Shala Introduce
For residents of Durham and the surrounding areas in North Carolina, finding a true sanctuary dedicated to holistic well-being can be a transformative journey. Shala, which in Sanskrit translates to "home" or "abode," is more than just a yoga studio—it is a cherished community and a spiritual home where practitioners gather for sincere practice, connection, and deep healing. Situated in the heart of the Triangle, Shala offers a unique blend of challenging and comforting yoga classes alongside profound stillness-based meditation programs, making it an anchor for a mindful and invigorating lifestyle.
The experience at Shala is notably different from the modern, fast-paced commercial studio model. As one seasoned practitioner noted, this is an "awe-inspiring space for yoga, meditation, and community" where the atmosphere is deeply authentic. The community focus is paramount; instructors are described as uniquely attuned and attentive, emphasizing proper alignment and the practice’s spiritual lineage. Whether you are seeking to improve your postural alignment, find a grounding daily rhythm, or delve into the deeper philosophical aspects of yoga and meditation, Shala provides a rewarding environment where your commitment to "keep showing up" is met with expert guidance and a welcoming heart.
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## Introduction / Overview
Shala is a renowned yoga studio and meditation center located in Durham, North Carolina, committed to offering an integrated path to wellness that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of practice. The studio is defined by its intentional, unhurried pace—there is no bustling, revolving door of classes, allowing students to feel truly seen and supported without the rush.
The co-owners and lead teachers, Mira and Jarret, bring decades of experience and specialized knowledge. Mira focuses on the yoga practice, informed by myriad methods and a background in translating ancient scriptures and authentic transmission of Eastern philosophy. Jarret guides the community in stillness-based meditation, helping students cultivate quietude and inner peace. Together, they have fostered a space where the instruction is knowledgeable and intentional, and the community is genuine. The physical space itself, often described as a halcyon green bungalow, contributes to the feeling of a spiritual home—a place respected and honored by the community that gathers there. Shala is explicitly designed to be a place where the phrenetic pace of day-to-day life slows down, allowing individuals to explore from the inside out and reconnect to their hearts.
For local North Carolina residents, Shala serves as a vital resource for personalized guidance, offering a range of class levels suitable for the absolute beginner right up to the seasoned practitioner. This blend of expertise, authentic practice, and deep community focus is what makes Shala a distinguished destination in the Triangle area.
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## Location and Accessibility
Shala is conveniently situated to be a local "home" for its community in Durham, NC. Its central location ensures ease of access for practitioners across the city and surrounding Wake County areas. The studio is located at:
819 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, USA
The studio's address on Broad Street places it in a recognizable and accessible part of Durham, often noted as being just a few blocks north of Whole Foods, making it easy to integrate a class into your daily routine. Beyond its favorable location, Shala demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity and comfort, featuring crucial accessibility amenities for its North Carolina students:
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Ensuring easy access from arrival.
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Providing necessary facilities for all mobility levels.
In line with its inclusive and welcoming ethos, the studio also provides a Gender-Neutral Restroom, fostering a comfortable and respectful environment for every person who walks through its doors.
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## Services Offered
Shala's offerings extend far beyond standard drop-in classes, emphasizing specialized programs and deep, dedicated study across various wellness modalities. The core services available to the North Carolina community include:
- A Variety of Yoga Classes: Offerings include Vinyasa Flow (all levels and advanced), Slow Flow & Align, Flow & Restore, Honey Flow & Deep Stretch, providing options for grounding, invigorating, and restorative practices.
- Meditation Club: A structured, weekly stillness-based practice, often facilitated by Jarret, providing a community setting to explore the art of quietude, listening, and settling into natural states of well-being.
- Private Classes: Personalized one-on-one sessions for both yoga (with Mira) and stillness-based guidance (with Jarret), allowing for detailed focus on technique, alignment, or personal inner work.
- Workshops and Intensives: Specialized events, such as the "Dig Deep" session or extended weekend workshops, which allow students to delve deeper into specific aspects of the practice, philosophy, or embodiment.
- Yoga Teacher Mentorship: Dedicated programs for aspiring or current teachers seeking to deepen their understanding of alignment, sequencing, and the spiritual lineage of the practice.
- On-Demand Recorded Classes: A valuable resource for remote practice, providing a library of recorded sessions available via monthly subscription for those who cannot attend in-person or who are traveling.
- Special Events: Including philosophy weekends, community kirtans (chanting), and the "Maha Yoga Challenge," which help foster community and deeper engagement with the practice.
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## Features / Highlights
The unique features of Shala are what transform a simple studio into an authentic community hub for yoga and meditation in Durham.
- Authentic Community and Intentional Pace: The community (or kula) is a "sweet anchor" for many practitioners, intentionally avoiding the rush of typical modern studios, allowing for sincere connection and practice.
