About Sila Yoga

Contemplative Education to Cultivate Clarity and Compassion

Weaving together yoga and buddhist teachings

The art and science of yoga is far more than the poses we practice. It is a complete system of conversion that brings us into communion with ourselves and the brilliant forces of nature.

Through yoga and meditation we find our inner strength, tap into our inherent wisdom and manifest our very best in all that we do. This is living mindfully through skillful listening, action, determination and compassion.

Gretchen is a longtime meditator and has been teaching yoga for over 25 years. After extensive experimentation and study in the traditions of Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Prajna Yoga, her teaching cultivates a broad range of techniques. She carefully weaves the subtle energies and precision of these disciplines with buddhist philosophy creating a unique style. Her enthusiasm and commitment to helping others establish resiliency and joyful living is both accessible and infectious. She is an apprentice teacher at Tara Mandala, an International Buddhist Retreat Center in Pagosa Springs Colorado, a Certified Feeding Your Demons Facilitator and a Vajrayana Buddhist Practitioner learning and discovering the gifts of the Dharma with each passing day. She teaches classes, workshops and retreats locally and internationally.

What is Feeding Your Demons® (FYD)?

Feeding Your Demons is a five step method created by Lama tsultrim Allione which has benefited thousands worldwide and from every walk of life on five continents. The work transcends spiritual constructs, serving as a meaningful tool for anybody, regardless of religious affiliation or personal philosophy.

Interested in Tara Mandala?

“As I continue to accumulate knowledge, time on the cushion, on the mat, and in life, my humility grows deeper.”

— Gretchen Donovan, Founder of Sila Yoga

With Gratitude to My Teachers

Because I’ve had the opportunity to study with some of the most incredible teachers, I’m eternally grateful. With their guidance, my teaching and practice has matured and evolved to where I now embrace a broad philosophy of “Total Mindfulness” practice. From Mindfulness, we can avoid a self-centered, isolated way of thinking.

“Mindfulness is to allow things to speak for themselves without first interrupting.”

— Theravadin Saying

While I recognize the importance of discipline, I believe that a narrow vision of fundamentalism or rigidity only serves to strengthen the false impression that we are separate from each other. All practices that support and sustain self-reflection are commendable and worthy of respect and no single method is the only way. I have studied many traditions and modalities but continue to be open to the possibilities of expanding my mind and awakening my heart. My greatest aspiration is to share the seeds I sow so that others will bear fruit.

With devotion I would like to pay homage to my teachers. If they had not walked the path of yoga and awakening before me, I would have no path to walk now. I humbly bow to these individuals: