embedded in training)
June 7th: Practice and Integrations
August 2nd: Class embedded in an inversions-focused training
October 25th: Practice and Integrations
December 6th: Open Practice (By Invitation)
Sign up early; these will fill up!
Start Your Practice with the Yoga Shala in 2026
To start the year off, we are offering THREE chances to participate in our popular Start Your Practice workshop! Have a friend who's looking to start yoga in the new year? Want to recommit to your own practice in 2026? This workshop with Brendan and Christiane will explore the foundational and standing postures of Ashtanga yoga as a basis for establishing a daily practice routine.
The workshop includes four weeks of access to led classes and Mysore programming, where all students will receive personalized care and attention to body-specific details to make the yoga work for you!
Pick the date that works for you!
Saturday, January 10th, at 10:30 AM
Sunday, February 22nd, at 10 AM
Sunday March 29th, at 10 AM
New Classes for the New Year
Don't forget to check the schedule for some shifts and new classes! Now, you can catch Cindy for Ashtanga Fundamentals on Fridays at 9:30 AM, Gretchen for Ashtanga Fundamentals on Saturdays at 10:30 AM, and Brendan for Rocket on Sundays at 10:30 AM.
See you on the mat!
Looking Forward to 2026 with Our Beautiful Community
We started the new year with a full house for Mysore practice, followed by a special, celebratory potluck. We are so grateful to all of you for joining us and for practicing with us throughout the year! Here's to lots more shared coffee, snacks, and yoga in 2026!
Other Resources
Did you know Moon Days are listed on our website? Super convenient.
Newsletters are now archived on our website.
We can't wait to practice with you!
