Śānti Yoga & Michael Maguire

In August of 2006, following his 3rd Pan-Mass Challenge (a 200 mile bicycling event that raises millions of dollars each year for cancer research), Chris' husband, Mike, suffered two strokes. He and Chris then realized that his supposed 'electrolyte imbalance' the week prior to the PMC had actually been the first stroke. Following many tests, weeks of hospitalization, and, finally, brain surgery, Mike not only survived, but returned home to recover, having been informed, however, that he might never ride his bike again. Mike and Chris then suffered another blow, with Mike losing his 30 year position as vice-president of his company, and having their 'retirement' business sold. At that point, the future appeared bleak. However, within weeks, Chris helped Mike get back to the yoga mat for Yin yoga, and back to the meditation seat. Within a few months, Mike was back on his bike and back to work. They both knew that Mike's recovery, and their joint survival, on every level, was due to the miracle of mindfulness, and was made possible through their commitment to the practice of yoga and meditation.

Knowing, then, first-hand, the healing power of yoga and meditation, Chris found her calling as a teacher of yoga and meditation, and found a ready-made venue in which to share the practice with others—the studio that she and Michael built at their home, originally for their own use, a place of serenity and peace, a sacred practice space—the studio now known as Śānti Yoga.

Mike has become a committed cyclist, has just completed his fifth Pan-Mass Challenge, and is honored to ride with several local cycle clubs: CCB International, with Essex County Velo), and with the North Shore Cyclists. And he is ever-more committed to serving those in need, with gratitude and humility.

The body, the mind and the spirit all have the power to heal, and the practice of yoga and meditation prepares the fertile ground in which that healing begins to take root and flourish.

Today, Mike continues in his life-long profession, healthy, free, and strong, and life goes on in all of its varied and precious moments... And Chris has now expanded the offerings at Śānti Yoga to include other holistic and alternative avenues that support whole-health and well-being, facets of wellness that she and Mike have both found to be essential, including: Therapeutic and/or Thai Yoga massage, Ayurvedic assessment and support, Holistic Health Counseling, and Ear Coning.

Chris has also been brought several other like-minded instructors to the studio, with the intention of offering different styles of yoga and instruction for the benefit of the students. The studio now offers a variety of yoga classes and styles of practice for adults, children, teens and families, as well as in-depth private instruction. The studio also offers seasonal weekend yoga and meditation retreats, workshops throughout the year, and free community events. A variety of yoga and meditation supplies and gifts are available for purchase, and Śānti Yoga will deliver gift certificates. There is also a bathroom with shower and all amenities available for student use. All mats and props are provided, free of charge, and water is always available. We strive to offer our students the highest levels of quality instruction, through teachers each committed to their own Yogic path. And although we offer many styles of yoga, many classes, and with different instructors, we all practice with one intention—for the good of all beings.