Meet Sheila Burch, an American yoga teacher and founder of the Yoga House Ubud, Bali.
Burch Sheila
Burch Sheila was born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Seattle. In 1984 she undertook a trip backpack two years worldwide. In 1987, Sheila moved to Paris where she lived for eight years and became a French resident. She left France in 1995 and began working in international schools in Indonesia, Ecuador, Nepal, China and Azerbaijan. Sheila took her first yoga class in 1981. She then studied yoga in Nepal, China, France and Bali, as well as being posted abroad as an educator. In 2013, Sheila traveled to India to study with the Iyengar family at the Iyengar Institute in Pune for a month. She holds a teaching certificate Yoga Alliance. Inspired by the idea of helping others by sharing the joy and benefits of yoga, in 2014 Sheila opened the Yoga House Ubud, where she now serves as director and instructor.
Sheila, what are your interests?
I like traveling, writing, reading and meeting interesting people. I am particularly intrigued by Buddhism, attention and positive psychology.
When is your first visit to Bali?
my first visit in 1985. I spent three months in Ubud and have been attached to it since. I stayed in Mawar Homestay Jl. Raya and were friends with the family since the 1980s
How did you become interested in yoga?
I did my first yoga class in Santa Barbara, California, in the early 1980s, when I go through a divorce. At that time, yoga is in recreation centers and was considered a "marginal" activity. I am instinctively drawn during a period of crisis, which I find very interesting. I did not continue with yoga for many years until I moved to Nepal in 1997.
what particular style of yoga do you practice?
I first studied Iyengar Yoga started by BKS Iyengar is now 95 and still practicing yoga in Pune, India. I also practice Vinyasa and Yin Yoga.
What are the benefits of yoga?
The benefits are both physical and mental. Yoga postures develop flexibility, balance and strength and helps to calm the mind.
Ubud Yoga House
How Yoga House Ubud get its start?
I taught in international schools for over 20 years and decided to "settle" and use my teaching skills and share my passion for yoga with others by opening a yoga studio in Ubud. With the help of the family I met in 1985, I found a beautiful place and built my house with the intention of having an outdoor yoga studio.
What is special about Ubud Yoga House?
The exceptional location of Ubud Yoga House is its most unique feature. It is an open-air studio overlooking the rice fields with panoramic views. It is only 15 minutes walk from Ubud Palace, but it feels like it is in the middle of nowhere. Another feature is that it is a boutique yoga studio, which means that classes are small, allowing a personalized teaching and individual attention. I am particularly welcoming to beginners or people who have little experience with yoga. The Yoga House in Ubud also provides an opportunity for more advanced yoga students to receive individual instruction.
Why did you decide to locate your business in Ubud?
I was tied in Ubud since the mid-1980s, and the love of the community alternative for vegetarians, vegans, yogis and spiritual seekers who call this city home. Ubud is still small and has a sense of community. I also like the Balinese culture and religion and Balinese emphasis on community life and the influence of spirituality on daily life.
How is Ubud become such a world-renowned center for yoga and meditation?
Yoga has a spiritual aspect / healing to it and Ubud has always been a place of healing, to return to the original meaning of Ubud such as medicine or cure. Balinese Hinduism has similar roots as yoga, which comes from India and the Hindu tradition. Ubud just 'fits' with yoga because of this Hindu connection. Ubud is also unique because it offers numerous styles of yoga in a small community.
Ubud Yoga House
What do you mean by classes "student-centered"?
This means that the emphasis is on the student and the best way to meet their needs in a class with different levels of education. I teach based capabilities of each student and adapt my courses to meet the needs of all students.
who is the typical person who takes part in your yoga class?
A tourist visiting Bali either a few days or months.
who is your youngest student and oldest?
I had a family in Bulgaria who made the class with their four and six years! I have a regular student who lives in Ubud and comes twice a week. She just turned 70 e birthday.
Are your students different motivation, the manner and character of students you have taught in, say, in India, Thailand, and France Azerbaijan ?
Same but different! Except for cultural differences such as the way they dress up for yoga class, I found the students to be the same everywhere.
Do you use equipment in your classes?
I use blocks, straps and blankets to help meet the needs of all students.
Where do you get your yoga teacher?
I'm the only teacher. I teach three classes a day.
Are there other issues you would like to talk about?
I would like to know how to let people know about my classes. My comments on Trip Advisor people who attended are excellent, but most people do not know the Yoga House Ubud exist! Our website is www.ubudyogahouse.com, and we also have the Ubud Yoga House and Trip Advisor.