In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West Yoga Sanctuary owner & Yogi, Erika Hawks.
We talk about how she got started in yoga, her daily practice, the studio, and a couple of small practices that have changed her life.
More on the Key West Yoga Sanctuary
Key West Yoga Sanctuary is a space for each of us to relax, learn, and connect. Yoga gives us the opportunity to slow down and connect to an awareness of ourselves that protects and promotes health and well being of the body and mind. Key West Yoga Sanctuary and Yoga for the Environment are passionate about taking an additional step to extend this awareness and consciousness from the internal to the external world. This can include learning about and understanding other cultures or utilizing and experiencing true eco-concsious practices with sustainable materials made with zero toxic emissions. In turn, these efforts will cultivate community, compassion, and peace in our yoga practice, our daily lives, and our universe as a whole
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with yogi, chef, and all-around awesome person, Sofia Artola.
We talk about the transition going from student to teacher to business owner, moving locations (5 times), and incorporating the cafe into the space, creating a full organic experience.
More on Shakti Yoga
Shakti Yoga is committed to offering you sound, wise instruction in a context that honors the ancient traditions of Hatha Yoga. Our classes are nurturing, safe and non-competitive, with an emphasis on lightness and laughter when appropriate.
Shakti Yoga’s current class schedule focuses on Flow. Flow is an evolving form of traditional hatha yoga that focuses on integrating intention, breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, and “your practice with daily life.” Instructors weave together teachings that can inspire physical, energetic, mental, and pure bliss states of consciousness.
Sofia Artola has been teaching yoga for 18 years. She is a graduate of the Sai Ayurvedic College and Wellness Center & has an Associate Degree in Vedic Studies. A native of Nicaragua, Sofia has been an island resident of Key West, Florida for over 30 years.
In 2005 Sofia started Shakti Yoga & five years later she moved Shakti to the current location at 1114 White St. In 2015 she expanded the space & launched Mayanjali Cafe & Boutique. Mayanjali has recently grown to include nourishing meals, specialty dinners & cooking classes.
On a yoga sabbatical in 2003 I learned the power of food. While trying to live the true yogic life, I found my way to an Ashram in India and lived with a family who taught me the ritual of making the morning meal. The preparation taught me how to make simple traditional meals.
Food is seen as communal and rich in custom; the rite of practice. A time to slow down and be conscious of what we consume; recognizing the energy we create.
A whole new universe opened up to me of how important food was.
My practice had been getting on a mat in order to reawaken the body and energy. With this experience, I began to awaken to the energy of food.
This was the dream… to share that awakening with the community in Key West and beyond.
In the progression of this yogic life, I have found my Dharma. My life’s purpose. Transforming simple ingredients into foods that heal your body, mind and nourish the soul.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.