Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Feinberg.
Scott, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was putting on my shoes after a yoga class one day thinking, “Why isn’t anyone talking to each other? This practice connects us to the depth of our being where we discover our connection with everyone else. Yet, we all just quietly put on our shoes, walk back to our cars and drive home.” That moment inspired me to build a yoga center based upon community. I visualized a place that felt at once both sacred and social. That felt urban yet also retreat-like. And most of all that served the community by opening up access to yoga’s rich philosophical teachings and myriad practice lineages to all people regardless of their income bracket.
These ideas ultimately materialized in November, 2010 when over 25 local teachers collaborated to help open Kula, a Sanskrit word which translates as “community of the heart” or as I prefer “heart tribe.” Since day one, every yoga class has been offered strictly by donation. Our students choose the amount to pay for each practice and we are here because of their continued commitment to living their practice with a generous spirit.
Today, we are a collective of 45 teachers of diverse styles, 15 healing arts practitioners, 50 local artists and over 20 volunteers that help man the studio which now offers over 90 classes per week.
We invite people to come as they are, to explore different aspects of their personal path through different teachers and practices and most of all to connect with others along the way. Kula is a home away from home. We offer movie nights, dance nights, open mics, kirtans, satsang, book study, a garden club, you name it!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
By far the biggest struggle I experienced thus far was simply mustering up the courage to begin. The idea of a donation-based studio floated around my mind for many years. It seemed impractical yet I couldn’t shake it. I listened to fear and doubt many times but it just took one time to say yes and really go for it. I’m glad I did.
Please tell us about Kula Yoga Shala.
I guess the easy answer is: We teach yoga. But in its truest sense, yoga is a state of being in which we are living in conscious relationship with our own essence. So it’s so much more than bending your body into arbitrary shapes, although it can be that too and that can provide many wonderful benefits. But what deeply and profoundly inspires me is to foster an environment dedicated to introspection, healing, insight and awakening and then to nurture a sense of community based upon these principles.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Stretching before soccer games. No just kidding! I have so many wonderful memories but what stands out most is just the “ordinary” Sunday mornings, relaxing as a family and not being on a schedule. That “easy like Sunday morning” feeling 🙂
Pricing:
- All yoga classes are offered by donation. We simply ask that you are mindful in choosing a fair & appropriate amount based upon your means & the value you place upon your practice. Thank you for supporting us so that we may continue to support you.
Contact Info:
- Address: 400 Toney Penna Dr
Suite F
Jupiter, FL 33458 - Website: www.kulayogashala.com
- Phone: 561-216-5852
- Email: info@kulayogashala.com
- Instagram: @kulayogashala @mysticmuse108 (personal page)
- Facebook: Facebook.com/kulayogashala
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
