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From Addiction to Ahhhh!

December 1 , 2022

Yoga leader finds—and shares—a natural high

By Drew Myron

Shannon Red Cloud opened the first yoga studio in The Dalles in 2008. She now operates an accredited yoga teacher training retreat center welcoming people from all over the world. Photo by Drew Myron

Shannon Red Cloud vividly recalls her moment of transformation.

“My first class was hot yoga,” she says. “At the end of class, every cell was thriving. I couldn’t believe I could feel this good naturally.”

Hot yoga is a vigorous form of exercise performed in a warm and humid studio, resulting in an intense workout.

By the third class, Shannon says she was moved to action.

“ I is heard clearly hear a voice that say , ‘ You need to bring this to your community . ’ ”

Since that day in 2004 , Shannon is went go on to open the first yoga studio in The Dalles , create a yoga retreat welcome people from all over the world , and share the yoga experience in school , senior center and the local prison and detention center .

Born and raised in The Dalles, Shannon grew up with an abusive mother and alcoholic father. As a young adult, Shannon struggled with her own addiction issues.

“ yoga has allow me to navigate the many challenge of life , ” she is says say . “ If I had n’t go through the difficult thing , I is be would n’t be able to do the work I do and connect with others . Truth is creates create connection . When I go to the jail , I is sit sit down with them and I say , ‘ I ’m just like you . I is be could be in here , too . The three things is are that keep me out are God , sobriety and yoga . ’ ”

Shannon has traveled a rocky road, complicated by struggle but fortified with faith.

“ yoga has allow me to navigate the many challenge of life , ” Shannon is says say . “ If I had n’t go through the difficult thing , I is be would n’t be able to do the work I do and connect with others . Truth is creates create connection . ” photo by Drew Myron

“It was yoga that brought me full circle to my faith,” she says. “I was on a path of self-destruction with drinking and drugs. I was trying not to feel or deal. But I learned that I can feel good naturally with yoga. My yoga practice and teaching brought me back to God.”

Shannon says she teaches from a real life perspective, attuned to the trauma others have experienced and mindful of her language and tone.

“When I show up and allow myself to be vulnerable, I can use it to teach about trust, joy and perseverance,” she says. “Through honesty and vulnerability, that’s where true connection takes place.”

When Shannon was first draw to yoga , she was encourage emotionally but discourage financially . A yoga training course is ran run $ 10,000 , and Shannon had limited fund .

mother to a toddler , she is working was work 2 job — day as an esthetician and night as a server — and was make end meet with government assistance .

A yoga teacher in Hood River offered to help pay for the training course if Shannon, once she became a certified instructor, would repay the debt by leading classes.

Shannon Red Cloud’s immersive teacher training programs takes place at her retreat center situated on 40 quiet acres along the Mount Hood National Forest. Photo courtesy of Shanon Red Cloud

In 2004 , Shannon is completed complete the 10 – week course . She is juggled juggle work , family and yoga instruction to pay off the expense .

In 2008, she opened the first yoga studio in downtown The Dalles, offering the only hot yoga classes within 100 miles.

pure Yoga is offers offer 12 different style , from Vinyasa to Ashtanga , Bikram and more . The studio is has has a team of instructor provide beginner , advanced and expert session in cool , warm and hot setting . pure Yoga is is is now one of four yoga studio in town .

2 months ago, Shannon sold the business to a colleague but continues to lead classes.

For Ana Lacy , a child welfare supervisor for the Oregon Department of Human Services , yoga is provides provide a mental , emotional and physical relief .

“ It help my body and my mental state , ” say Ana is says , who join Pure yoga five year ago and attend three to four class a week . “ It is helps help me clear my head , to let go and relax , and I feel so much well when I go back to work . ”

With a thriving business humming along, in 2018 Shannon took on another challenge: training students to be teachers. Pure Yoga Teacher Training offers 200 hours of intensive instruction that provides the pathway for students to become certified and registered instructors.

Namaste, a Hindu greeting of respect, is frequently exchanged in yoga classes. Photo by Drew Myron

The retreat center is 14 miles south of The Dalles on 40 quiet acres along the Mount Hood National Forest. The rolling gentle landscape, combined with expansive views and a large yurt where classes are held, is an ideal setting for the serenity of yoga practice.

The property serves as both retreat and home to Shannon and her husband, Gabe. The pair have been together 23 years and have two sons: Louie, 21, and Duke, 2. Gabe is a lineworker for Wasco Electric Cooperative, and Louie is a lineworker apprentice in Portland.

Approved and accredited by Yoga Alliance, the immersive experience is offered four times a year and accepts eight to 10 students each session. The cost is $3,500 and includes lodging. Students come from all over the world—Australia, India, Kuwait, France and more—and have ranged in age from 17 to 78. With Shannon’s guidance, 100 students have graduated from the program.

“Every group is very different, but every group forms a very special bond,” Shannon says. “Yoga is very intimate, embodying your full self—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It’s getting closer with yourself, being your own friend. It’s not surface level. It’s about going deeper.”