About
I was first introduced to yoga as a teenager, at the midst of my high school exams, and immediately felt at home. during the first lesson I felt a deep calmness and a vivid connection of energy between my body and mind and between the spirit and the space within. Since then, keeping my practice means staying healthier, happier and closer to myself, to my loved ones and to my surroundings.
As a RYT500 yoga teacher, I strive to continue the study of investigating the correspondence between different parts of our existence throughout the practice of the eight limbs of yoga.
My practice and classes are based on the methods of Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar and the principles of Ayurveda. I enjoy incorporating partner yoga and acro yoga into my practice and so, naturally, on special occasions, into my teachings. I welcome all individuals to my classes as well as to private lessons and group workshops outside my studio.
I hold a 200 hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher certificate, studying with Doron Hanoch at Doron Yoga TT and a 300 hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher certificate, studying with Jennifer Prue at Joy of Yoga TT. I also hold a 40 hour prenatal and postnatal certificate from Jeanna Lurie and Hillary Easom of Lotus Blossom Prenatal Yoga TT.
On the summer of 2010, I have participated in a 10 days Vipassana Meditation course that since then, has been a sustainable source of guidance throughout my practice and my teachings.
Before becoming a yoga teacher, I studied and practiced as a therapist specializing in horseback riding. I was also a school teacher teaching environmental studies and a tour guide. Although I enjoyed the different aspects of my former roles, I found that yoga was, and still is, my passion. it is the most challenging, yet satisfying place to be. When not on my mat you will find me enjoying reading, writing, traveling & hiking, and always enjoying the atmosphere of my home and the company of my family and friends.
The Story of Sheva
ShevaYoga was created by my love to yoga and my passion to work with people of different age and background. it was also inspired by the spirit and memory of my mom, who was born Sheva Toby Chepenik and later became Tova Gani.
Sheva is the feminine word for the number seven in Hebrew and holds spiritual qualities and meanings in the Jewish, Hindu, and yoga traditions. Tova in Hebrew is the feminine form of the adjective word for "good," a dominant essence of my mother's being as she was an extremely kind, gentle, and loving person who wished for the goodness in our universe to rise.
On the morning of October 6, 2015, as I felt my mom's soul depart from this world, I saw her at peace as she became Sheva once again. The following years after her passing, overwhelmed with grief, I had to find myself again and the change started to manifest itself in my daily practice of yoga.
When time came to create my home studio, I wanted it to hold space for everyone in any phase of their lives and that the important qualities and meanings of both Sheva and Tova informed its creation.
This is how the practice of ShevaYoga came to be. It is a soft, playful, grounding, and energizing practice. It demands your attention, stability and strength and my hope is that it will enliven you and let you rise and bloom into a better you.
contact
Vered Gani-Katzir
San Jose, CA
(408) 4214748