About Us.
Gloria Ruiz - Maa Shanti
I am a sensitive, creative spirit deeply connected to the earth and the divine. When yoga came into my life over twenty years ago, I realized that healing was within my reach. Self-knowledge and self-care are the key to self-empowerment, requiring self-regulation, unconditional love, and discipline. By nurturing our divine potential, we can fully embrace our life purpose. We come to wholeness when we have a better understanding of our intergenerational trauma and patterns passed down through families. We can reclaim our freedom to explore and experience the newness and the wonderful opportunity to be fully alive.
Having experienced depression and sudden panic attacks from a young age, I dedicated myself to healing and growth, helping others on their journeys as well. For over twenty years, I've supported yoga communities, including our Shanti Heart Sanctuary in Odessa, Florida, where I lead classes, workshops, retreats, yoga teacher training, and holistic lifestyle consulting.
I am a certified yoga therapist (C-AIYT), E-RYT 500, Mind-Body Healing Practitioner, a Somatic Reiki Master, and Intuitive healer along with certifications as a holistic life coach and in Systemic & Family Constellations and Ancestral lineage healing. I hold a BA in Psychology from Rollins College and an Ayurveda lifestyle consultant certification from Amrit Institute. My journey took me to India, where I became a Certified Yoga Therapist and Meditation Teacher, studying under Dr. Omanand at the Paramanand Institute of Yoga & Research.
I am rooted in Somatic Mind-Body- Energy Healing Practices, Classical Hatha yoga therapy influenced by various wonderful teachers, healers and mentors. My teaching style is lighthearted, transformative and naturally flowing, fostering a shared innate capacity to heal. I am committed to personal growth and maintaining the beauty of Shanti Heart's grounds, providing a balanced and holistic experience for my students.
Namaste~ Let’s embark on a sacred journey to reclaim our freedom of heart, striving for grace rather than 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 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
