Ananda Shanti Yoga Studio and Wellness Center

05/23/2026

For over 35 years, I have felt deeply grateful and honored to walk alongside individuals, couples, families, and groups on their healing journeys.

Creating a safe, compassionate, and grounded space for growth has always been at the heart of my work — a space where people can feel seen, heard, supported, and gently challenged toward deeper self-awareness and healing.

Over the years, I have witnessed the incredible resilience of the human spirit: people courageously exploring lifelong patterns, healing trauma, improving relationships, strengthening communication, reconnecting to themselves, and deepening their spiritual connection and sense of purpose.

True healing is rarely about quick fixes. It is often a gradual unfolding — learning to understand our stories, release old wounds, build healthier ways of relating, and live with greater authenticity, compassion, and presence.

I remain profoundly thankful for the trust so many have placed in me through the years. Every person, couple, family, and group I have worked with has also taught me something valuable about humanity, courage, healing, and hope.

As I share a few testimonials from clients, I do so with humility and gratitude for the many lives and journeys that have crossed my path. 🙏

For sessions:
Magnolia Massachusetts Office, FaceTime, Maine Retreats ,,, message me

07/29/2024

For all friends and Ananda Shanti Yoga & Wellness Center community.

Remembering & honoring a dear Friend and fellow spiritual traveler.

The news of a dear friend’s passing is never easy to bear. Last week, I heard that my cherished friend and fellow spiritual traveler, Evelyn Stewart, had completed her journey on this earth.

The moment I read the news, it wasn’t tears that first came to me. As strange as this might sound to some, a smile appeared on my face and joy filled my heart. This is the feeling I would get every time I spent time with Evy or heard her name in a circle of friends.

Evy and I shared the love and passion for the great teachings and practices of yoga. We shared the same teacher from India and had a deep connection on this sacred path. Evy was not only a beautiful friend but also a great support and strong presence at Ananda Shanti Yoga Studio & Wellness Center, which I owned for over 25years. Evy was a big part of the community and would often play the harmonium in the Ananda Shanti Kirtan Band, where we would hold monthly chants and meditation sessions for many. I loved when she would play because she put her whole heart and deep devotion into the music.

Evy was a pillar of strength and comfort to me, especially during times when I felt overwhelmed and perhaps misjudged while holding the sacred space for so many over the years, wearing many hats. There were so many precious moments I had with her, but one day sticks out for me. I shared my heavy heart that I was experiencing at the studio. She sat there so attentive to my situation and then looked at me with that gleeful smile and said, "Shankari, just chant… share the bliss of the mantra. You are stirring things up for people, and that’s what they need. Let the power of the chant do the work!" Then she would laugh with such joy, it was infectious and would clear anyone’s heart. She taught me the lesson of detachment. Her wisdom and love were endless.

I considered her a true friend and deep soul sister. I am so grateful she was in my path for so many years. She will be missed by so many but will remain in the hearts of all those she touched.

As Evelyn embarks on her journey into the Light of God, I send her my love, respect, and gratitude. I also send her beautiful family and friends love during this time.

As Ram Das so lovingly said, “ We are all just walking each other home.”

And I’m sure those tears will come soon.

Om NAMAH SHIVAYA 🙏💜

Love, Shankari

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hRBjanBEkd4UwD7N/?

View Evelyn Grace Stewart's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

07/17/2024

In today's tumultuous world, I am compelled by a sense of responsibility to share my thoughts. My intention is to raise awareness and encourage self-reflection during these challenging times.

As a dedicated practitioner and teacher in the professional field of psychology, wellness, and yoga for over 35 years, and the proud owner of Ananda Shanti Yoga & Wellness Studio, I am deeply committed to the principles that form the foundation of yoga. One such principle is Ahimsa, the ancient teaching from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which emphasizes nonviolence and compassion towards all living beings.

Today, I was profoundly distraught to come across a social media post from a yoga teacher and studio owner in Florida in regards to the tragic & violent attempt of the assassination of President Donald Trump.

Her inciteful post read, "Damn it he didn’t die. Well, at least one supporter did. I’ll take what I can get." …

Continues to say,

“My heart goes out to the family of the shooter,” she said. “Know that he died doing what needed to be done. Hopefully, someone will accomplish the task before we vote.”

I ask, with a heavy heart…how can any true “ yoga” teacher incite this ?

This expression of hatred and ignorance is antithetical to everything that the sacred teachings of yoga represent. It is challenging to witness such rhetoric, knowing the grave impact it can have on multiple levels not only on students but society at large. Not only does this statement grossly misrepresent and undermine the sacred teachings of yoga, but it also contributes to a culture of divisiveness and hostility.

Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is a cornerstone of yoga practice. It teaches us to act with kindness, compassion, and respect towards all living beings. That means “ All Beings” no matter what political party you support.

Yoga promotes peace, understanding, and the recognition of our shared humanity. When such principles are disregarded, it not only harms individuals but also erodes the integrity of the yoga community as a whole.

I urge the yoga /( all) communities to stand firm in upholding the true principles of yoga , Non violence.
Let us respond to hatred with compassion, to ignorance with education, and to divisiveness with unity. We must engage in dialogues that reflect the essence of yoga, promoting peace and understanding rather than contributing to further discord.

We must remain committed to the authentic teachings. We believe in fostering a community built on love, respect, and nonviolence. It is my hope that through collective effort, we can cultivate a more compassionate and understanding world.

May All Beings Be Safe
May All Beings Have Peace
May All Beings Feel Loved
May All Beings Be Protected from Harm ..

Om Shanti , Shanti , Shanti

With Great Love & Respect,
Shankari 🙏💜

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - Linda Peterson, the self-described owner of Luna Sheen Yoga in Port Charlotte, is involved in an internet firestorm over comments she