Mindful Muse Sacred Circle

What They're Saying

Melissa L.

I enjoyed the way the Mindful Muse program nurtured my spirit. I was able to delve deeper into my meditation practice, especially with the guided meditations. The ritual circles helped me cultivate my own practice with my personal altar at home. I also really enjoyed the hatha raja asana practices. One of the most surprising portions of the program was the role that mudras played in my practice. They are so powerful and integrating mudras into my yoga practice has been a wonderful way to deepen it. The Mindful Muse program exceeded my expectations especially through the learning of the seasonal Wheel of the Year, mudras, crystals, incense, chakras, as well as other mystical aspects of yoga. I highly recommend this training!

I loved so much about this program, however, in a few bullet points, I truly enjoyed the following:

● Yoga practice, especially psychic development, including the asanas, meditation, breathwork, with Dharma Richards, who is one of the loveliest people I’ve ever known.

● Dharma’s discussions/sharing of meaningful elements and stories in yogic history and its correlation to our practices today.

● All of the guided information for developing a deeper commitment to the practice of yoga through sound/chanting, vibration, asana, breath, nature, crafting/seasonal goddess celebrations, reading, and applying learnings daily, to self-practice.

● Coming together as a circle of divine women who shared a strong connection to each other and our dedication to yoga within and beyond the studio.

● Discussions on the correspondences of rocks/crystals, nature, chakras, seasons, etc.

● Reiki Training

● Plus I really appreciate the Mindful Muse online portal that provided all of the reminders and information needed for the program.

The most surprising element I discovered about yoga during this program were the layers of depth and the relationship that I have developed with yoga, how I now think about the practice, and setting an intention and incorporating it as a daily part of my life.

My expectations of the Mindful Muse program certainly exceeded my expectations. I am grateful for the love, care, and commitment that Dharma Richards has put into this program.

Dharma - Thank you for this amazing journey...I hope to always find my way back to your Mindful Muse circle. Om Shanti Om

Fran M.

The Mindful Muse Apprenticeship enhanced the personal practice of yoga. They complemented each other so well. The themes and meditations were woven together beautifully. Yoga practices called on Goddess/God/Great Spirit deities, mantras and mudras, chakra studies, and seasons of the year to enhance the physical practice. I especially appreciated he portal housing information and additional resources supported and guided a deeper spiritual/personal practice. The Mindful Muse experience exceeded my expectations. All topics, offerings, and experiences were of high quality well planned. Information and expectations were clearly and consistently communicated. Support was readily available. This apprenticeship formed an inclusive and accepting community. We were able to learn and grow together under the guidance and support of Dharma Richards.

Jamie W.

I enjoyed EVERYTHING about the Mindful Muse program! The direction and style of teaching allowed me to feel much more comfortable in my teaching abilities. I loved the depth & history and really getting into what yoga is, all the different facets and stories that make up the different parts of the art and science of yoga.

The Mindful Muse Training and Apprenticeship exceeded my expectations! I learned so much that I can give to others through these teachings. It has made me a better student, teacher & person.Everything was wonderful! I would do it all over again.

Brittany L.

I absolutely loved my experience with the Teacher Training program at Yoga Garden in Apex, Dharma is incredible and I learned much more than just gain ability and confidence to teach yoga, it was an amazing opportunity and I gained knowledge that will serve me for a lifetime! Thanks Dharma, you are amazing and I just love the wonderful environment you have created at the Apex Yoga Garden studio!

-Ana C.

I highly recommend Yoga Garden of Apex for teacher training. My experience was amazing from start to finish! Dharma has a beautiful presence that sets the whole tone for the training. I can't imagine having taken this journey with anyone else. The experience was truly life changing for me!

-Nicole J.

I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to share this time with Dharma and the rest of the class. I was blessed with many good friends that happened to meet me during this time of yoga.

~Gina M.

I just have to tell you I feel absolutely AMAZING!!! I wish everyone could feel as awesome as I do right now!!! I feel so at peace, its crazy and one of the best feelings ever!!!! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!! What a release!!!!

~Lisa B.

Dharma! Thank you so much!! I just wanted to let you know - that I listened to the Yoga Nidra CD - 10 times during labor to help me sleep and keep me calm. It was the best!!

~Graise L.

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you and all the exciting things you are teaching me in such fun and enjoyable ways with so many unique and creative tools. I never thought I would enjoy learning so much! I can tell I am gaining more confidence everyday and so can my family and friends. That's a great feeling. I understand with patience and devotion it will come and my fear will continue to be less and less so I can let go and continue to keep moving on.

~Heather S.

Thank you so much for all of the time and energy that you gave to us this past weekend. I have been to many workshops that have touched me but your workshop moved me on a deeper level. I have been seeing such a difference in the way I speak and think about things. I have also strengthened my practice and eating habits. I have even began to really feel the healing process with my shoulder. I read back through my journal and was surprised to see that several weeks ago I felt out of balance in my throat, heart, and power centers. Which is almost exactly what we talked about could be a place to start working on my shoulder. It was a blessing that you came to our little yoga community and brought such wisdom to share. Thank you for living what you are teaching and sharing straight from the heart!

~Allison R.

I can't wait to be able to give back to others the opportunity I have been blessed with and am so excited I am learning this all from such a talented and beautiful person. I can never thank (teacher) enough for directing me to you and having you in my life. Thank you for being such a great teacher and role model. I really do feel blessed that I found you and can experience learning and growing my Yoga Practice in such a wonderful place with such comfort and professionalism.

~Heather B.

Your class Saturday was the MOST AMAZING class of my entire life…I’m so glad I was there visiting and was able to make it. You are beautiful by the way and a WONDERFUL instructor. Many blessings coming your way!!! Om Shanti

~Dana J.

I cannot tell you how many people have told us that the ceremony was the most beautiful they have ever witnesses. Everything was completely magical for us and something truly sacred happened while we were saying our vows. We are so incredibly moved, blessed and honored to be filled with such love. Thank you, thank you for creating a sacred space and for holding that energy and intention for us on our wedding day. No words can express our happiness.

~Maddie N.

I have gained so much knowledge - I see yoga in a different light! ~Don S.

You went into my gratitude journal—after trying several yoga studios when I moved here, I’m so happy that you opened a studio in Apex and that you’ve built a schedule that allows me to attend classes regularly. I have felt a little Goldilocks-like in other studios— (studio) is too hot, (studio) was too cold (not spiritual enough), and (studio) was too far, and yours is “just right.” You’ve got a good variety of teachers that I find each uniquely add depth to my personal practice and health and well being.

~ Margaret S.

I can't thank you enough for the amount of time you had spent with me and making me feel welcome. You are such a great giving person, and I can't thank you enough for helping me. I now also understand more when you use the term love and light, it now has a meaning to me that I can understand. You are such a great positive influence to me!!!! That means more than you could imagine.

~Lisa R.

I can’t tell you how many months I’ve looked at your website and class schedule hoping to come in and meet you and take a class. (My husband) said I would love it and he was absolutely right. I really look forward to coming in more consistently and making yoga a bigger part of my life. Thanks for all your help on Sunday especially with the handstand!

~Claire G.

I adore you so! I told my teacher training cohort that you are my NC guru and that they MUST take a class with you if they visit Raleigh. :-). You know how much I love your effervescent spirit! If all goes well with the goals I have, I will be learning from you on a regular basis (smile).

~Katelynn S.

I really am so glad I found your studio. I always feel so good when I'm there. In conjunction with your thoughtful Mindful Muse exercises, I'm continuing to bring that peace into my home. Layering on rituals a little bit at a time... Once again, thank you for sharing your little piece of paradise.

~Elizabeth C.

I am very grateful that my mom found you, your studio, your teaching..."when the student is ready, the teacher appears." She clearly has developed a level of trust with you and your teaching to allow herself that all important guidance on the inward journey. I'm sure she has expressed her appreciation to you in that regard, but I also wanted to let you know how much of a positive impact your teaching has made in her life. It is good to be reminded that your efforts make a big difference!

~Patricia E.

I am SOOOOOO into your studio right now.. I am telling EVERYONE I know.. trying to get them to join me for a class!!! I have been 3 times to class with you…..I am hooked!

~Clara S.

Thank you for the blog you have produced. It is well written and easy to comprehend. You are doing a service to anyone wishing to understand yoga.

~Patrick H.

… I got so much out of the discussions on the rEtreat -some incredibly helpful & thought provoking stuff. Thank you Dharma, you are a special teacher.

~Cristie B.

Loved it. I will definitely be back. I love your space!!! I’m so happy to have found you

~Layla R.

I have really enjoyed taking yoga with you this past year! It is for me a new discovery and you are making it very special. I enjoy your teaching, your kindness, your friendship and your dedication to what you do.

~ Kathleen A.

This training was a very well rounded training program with classroom work, speakers and building it up to interactive teaching circles. I feel very prepared to teach!

~Valerie L.

-Jill B.

Thank you so much for this experience! I am forever changed..

~Sam A.

First of all my Glutes are feeling it–thanks! I has such a wonderful practice yesterday at your place. I loved your class too. I could not stop talking about the strong positive energy that we get from you. Thanks for being so open and generous with your time and studio. I’ve been looking for inspiration from such a yogic bright-star down south for a long time. I must say that you have such an inner and outer beauty too. Funny how sometimes you can just meet someone once but feel a strong connection as though you’ve known them for longer. We both got that vibe from you. ~Briah T.

An hour a week with you is a blessing! Thank you so very much!!!

~Holly P.

You have NO idea the great energy that comes from your studio or your teachers including yourself. If it wasn't for my demanding work schedule I would LOVE to be there everyday!!! I love the environment you have created, and you are amazing!!!!!! You truly are. You have changed my life for the better and the way I think of things. It is a process but with your help, I am really working on being a better person, and of course working on my asanas.

~Krista S.

I would like to thank you for the support through my Yoga path. Today i had my first class with the teachers. I was very excited before and went back and read the comments we had at the weekend workshop. I prepared myself as well as I could. The class was great. It was not perfect but it as all mine. I couldn't stop smiling while driving home from school. For the last four years I'm working to achieve this goal and it was incredible feeling to be at this spot.

~Leah A.

When I first came to your yoga class last year, I was weak and rather fragile. Immediately your grace and compassion reached out to me. Thank you for sharing your yoga practice in such a gentle and beautiful way. Healing has come as I’ve stretched my body, mind and spirit. Namaste.

~Mary D.

Thank you for your wonderful yoga classes. They really do make a difference!

~Casey R.

Thank you for all that you have given me. I will always appreciate your inspiration and instruction in the art of yoga and everything it stands for. Namaste.

~Helen C.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit. Your guidance has been a blessing in my life.

~Tiffany G.

Your love and support has helped me throughout this past year in ways you do not know. Having you be a part of my life has made me a stronger person…. Thank you for giving me the gift of yoga in many ways. Opening up your classes to me even when I can’t afford it has made all the difference for me. It has given me a home base. A place to reconnect with myself in such a busy world and remind myself what is really important – and to live in the moment… You have shown me what a special thing it is to share your knowledge and love through teaching.

~Madison R.

Thank you!! I heard so many comments about how wonderful the practice was for everyone at the retreat and they so appreciated that you were willing to come all that way for us! Your calm manner, gracefulness and ease of instruction made for an enjoyable and enlightening experience. I’m sure there will be some new students to yoga!

~Tanya W.

You are an incredible teacher and mentor!

~Ruth N.

I just wanted to thank you for meeting me this morning. I appreciate you taking the time to put together a combo of poses to help me relax and send all the energy to the right places. Your classes have been absolutely wonderful for helping me calm my mind. You have such a great energy around you. I am so glad I get to share that energy in your class.

~Naomi F.

I am so very busy and yet compelled to write anyhow. I have been sick this week and on antibiotics. I went to Dharma’s class on Thursday. She is currently my favorite teacher, but I have had a few over the years within your school. She always expertly tailors the class to who is there. She so lovingly structured the class around me. The school is blessed to have her.

~Amber H.

You have opened my eyes to the mind-strengthening attributes of yoga as well as the physical strengthening benefits.

~Hannah K.

Thanks for the email and for all your encouragement. I felt great after class. No issues. I always love being in your class. You are a wonderful teacher-so peaceful and grounded.

~Alexis G.

I just wanted to say thank you for being such an outstanding teacher. I learned more in the four weeks than most people I know who’ve been going to classes for 6 months… Thank you for making me an addict.

~Kimberly M.

I so enjoyed my classes on Sunday! It was wonderful to spend time with you. You are a special woman, friend, teacher in my life!

~Nora N.

Thank you so much for the recommendation of this book. I believe so much in Karma and how everything happens for a reason. I am so glad I was brought to you. I have been working very hard for the last year or so on self acceptance and self confidence. I did not know why but yoga seems to be necessary for not only my physical health but mental health as well. I have only read the first part of the book but it is EXACTLY where I am right now. The part about connection to self and how you see yourself affects how you view and interact with the world. I am starting to get that now. I think that’s why (I like your yoga class). (Other classes) are technically very good but I think the spiritual connection is missing and for me yoga is spiritual. Yoga helps me connect with myself and just to be in the moment without judgement. I know it’s kinda weird for me to tell you all this, but I just wanted to say thank you. I want you to know you impact and touch people’s lives in more ways than you know through yoga.

~Melinda B.

I've really improved my health, both physically and mentally, since coming to Yoga Garden. I've lost 40 pounds! And I feel great! I sleep without medication. I've also been eating vegan since February and all of my medical test scores are now super. I feel the best I have in 30 years. Thank you!!!

~Pamela

Hello Dharma, thank you for your unique approach to yoga practice at (studio). It was a privilege and a gift to be inspired so. My practice is renewed. Namaste.

~ John K.

Great class today… It feels great to be back,and thank you again for a wonderful class and always helping set the great intention for the day….You are indeed a treasure..Oh by the way, I love the rose meditation…Have a great day,and God Bless you… ~Ursula L.