The HERstory of Cloud Nine Yoga
The brainchild of Erika Faith Calig, Cloud Nine Yoga was first established in 1995 while Erika was pursuing her undergraduate work in Transpersonal Psychology with an emphasis on Somatic Yoga Therapy at Sonoma State University. Curious about the inner workings of the psyche and how to process life through the lens of modern-day Yoga, Erika yearned to get to the core of feeling good from within. She found through her studies with clients and her own experiences that the techniques of Yoga presented an empowering program of self-healing and discovery.
From the early years of teaching yoga for Mental Health, Erika quickly established a community of practitioners that celebrated the supportive, loving environment she created in her classes. Students asked for further training, which led her to make a manual for In-Depth Yoga Studies and Yoga Teacher Certification in 1999. The company then expanded to several branch locations, with trainers hand-picked under the guidance of Erika to build their own independently owned schools of Cloud Nine Yoga.
Cloud Nine Yoga became a California LLC in 2009, and the school curriculum Erika wrote was heralded as a foundational body of knowledge for Yoga Teacher Training around the globe. After offering successful Immersion Certification Programs in Hawaii, Erika moved to Kauai in 2018 with her family and simultaneously added Online Certification Courses. She continues to provide Immersion Courses & education retreats that draw worldwide acclaim. As of 2023, our international student base has grown to nearly 2500 graduates, and we continue to nurture students with free lifetime Yoga Class recordings and support through our Cloud Nine Yogis Group, Teacher Mentoring, and plenty of new opportunities being introduced regularly.
What sets Cloud Nine Yoga School apart from the others is a progressive, evolutionary approach to the traditions of Yoga with a blend of structural and intuitive learning. Erika calls this “permission-based Yoga” or “the Fun Kind of Yoga,” — a balanced practice that allows students to express their authentic nature, attuned to their inner guidance, and where the teacher is there to encourage a meditative mindset. Movement is about freedom rather than conformity. Additionally, we approach the Teacher’s Training journey as one of integration from the personal to the collective. Our training includes functional anatomy as it applies to each individual’s unique structure and body history. We include basic Sanskrit, Yogic Philosophy, and the History of Hatha Yoga, offering rich and applicable themes for building classes. Cueing is based on Erika’s quadrant-style sequencing, unique to our founder’s 28 years of teaching people from all walks of life. This creates classes that feel like a complete adventure. A Trainer’s Trainer, Erika empowers because she knows how to mentor students and guide teachers from the foundation to the peak.
Instead of being exclusive, Cloud Nine Yoga prides itself on being inclusive. We celebrate diversity in all colors and expressions of every human. We see our similarities, shared experiences, and, ultimately, the LOVE we all have in our hearts. Ours is a positive and peaceful space for all people from all walks of life. Cloud Nine Yoga’s approach only enhances the connection to the Divine spark all spiritual people seek so the rainbow of different folks from all backgrounds, body types, and cultures can feel comfortable and safe in our classes.
Namaste ~ We look forward to meeting you and sharing your journey.
Yoga is…
by: Erika Faith
Yoga is Creativity.
Creativity is a divine gift from God to humanity that anyone can access. We can all benefit from creative expression, whether painting, ritual, music, or movement. My ongoing creative project is Yoga. How? Well…the most straightforward way for me to put it is this: There are over 14,000 different postures (Asanas) and 50 different styles (Disciplines). A person can put together any routine for their schedule or liking. Most styles involve some relaxation. Whether a person is moving, breathing, or meditating, eventually, there comes a time when the mind opens up and thoughts quiet down. This is where real insight and creativity happen. I don’t know HOW it happens. It just does—an exquisite mystery.
Yoga is Healing.
The ultimate goal of Yoga is union with All; it is to become completely aware of the Self or soul. The natural progression of practicing Yoga leads one to peace of mind and heart; the power of will, love, and intellect; the direct influence of the mind upon the body and the world outside the body; psychic abilities of various kinds; control of mind and better concentration; control of the emotions (removal of worry, pride, anger, fear, lust, and greed); bodily health, suppleness, beauty and longevity; and the prevention and removal of psychosomatic dangers and troubles. The Yoga Sutra’s Yamas (things to avoid) and Niyamas (things to do) are guidelines for living a life of integrity and truth. It is unnecessary to obey these rules because these are just suggestions to live a happier, more fulfilled life. Yoga heals by allowing us to experience life in the continuously unfolding moment.
Yoga is Community.
When people do Yoga together, something magical happens: There’s a beautiful feeling of togetherness, love, and camaraderie. This incredible feeling may manifest because everyone takes responsibility for their life, beliefs, and experiences. Yoga teaches that when the flow of the universe treats you kindly or harshly, you have control of your attitude and outlook. The community of people studying and practicing Yoga quickly becomes tight. I believe Yoga brings people together in a magnetic sense; we want to share the bounty of its blessings. A big group focusing on transcending themselves is a pretty incredible force of energy! As a teacher, I am excited to be able to share some of Yoga’s power with my community.
Yoga is Commitment.
Practice meditation (Dhyana), breathing techniques (Pranayama), yoga postures (Asanas), and deep relaxation (Savasana) at least three times a week. A Yogic lifestyle is 24/7. The more dedication you can offer yourself to showing up on the mat, scheduling time to take classes at a studio, and training with knowledgeable teachers, the more rewards you will reap.
