Bodhi Tree Yoga
271 Blakesley Blvd., Sequim
460-1864
Call for hours and classes.
“Movement is the most important factor,” said Shelley Stratton, a certified yoga instructor and owner of Bodhi Tree Yoga in Sequim.
“We are made to move but we’ve developed a sedentary lifestyle. I especially worry about teens — the more we can educate and get them moving, the better it is.”
With a 35-year career background in nursing, Stratton has been teaching yoga since 2008 and holds several certifications in the 5,000-year-old Eastern practice. She’s also certified as a personal trainer and cancer exercise specialist.
“I wanted to be with people who want to take care of their bodies, which is the opposite spectrum of the disease process,” Stratton explained. “Traditionally, yoga is set up for healing on a one-on-one basis and many people like the healing part of it when they meditate. My philosophy is the whole body works together because everything is connected.”
Stratton noted, “With yoga, we strengthen our whole body by movements — asana or poses — and by the breath and focus on each breath. That helps make the mind/body connection so we’re more aware of our bodies.”
Five classes of yoga are taught at the studio: Core Flow for core strength, Gentle Vinyasa Flow for beginners, soft yoga for any level, therapeutic yoga for injury repair and after physical therapy, and for cancer patients and survivors, plus restorative yoga. Classes are restricted to eight participants so Stratton can watch and help each individual attain the poses. In November, she will be certified in Yin yoga.
“I like bringing the yoga to the people and I want my clients to learn and to have some flexibility. Not everybody fits into a particular category — some need something slow — yoga is not all about twisting into a pretzel — but there are so many non-flexible people who take yoga,” Stratton said. “All my classes are modified so no one ever feels lost — I can move them around to different levels. My oldest student is 84, and after four years, is in an advanced class.”
Both men and women flock in to achieve flexibility.
“Different poses stretch different muscle groups. For example, in the Yin class, we go really deep into the ligaments and tendons — we hold a pose and then we breathe. I’ve had people say after a Yin class, they’ve gotten the best night of sleep ever. It’s a very rewarding type of yoga for all age levels,” Stratton said.
Bodhi Tree Yoga also hosts a restorative yoga class once a month.
“Restorative yoga is like a spa night. It supports the body in restful still positions and we use props to support postures, while gently stretching the body. We release tension from the body as well as the mind,” Stratton said.
“I’m just passionate about yoga because I’ve seen so much improvement in posture and flexibility. The majority of clients come in for the physical aspect but it turns into a mindful practice for them. I’ve noticed people with a calmer aspect and I see them smiling much more,” Stratton said.
“I am connected with the community, I want to stay connected with the community and continue to educate and provide a service to the community. Yoga is my passion — it keeps me going.”
