Why Yoga Shed was born
Born from necessity.
Yoga Shed was created from a burning desire, almost frustration. In a growing popular tourist town like Hiriketiya. Where was the Yoga? By that we mean, where was the true Yoga? Outside of fitness studios, yogalates, and inauthentic practices?
Our founder Gabby came to Hiriketiya with her harmonium on her back, excited to spread these ancient teachings and tools. But soon that bubble popped. Chanting Sanskrit mantras? Too woo-woo. Speaking Sanskrit for the asana names? Not accessible. Not demonstrating the entire class and giving hands-on-assists instead? Not suitable for tourists.
But this is NOT YOGA.
And so, if she couldn't find a place she would personally practice in, and could teach as she authentically felt she owed it to the practice to, she would create it. She realised what an opportunity she had, to be someone's first impression of Yoga. What a responsibility that is! And an important one. It takes one inauthentic class for someone to think Yoga is "only for flexible people" or "boring" for their mind to be made. They'll never touch a Yoga mat again.
So Yoga Shed was born to be that first impression. When people travel, they're more open to try new things and we get many first time Yogis (as well as long-time practitioners). Our only goal is to make you want to practice Yoga again after you leave. Wherever that is! We want to spark curiosity, spark a magical feeling within you of "Woah, what was that?!".
If you leave Yoga Shed wanting to continue practicing Yoga, we've done our job correctly and respectfully.
Hanuman at the alter
We selected Hanuman to be at the top of our alter for many reasons. He's the depiction of devotion, humility, compassion. He represents the magical strength and power we have within us when we choose to act from our heart, from pure devotion, instead of from ego or the mind.
Hanuman also has roots in Sri Lanka, as one of the only Indian deities to have made his way over here. Sri Lanka is full of history around Hanuman, temples, and even Sri Lankan's as devotees of Hanuman. He holds a lot of importance in this Buddhist country, a country that lives and breathes compassion daily.
Our teachers are first students, then teachers. Committed to the path of continuous learning.
Our goal? That you don't need us. We are only here to remind you that you have all of the tools and resources to do this practice. All the knowledge and wisdom you have and need is already within you. This practice is about reminding, returning, and reconnecting to your true essence. The aim of any teacher is that their students surpass them, and continue to practice and learn.
Our Values
What we stand for?
DEVOTION (BHAKTI)
Bhakti means to devote yourself fully, in all senses. To deeply commit and devote to this spiritual path of wisdom and your practice. An acknowledgement of the divine (God, Love, Trust, whatever your divine is) and an active connection to it.
DESIRE TO LEARN (JIJÑĀSĀ)
A true curiosity and yearning to learn, to gain wisdom, and deepen your practice. That eagerness, that flame, fuels your Tapas (inner fire, self-discipline).
COMPASSION (KARUNĀ)
The act of compassion in Sanskrit means not only to wish for no suffering of other beings, but also to deeply understand their suffering, and act to remove it. Through our practice we can develop a compassionate mind, and act from that place.
DIVINE PLAY (LĪLĀ)
The concept that the entire life is a creation of Brahman and completely a game. In other words, life is about playful creativity, freedom, and experience rather than necessity. To fully immerse in this human experience, for all colours, shades, and parts of it.