Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Gonshak.
Rich, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My path to Yoga started 11 years ago. I was in the service industry for several years as a server, bartender, DJ, and also managed a couple of places. I was also studying physical education and linguistics (TESL) at North Eastern Illinois University when I happened upon Yoga. The Yoga slowly brought me to places of awakenings, what was right in my life and what was not so right. Once I submitted to a daily practice I could see who it was I wanted to be. I changed focus and became a full time Yoga instructor. For over a decade I had the pleasure of serving Chicago as a bike messenger of sorts. Rain, snow, sleet or shine you would see me hustling on my way to my next Yoga practice. I hung up my bike to open up my very own Yogi playground Shiva Shack six months ago and have had the pleasure of sharing the space with many Yogis and many more to come.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been a true Yogic experience. Initially, I was caught up in the details instead of seeing the big picture and had to remember to focus on what is reality and go from there. I had to think “big broad strokes”, the littlest of details can send you down the rabbit hole. I learned it’s not the destination, it’s the journey – piece by piece, brick by brick.
I had to do a build-out of an unfinished space in the shortest amount of time possible and needed help. Through my family I found and hired Joze, a contractor who alone equals three set of hands. He put in the most amazing floor, wood trimmings, and all the little things like doors, lighting, patchwork, etc. I couldn’t have figured it all out on my own.
My closest friend introduced me to Antonio – an artist who helped me create a mural and a sign that reflect what we’re all about. Once my team was in place the fun really began. I woke up every morning ready for the day’s challenges, whether it be cleaning each brick with a tiny scrub brush and a squirt bottle or beginning to build a new website.
Even though it was hard to let go of a lot of my expectations in the beginning, my studio turned out better for it.
Shiva Shack – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Shiva Shack provides a supportive setting to celebrate traditional yoga asana. We focus on community and inclusivity, students know each other here.
We have Yoga classes with DJs playing records, quiet Self-practice morning classes, kids Yoga classes, pre and post-natal Yoga. We host drum circles, art gallery showings, Shamanic journey workshops, essential oils workshops, cacao ceremonies, to name a few. In the works are food podcasts, photo and video private Yoga sessions, and a youth Yoga program.
Be on the lookout for us at the Breathe Festival this July.
What were you like growing up?
I was a professional new kid in my student years, my family moved a lot. I had to learn how to make friends fast – I was a total goof ball, a class clown (still am…). I played a lot of sports which kept me out of trouble and taught me a great deal of sportsmanship, team work and individual self-respect.
I enjoyed Hebrew school growing up. Jewish studies led me to other world religions and eventually Yoga, the study of all religions.
Pricing:
- New Student pricing: $30 for 3 classes
- $15 drop-in
- $1000 unlimited annually
Contact Info:
- Address: 1942 N Leavitt Street
Chicago IL 60647 - Website: www.shivashackchicago.com
- Phone: 312.866.2606
- Email: info@shivashackchicago.com
- Instagram: @shivashackchicago
- Facebook: Shiva Shack
Image Credit:
Nora Gonshak
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