Why I Choose Yoga Therapy
Welcome to my journey of healing, transformation, and giving back to the community. My name is Steve Purves, and I am passionate about yoga’s power to heal not just the body but also the mind and spirit. My journey began at 14 when I had the honor of meeting Srimata Gayatri Devi, the first Indian woman to teach Vedanta in the West at the Ananda Ashram in La Crescenta, California. Her wisdom deeply inspired me and ignited my lifelong commitment to spiritual growth.
At 18, I moved to Encinitas, California, where my path crossed with that of my Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, at the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF). It was here that I started meditating and was initiated into Kriya Yoga by Sri Daya Mata in 1971. I immersed myself in the four major paths of yoga—Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Jnana Yoga—and began practicing on the beach with just an old black and white book about Hatha Yoga as my guide.
Over the years, my journey was met with both dedication and challenges. I faced numerous personal struggles, including mental health issues and addiction, which shaped my experiences as a product of a vibrant yet tumultuous era. I encountered significant health challenges, including bilateral knee replacements, cervical fusion, tendon replacement surgery, a liver transplant, and a diagnosis of throat cancer, which caused my weight to fluctuate dramatically from 180 to 280 pounds. Through all of this, I realized that I needed to return to my roots and harness the healing powers of yoga.
Today, I am proud to be connected with The Soul of Yoga, run by a former monk from SRF, where both of my daughters, Melissa and Shannon, are making a difference. Shannon leads the largest yoga therapy program there, while Melissa has a degree in Hatha Yoga teaching and is a grant writer for various nonprofits, including The Blind Children’s Center and The Center for the Hearing Impaired. Their successes motivate me to continue my own educational journey. I earned my 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training from Flossie Park and completed Level 1 and 2 trainings in Singing Bowls and Gongs at The Sound Bath Center in Los Angeles. I am currently studying under the renowned Sherry Zak Morris in Chair Yoga, and I have traveled to India to pursue a 300-hour teacher training in yoga therapy at the World Peace Yoga School in Rishikesh. I am also working toward a Yogi Therapy Degree at Paramyoga in Indore, India.
My personal journey took a significant turn in 2019 when I was once again faced with life-threatening throat cancer. Thanks to my commitment to yoga and the strength I gained from my practice, I was able to confront this challenge head-on. During this difficult time, I required a G-tube for nourishment and weighed only 142 pounds. I truly believe my dedicated yoga practice kept me alive and helped me manage my physical and mental health issues, even bringing balance to my hypo-manic states. Incorporating Gongs and Singing Bowls into my practice further enriched my experience, creating a holistic approach that has proven effective for long-term well-being.
I am deeply committed to giving back and sharing my journey of resilience with others. My greatest joy comes from teaching yoga to individuals of all ages. Whether it’s a teenager discovering the joys of yoga or a senior finding newfound flexibility, their progress inspires me and reaffirms my purpose. Each interaction reminds me of the impact we can have on each other’s lives—a difference that resonates with me deeply.
With this mission in my heart, I am currently establishing The Yogiboomer Foundation, dedicated to helping those struggling with mental health challenges such as depression, hypomania, and addiction through the transformative practices of Yoga, Gongs, Singing Bowls, and Mindfulness.
During my studies, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Omanand Guruji, who has inspired me to embark on a new endeavor: opening two Yoga Therapy Hospitals in the United States. This ambitious project aims to create healing spaces for individuals seeking support through comprehensive yoga practices.
Your charitable donations will help us realize this vision and provide essential resources to those in need, fostering hope, connection, and healing. Together, we can make a profound difference in our communities, one mindful breath at a time. Thank you for your support on this transformative journey!
“Steve has developed a yoga practice for seasoned men. The breathing exercise and easy moves took away my fear of yoga and motivate me to get active. Steve’s experience in healing his own body from cancer and a liver transplant will encourage most men to try Steve’s classes.”
-Jim Stevens
“Steve is a seasoned veteran in the yoga worlds. His extensive knowledge of yoga for more than 30 years has earned him a great reputation for teaching yoga to seniors.”
-Paul Lucas
“I came to Steve’s class not knowing what to expect. When I realized it was a men’s yoga class, I was encouraged. I felt much better after the class. I highly recommend everyone try Steve’s gentle and chair yoga classes!”
-Jack Orosz
“This was my first exposure to yoga of any kind and I found it very enjoyable. Steve made it seem natural and pleasant.”
-Paul Besser
“I took a class for the first time with Steve Purves. I have no yoga experience and I actually feel better. Steve is very patient and demonstrates poses before asking me to actually do it. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire session.”
-Ron L.
A Special Thanks
Parmyoga (Indore, India)
Renaissance (Orange County)
Yoga Works (Orange County)
Yoga by Miranda (Costa Rica)
Soul of Yoga (Encinitas, CA): (200 RYT)
Vista Yoga (Vista, CA)
Sound Bath Center (Los Angeles, CA) (Certified)
Orange County Yoga Studio (Laguna Hills, CA)
Urban Hot Yoga (Laguna Hills, CA)
Live Meta (Orange County, CA) (Stout/Merithew Pilate Reformer & mat trained)
World Peace Yoga Center (Rishikesh, India) (300 RYT) (Reiki Level I & II)
Silence and Noise – Sound Bath Training (Goa, India)
Ayruvedic Massage (Rishikesh & Goa, India)
Hoag Hospital Wellness Center (Newport Beach, CA)
Laguna Woods Village (Laguna Woods, CA)