Clayton Yoga Shala - Clayton, California

Lindsey Walker

An eblast about Clayton Shala's relocation hit my inbox today and it reminded me of an experience I had about 2 years ago so I thought I would share. The feeling I was left with really stuck with me, and I think I'll always remember how the instructor made me feel.

I was new to town and it was my first ever class at this studio, I had heard good things and I now lived locally so I was really excited to try her class.

About 10 - 15 minutes early, I asked her privately if I would be allowed to record myself during class to keep track of my progress privately. Knowing this usually isn't allowed, I fully expected a "sorry, but no" but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

But sometimes they let you, so why not ask.

Instead of "no, sorry," I got a 15 minute lecture about beta waves and how I was prematurely aging myself and everyone else around me by using technology during practice.

I was fully ok with the "no" and even the lecture, she probably saw it as educational, but I could have done without receiving the lecture in front of the rest of the class, who were regulars and heard the whole thing. I sat patiently and politely listened to her lecture us on the dangers of technology until about 5 minutes after class was scheduled to start. When she was done with her tedtalk about beta waves and technology, she started the class, and then, I kid you not, proceeded to set up the live stream for the class over zoom...

Yeah. You read that right.

I didn't say anything, didn't make any kind of eye contact to indicate I saw any contradiction in her lecture. I just moved on, enjoyed the class, and was perfectly willing to chalk it up to the culture of a new studio, her passion, etc.

After the class I said thank you so much, rolled up my mat, and made it about 2 steps out the door before the teacher came running after me into the parking lot. She stopped me and asked me to please not come back because I wouldn't be a good fit for her studio. She said something along the lines of "your practice doesn't align with my teachings".

Never having been asked not to come back anywhere, I was thinking it was pretty unwarranted but was too respectful to draw attention to us. I also was thinking while a bit unfair, it wouldn't be in either parties best interest to argue my way into practicing somewhere I wasn't welcome, so I took the high road, didn't point out any of the hypocrisy, just politely said something like "ok, well thanks again for the class, didn't mean to cause any offense." and walked back to my car.

Still to this day I feel weirded out about the experience. At a time in my life where I really could have benefited from the supportive community and camaraderie that typically comes with practicing yoga with others, I was really disappointed in how I was approached and asked not to come back.

I'm pretty sure this is not a regular experience here for anyone else, I actually think most people who are regulars love it there! For the record I really did enjoy the class. She's a great yoga instructor. But part of running a business is the impression you leave on the community, and the feeling of being turned away after my first class for asking permission and fully respecting the "no" I received was a really mean thing to do. It's two years later and I still think about how weird and kinda hurtful that was at the time.

I'm sure this was a one-off, bad day type of situation, but it really left an impact on me and turned me away from yoga for a while.

I hope the yoga industry grows in Clayton to provide a more welcoming, open-minded culture. Advances in technology provide a lot of wonderful knowledge sharing platforms that connect us and are a net positive - even taking into account any potentially 'problematic beta waves'.

I'm sure the Clayton Shala community will see this and come back with a wave of evidence about how the classes and instructors are wonderful. This post isn't intended to contradict any of that evidence. I just wanted to share. What she did still bothers me.

Carol Kuhn

I've been doing yoga almost daily with Shelly, Wes and Gardenia for over 3 years. They're all wonderful caring knowledgeable teachers. And they're continually growing in their practice. It has kept me fit physically mentally and spiritually. Its amazing the benefits 1 hour a day can do for my day. Thank you so much.

rex white

I've been practicing here almost daily for 4 years and am continually impressed with the passion and authenticity of the instructors. I am particularly impressed with the level of skill, knowledge, and passion for yoga that I see in the two owners, Shelley and Laura. This is not to take away from the other instructors, whom are passionate and skilled as well. I moved to Walnut Creek a couple of years ago but continue practicing here.

Julie Durand

I have been attending the Clayton Yoga Shala studio for 8 years and I’ve been doing yoga for 14 years. I am closely familiar with the co-owners of this studio. All the yoga teachers are well trained, knowledgeable ,professional , caring and contributed to my deepening of my practice. They have created a community-based friendly haven & offering different kinds of hatha classes & appropriate levels of practices . I highly recommend this wonderful intimate studio that will give the attention you need to excel in your yoga ! Julie Durand

John Wubbenhorst

great place to go to, great yoga great people and interesting workshops

Susan Sisson

Great staff. Very accommodating.

Tirso De Ubago cio CRT

Cameron Glaves