The professional career of Tasha Patterson Shirley spans over 40 years and is as diverse as it is rich with first-hand experiences from all over the world. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Tasha was first a professional dancer, and trained in many styles for years. From a young age, she learned the benefits of hard work, discipline, and focus. While traveling as a performer in Tokyo she began to study Zen meditation and soon after attended a summer intensive in Quebec with the Sivananda Institute. There Tasha learned the true seeds of the full rounded “paths” of Yoga. Inspired, she soon returned to Asia to travel India, Indonesia, China and Japan with the intent of studying modalities in the healing arts. Tasha attended the Vedic School of Fine Arts in Puri, India where she studied the basics of Vedic medicine and Indian Dance. For six months she studied Kriya Yoga at the Ashram of Paramhansa Yogananda, now known in the United States as Ananda Yoga. Teaching Yoga in Japan, Tasha’s students became her greatest teachers. From combating cancer to aiding people with back issues and many other ailments, in those of almost any age, her studies for each individual’s needs brought her to realize that Yoga is personal to each individual. Through her own physical and health challenges, Tasha began to study yoga as a therapy, placing emphasis on optimizing outcomes of various modalities utilized for all the varied needs and stories she encountered within and with her students.
Desiring to become an usher of the healing tools in healing arts, Tasha continued her studies with Vini Yoga taught by Gary Kraftsow, bringing all of Tasha’s schooling and experiences full circle. From 1996-2004 Tasha taught in Japan and worked with many people privately. She continued to study with Gary every year. During this time Tasha also studied Zen, Buddhism, breath-work, Thai Chi, medical Xi Gong, massage, nutrition, ecstatic dance as a therapy, and is a Reiki Master. Tasha is continually humbled by the power of breath with intention. With many life-changing moments, miracle healings, and transformed lives…
In 2005 Tasha’s path in life took a delightful turn with the birth of her daughter Rose and the decision to settle down in Florida. Any mother will tell you that the blessings, experiences, and teachings of being a mother have life changing gifts. Tasha continues to be a student on the path and is grateful for the opportunity to share her years of study, with full pockets of tools and modalities to heal.