About Us.
Gloria Ruiz
I am a sensitive, creative and earth/God conscious spirit by nature. When yoga found me more than twenty years ago, I understood that healing was in my hands. Knowledge is power and knowledge of one’s self is self-empowerment; it requires self-regulation, unconditional love and discipline. One’s life purpose blossoms through nurturing one’s own Divine full potential.
From a young age, I suffered from depression and sudden panic attacks. Through the years I have been devoted to my practice, healing and growth, supporting others to embrace their own path. Managing yoga studios and now our Shanti Heart Sanctuary in Odessa, Florida – I guide yoga classes, workshops, retreats, yoga teacher training and a Holistic lifestyle consulting practice for over nineteen years.
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I am a highly qualified professional yoga therapist C-AIYT, E-RYT 500, Certified Holistic life coach through Life Purpose Institute & Mastery Systems, Systemic & Family Constellations facilitator/coach, a BA in Psychology from Rollins College, an Ayurveda lifestyle consultant certification from Amrit institute, Reiki Master, Intuitive Energy healer from Reconnective healing level 1,2,3, Pranic Healing and Intuitive guidance.
I dedicated several months to travel through India and became a Certified Yoga Therapist and Meditation teacher through the Paramanand Institute of Yoga & Research, in Indore, India. I was blessed with the opportunity to study under the guidance of Dr. Omanand in Indore- India where I received my spiritual name, Ma Shanti, and had the greatest chance to dive into the depths of yoga, as an integrated science and the art of living fully.
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Rooted in Classical Hatha, certified in prenatal yoga, yin yoga, chair yoga and influenced by many styles like Vinyasa Flow, Viniyoga, Restorative and Gentle yoga. My style is fun, focused and very naturally flowing; lightheartedly exploring and embracing our shared humanness. Awakened and inspired by many streams and beloved teachers. I maintain a devoted self-practice and commitment to personal inquiry and growth. Keeping Shanti Heart's grounds beautiful is one of my passions, inviting and providing students with a truly balanced, grounded and holistic experience.
Namaste~ Let’s reclaim our freedom of heart, a sacred and beautiful journey to a standard of Grace, not perfection.
Carlos Ruiz
Carlos’ journey into Yoga began as it does for many – part of a fitness and exercise plan and preparation for a marathon. During that time he moved further into the practice as a complement to running. His next step onto a Yoga path was the result of 3 injuries over 5 years, all requiring orthopedic repair. First, slip & fall dislocation of left shoulder. Following traditional wisdom, engaged physical therapy and found slow, painful and limited healing. Completed the process and recovered 70-80% mobility.
A few years later a traumatic injury of the right shoulder led to a second round of orthopedic repair. This time there would be no physical therapy – rehab was accomplished with Gloria’s guidance in Yoga Therapy , he began a practice focused on regaining mobility, strength and healing. Recovered full mobility in both shoulders over 8 months. Final injury – distal radial fracture of left forearm. Again Yoga Therapy in partnership with the surgeon. Regained 100% mobility and flexibility over 9 months.
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Carlos is also a vegetarian chef dedicated to creating nutritious, fun, clean cooking. Each dish maximizes whole, unprocessed ingredients that will feed your body as you nourish your spirit through meditation and practice.
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Blessings
