Michele Fife’s life as a yogi seems to be a constant series of fortuitous meetings. The founder of Seva Yoga Center in East Grand Rapids, MI embarked on her teaching journey in the early 2000s, attracted some of the best instructors and devoted students to her side of the world, and – thanks to a chance meeting with Michael Franti – has now found the perfect place in Bali in which to expand and continue her life’s work.
It all started with her decision to open up an inter-disciplinary yoga studio in 2006. “When I started Seva I was a student of Ashtanga but I had also experienced many other disciplines of Yoga,” says Michele. “I honor them all and value their principles. I knew for my teaching that it was really a blend, a recipe of many styles… that was a little bit different concept for this area at that time.”
It turned out to be a concept that worked. In the 4 years that Seva Yoga has been open, it’s attracted quite a dedicated following. “It’s been two years now and I feel blessed and grateful to be with all the wonderful people I’ve met at Seva,” says Ruth Popiel, a breast cancer survivor who found Seva through her oncologist. “Due to Michele’s… belief in yoga’s healing powers, I made the leap that I should have made years ago,” says Dave Bee, who turned to yoga when the aches and pains of constant running finally caught up with him.
Seva also attracted to itself a top-notch team of yoga instructors from vastly different disciplines. One look at their website’s instructor board shows at least 3 different yoga styles (kripalu, anusara, vinyasa), and teachers that have been to all corners of the world – teaching English in Asia, working with HIV patients in Africa, and studying under various yoga masters. While Michele says most of them wandered into her life organically, her decision to let them stay and teach at Seva is intentional. “The necessary element to teach at Seva is the desire to serve. We are all there to bring it, to give it, to shine it. I want us to bring out the best in all people and help them on their path. My teachers bring students success.”
With a blossoming business, happy clients and super qualified teachers, what else can an entrepreneurial- minded yogini attract into her life? Turns out the answer is a new way to teach in a far-off land.
Michele was always interested in other cultures and places, and had always wanted to visit Bali. A chance encounter with Michael Franti opened the doors to this new possibility. Michael and his business partner Carla Swanson had just opened up the new Stay Human Retreat Center in Ubud, Bali, as an extension of their organic yoga clothing brand.
“We sat together and he showed me pictures of the retreat on his laptop and I loved the vision and the Stay Human message of sustainability.” says Michele. “I have not met many people as open and true as Michael Franti is. He embodies the concept of Seva through his music and has the ability to reach out and touch everyone. I truly felt this was an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Stay Human movement.” Thus, a new partnership was born and a great new way for Michele to bring Seva Yoga’s message to the other side of the world.
Michele’s talent for attracting beauty and opportunity in life seems to be setting her on the course to a wonderful adventure in Bali. If all of this sounds “attractive” to you, why don’t you come join her?
The Seva Yoga Retreat will be held January 15-22, 2011 at the Stay Human Retreat Center in Ubud, Bali. For reservations and pricing, visit sevayoga.net.