- Expert, Attentive Teachers: Led by highly experienced practitioners Mira (Yoga) and Jarret (Meditation), whose instruction is described as "uniquely attuned" and deeply intentional, ensuring students receive expert guidance on both postural alignment and spiritual lineage.
- Holistic Wellness Hub: Beyond the practice space, the studio houses offices for highly skilled practitioners offering various health and wellness modalities, including Acupuncture, Psychotherapy, and Integrative Touch Therapy.
- Commitment to Accessibility: The facility is designed to be accessible, featuring a Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot and a Wheelchair Accessible Restroom.
- Inclusive Amenities: Provides a Gender-Neutral Restroom, supporting a welcoming environment for all members of the North Carolina community.
- Flexible Payment Options: Accepts major Credit Cards and Debit Cards, along with various membership and class pack options, including a discounted Shala Member rate and an introductory New Student Offer.
- Dedicated Practice Space: The physical space is consistently praised for being "beautiful," contributing to the overall good "vibes" and conducive atmosphere for deep practice and stillness.
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## Contact Information
Shala encourages prospective and current practitioners to reach out for personalized guidance on where to begin or how to deepen their practice. The studio’s commitment to personal attention starts with the first contact.
Address: 819 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Phone: Contact information is often requested to be handled via email for personalized guidance. Please check the studio's website for specific teacher emails regarding yoga (Mira) and meditation (Jarret) questions.
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## What is Worth Choosing
For North Carolina residents who view their wellness journey as a path of deep personal development rather than just a quick workout, Shala is unequivocally worth choosing. This studio is a rare find—a genuine "shala" in the traditional sense, meaning a spiritual home. What makes it special is the depth of expertise and the commitment to the authenticity of the practice. Teachers like Mira and Jarret are not merely class facilitators; they are dedicated scholars and guides who connect the physical poses to their deeper, spiritual lineage. This creates an experience that is both grounding and invigorating; challenging and comforting, as reviewers attest.
You should choose Shala if you are seeking a supportive and authentic community in Durham. The studio’s intentional design—from its accessible and inclusive facilities to its unhurried class transitions—ensures that every student feels respected and honored. The option for specialized workshops, the supportive Meditation Club, and the presence of co-located wellness practitioners (acupuncture, psychotherapy) means Shala functions as a true, comprehensive hub for holistic health. If your goal is to integrate a deeply rewarding, personalized, and intentional practice into your life in North Carolina, Shala provides the perfect anchor.
Shala Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Shala Photos






Shala Location
Shala
819 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Shala Reviews
practicecommunityspaceclasseslearnspiritualheartstudentshomefeel
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Shala is an awe-inspiring space for yoga, meditation, and community. Mira (yoga) and Jarret (meditation) are incredible teachers - both very welcoming, knowledgable, and intentional.As a (relatively) seasoned yoga practitioner, I've practiced in many spaces and I have not found a more authentic community. The classes are challenging (but not demanding), the physical space is beautiful, and the vibes are good. I only wish I had found this place sooner!
September 17 · Sarah SchafranYoga classes and the community at Shala are a sweet anchor in my life. Class is grounding and invigorating; challenging and comforting. Mira is uniquely attuned and attentive to her students, postural alignment, and the practice's spiritual lineage - it's something special. This is a deeply rewarding place to practice, especially if you keep showing up!
September 18 · Emerson RhudyShala has been my favorite Durham find after 20 years of loving this town. They are creating a community centered around self exploration, care, curiosity and love. The yoga offerings are varied and rich, spanning fiery vinyasa flows to slow, intentional asana classes tied to breath. Mira is a powerful guide with a depth of knowledge that offers deep comfort and structure - allowing for all the exploration I’ve dreamt of on the mat. I am so grateful Shala exists. Book a class! 💜
March 03 · Mary CarrFinding a place to practice yoga has been a very personal experience for me- Shala is unique in that there is only one teacher for all the classes- which makes this really special- Mira’s years of experience, training, and devotion to this practice is evident in her offerings and how she relates to her students. Whether your an out of towner looking to drop in or someone looking for a yoga home- you have to try Shala. And! If you’re ever looking for some feedback on your practice, a tune up, or a bespoke home practice- I’ve had a great experience learning from Mira in a 1:1 private.
June 30 · Shannon SalentineShala embodies all that I love … a yoga space that truly feels like home. The community, Mira’s yoga genius, steeped in years of study/ sharing … her fun classes (that just feel good) and expertise in her ability to meet you wherever you are in your yoga journey and support to guide you in advancing in your yoga practice - wherever you want to go. Very grateful this space exists! 🙏🏽
September 03 · Shannon Lavery
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