About Ryan Barrett

Throughout my whole life spirituality has always been a topic of interest and intrigue. I grew up in an atheist family in a town that was predominantly Christian. As an observer from the perspective of an outsider I was always curious as to what resonated with these people to have such faith in something, something that as an organized structure had the ability to unite people under belief, but also to drive men across oceans and deserts to wage war on one another. Although the Abrahamic religions never really resonated with me, I eventually felt a resonance with Taoism and eastern philosophies, and would spend my life learning, and deepening my understanding of their teachings.

My journey into the practice of yoga started around ten years ago after undergoing surgery for a serious sports injury. What started as a form of physical therapy soon became a life long practiced, which in the process healed my body and allowed me to gain back the active quality of life I prefer. Soon after I began to practice yoga I enrolled in my 200 hour teacher training for Hatha Yoga where I first began to read the ancient texts and scriptures of the philosophy, and science behind the practice. Since then I would spend the next five years teaching, and the next ten years continuing to research, learn, and deepen my practice. Most recently I spent two months in the yoga capital of the world Rishikesh, India where I completed my 500 hour teacher training in Ashtanga yoga.

My intention here is to share what I have learned through my studies in hopes that it will bring a better understanding of yoga and yoga philosophy. I’ve traveled to India and many corners of the world in order to gather knowledge through my experience and teachings. I hope that you enjoy my perspective and interpretation of these ancient teachings.

– Ryan Barrett

 (Shakti Blog Author & Podcast Host)