Finding balance in body, mind and spirit By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Samantha Elise Tillman
Alicia Barret opened her first yoga studio—Tuladhara Yoga—in Lakewood, Washington, in 2016, followed by her Tacoma location in the heart of the Proctor District. And just this past November, she was excited to announce the addition of her third location, right here in Gig Harbor!
Founded out of her love of yoga and love of community, the name Tuladhara comes from the ancient Sanskrit word Tula, meaning balance. “Our vision is to create a safe space that allows students to find balance—body, mind and spirit,” shares Alicia. “We believe there is a yoga practice that is right for ‘Every Body.’”
With three locations, the community will find a complete yoga platform that allows students to live-stream classes or watch recorded classes with the largest library of recorded classes by local teachers in the South Sound. Students—from beginners to experienced yogis, and everyone in between—will be guided by some of the most experienced teachers in the area, who also lead Tuladhara Yoga’s internationally certified teacher training program. In addition, they also host continuing education workshops for yoga teachers to further their development.
“All of our studios are bright and welcoming. We honor diversity and pride ourselves in creating an environment that is friendly, focused on service and centered around community,” smiles Alicia. “We believe yoga is about more than just the postures, but also meditation, breath and philosophy.
It is important for Alicia to be able to provide classes to everyone in the communities she serves. That is why she provides: at least one sliding-scale community donation class per week; a host of workshops including south bath meditation, yoga and live music, and many more; chair yoga for more mature yogis, and kids yoga for their up-and-coming yogis; and mobile yoga, in which they bring yoga and meditation onsite to the workplace, businesses such as retirement homes or hotels, or for special events. Once they are able to open their doors again to practice in the studio, Alicia says they will offer a donation-based community class at their Gig Harbor location “and look forward to participating in the community where we are most needed!”
Alicia was inspired to pursue her passion of yoga—and share it with her community—because of her personal, and beneficial, experience with the transformation and healing power of yoga. “I believe we have everything we need inside of us to be happy, but we have to quiet our minds and be present to fully realize that happiness and contentment.”
She finds true fulfillment to have been afforded the opportunity to hold a space for students to breathe, explore and come home to themselves. “There are so many skills that we learn through yoga that can really improve our lives, health and mindset,” she affirms.
“I also love being a part of the development of current and future yoga teachers.”
Now the owner of three studios, Alicia attributes the success her businesses have experienced thus far to her amazing team of teachers and staff, who represent the practice of yoga with authenticity and commitment. “They truly bring our studio vision to life.”
Alicia grew up in University Place and later attended Western Washington University in Bellingham before moving to Sacramento, California, for work, where she remained for a decade. After accepting a promotion, she relocated to Vancouver, BC. She soon found her way back home to Washington state, moving to Gig Harbor in 2017 after meeting her life partner. “I love Gig Harbor and feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. I love the picturesque waterfront, the community’s focus on fitness and health, and the friendly tight-knit community feel,” she says.
The year is new, and what better time than now to seek balance in mind, body and spirit. Alicia and her wonderful staff invite you to experience all they have to offer at Tuladhara Yoga Studios in Gig Harbor.
Tuladhara Yoga Studios 4641 Point Fosdick Drive Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 253.244.9056 TuladharaYoga.com
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