Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Berlin.
Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 20 years old I was in a car accident that created multiple spinal injuries. Rear ended so hard that my trunk was smashed into the backseat of my car. It was a hit and run, the driver was under the influence. When doctors told me the only option was surgery and spinal fusion, I decided to take my healing journey into my own hands. I started practicing yoga, with a thirst for knowledge I spent months in India, Thailand & Bali to learn from these amazing cultures with fascinating teachers, shamans, and healers.
The road back to health wasn’t easy, and I was constantly in pain, even contemplated back injections and other new medical treatments. Although, I kept exploring, learning, practicing to bring my body to balance and my mind steady.
Along this road, I partnered up with a teacher and dear friend Ruslan Kleytman and ran my first yoga studio in Miami Beach called Anahata. At that time, there were only a few studios in all of Miami. We outgrew the space and expanded to a larger one in Wynwood called Trio Yoga. It was a long journey, partnerships changed, the business grew, 10 more studios had opened up in the city, then after 5 years, our rent increased and we decided to close our doors. Not because we weren’t successful but there is only much you can change for a yoga class to keep up with rent increases.
This was a huge shift for me personally and professionally. I had learned so much owning a business.
Created amazing continuing education programs for teachers and students, grew a beautiful community of practitioners & gave other teachers a platform to share their gifts. I began to realize that my measure of success as a teacher and healer is not by owning a business. What I always loved to do and continuing doing now through yoga, Thai & sound healing is to share. Share these practices so others can get a glimpse of the power they hold within themselves.
Just recently, I took another journey to Nepal to study Sound mediation with the monks and went on my own pilgrimage up 18,00ft to the Himalayas. On this journey, the greatest teacher was the mountains. The climb took 16 days and the challenge and suffering aspect of it where I learned the most valuable lessons. I detangled my mind, dove into my heart and got clear on the fact that I am right where I should be.
These days, you can find me at Innergy mediation leading classes, Sound Course training, & Sound baths. I also work privately, mostly with people who have come from a back injury, incorporating Thai bodywork, yoga therapy, and sound for a great cocktail to facilitate healing. I love co-collaborating with other teachers who really hold integrity for the practice and this has inspired me to keep running Yoga teacher training programs & other education for the community.
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?
The road had never been smooth. For me, the biggest struggle is finding that delicate balance of business in the healing profession. I also think the city is filled with many wonderful stretch instructors although the direction that yoga seems to be moving towards is a group fitness class with blasting club music. I am old school in that sense, I have experienced yoga in the motherland of India and believe we need to preserve these practices but the mainstream is diluting it instead. And I am fully aware that the clubby, trendy. sweaty, fast yoga classes are popular and possibly good money makers but I refuse to sell out.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Yogishelly – what should we know?
My personal business is offering services in these healing modalities. My favorite is working with Sound tools. The transformation I have seen within myself and other students is just amazing! I don’t just work with crystal bowls, which seems to be the trend now. I prefer to use the tools the Buddhists have used for thousands of years. These hold a lineage and history and to me, that is special and important. I do mix with more of the new age bowls and chimes that compliment the ancient tools very nicely.
I think what I am most proud of is that I have been able to create an experience for students, an experience to tap into the potential that is already there within themselves. It goes beyond getting stretched or a nice ” yoga butt.”
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It may sound cheesy and cliche but always being in service of others. Let that be the intention before monetary gain. The “business and drive for success” isn’t something I seek or look for. I believe if your heart is in the right place, abundance will come.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1001 W 46th street, Miami Beach, FL, 33140
- Website: yogishelly.com
- Phone: 848 333 4126
- Email: yogishelly@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Julian Castro
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