Meet Peter:
Yoga Teacher & Student of Life
The practice first found me on a random evening, after a simple leap of faith to try something new. My partner dragged me (admittedly, kicking and screaming) into a Bhakti Flow class with Rusty Wells at Urban Flow. Incense wafted through the doors to the line of students waiting to practice. As we walked into the room of 130 or so sweaty, giggly, ecstatic humans, I could feel the powerful pounding of drums and the explosive cacophony of a packed room singing this mantra…
Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram ~ श्री राम जय राम जय जय राम
A class with Rusty Wells @ Urban Flow
To say that this first practice changed everything would be a tremendous understatement. I was quite nervous for whatever it was that was happening, but I was also excited! The energy was electrifying, the feelings were fresh. After stumbling, struggling, falling over, getting back up, and jaw-clenching my way through that first class, I was totally hooked. It was in that first savasana where I finally, perhaps for the first time in my life, let go. I let go of who I thought I was. I let go of the resentment that I carried. I let go of fear and “not-enoughness.” I let go of the past that was over. I let go of some idyllic future that wasn’t even real. I let go of this mind, body, story and… everything.
As my practice, studentship, and teaching continually evolves, my offerings become more refined and clear. I’m finding new appreciation for the wide variety of yogic expressions and teachings — whether through philosophy, asana, bio-mechanics, meditation, mantra, breath, or just wakefully moving through the world with a deeper aliveness.
Perhaps for the first time ever, in that savasana, I felt empty. I was spacious, no longer confined to ‘me’ in this blissful passing moment.
I remember coming back from that first savasana in a puddle of my own sweat and tears. Everything was the same, but somehow completely different -- something indescribable had shifted. It was as if I had awakened from a decades-long slumber. So I just kept coming back, every day.
Since then, I have tried to remain a student of Life — of “my” life, “your” life, our life. I have become not only a student of breath, body, thoughts and feelings, but also the flutterings of leaves in the wind, waves in the sea, and sweet tail wags of sweet golden retriever puppies! I try to treat each and every day as its own independent and wondrous adventure. I try to learn, love, forgive, pray, surrender and offer up everything I can muster—to lean into life, especially when it’s tough, and hopefully do just a little bit better than the previous day. While I do stumble and fall short of my best (quite often), I get back up, dust myself off and begin again… and again.
Finally, I am forever a student first, and at the feet of my dear teachers whose wisdom is always in my heart, often on my mind, and usually on my tongue when I teach. Thank you, Rusty, Janet, Jason, Swami Ji, Jonathan, Mom, Dad, Ed, my dear friends, and each of YOU for guiding me Home.
What if the breath was all we needed?
What Folks Are Saying
“One of the bright spots of the covid shut down is getting to have a regular yoga practice. Peter has clarified the concept of “Begin Again” in my head, this is now a mantra I use regularly. And, he plays great music and is goofy. I’m so thankful to have a regular practice with Peter.”
“At a time when the whole world seems to be upside down, practicing yoga with Peter gives me the peace and calm to be able to go forth in the world and make a difference. I always look forward to his soothing voice and his wacky suggestions and I’m so grateful that I found him when I did.”
“Yoga with Peter is the real deal. He lives, breathes and walks the practice and it shows. His Bhakti flows allowed me to go deeper into the practice and deeper into myself. His Dharma is rooted from his heart and devotion to the practice. His flows and sequences are curated intentionally to build and release energy. Be prepared to for extra push-ups when he says one more left! You’ll might laugh and cry but you’ll come back for more”
“Peter Walters is an amazing yoga instructor. His Bhakti devotional-style of teaching yoga combines the “just right” amounts of chanting, challenging flow, yogic philosophy & humor. In his classes, which include thoughtful soundtracks (always some surprise delight) we chant, dance, stretch & move our bodies to really enrich our mind/body/spirit connection to ourselves & to each other.
I’ve met many wonderful new friends thanks to Peter’s classes & workshops.
He also hosts exquisite retreats in spectacular locations. I’ve been fortunate to have practiced yoga with him in Hawaii, the Greek Islands and Bali! All transformative & life affirming journeys.
He also seems to “walk the talk” & shares his full appreciation of the mystery & wonder of life on a daily basis. Grateful grateful grateful am I to have found him on my path! ”
“I started practicing with Peter on Zoom in the spring - I don’t know of any other teacher who can create a sense of community over the internet like he can. His classes are deeply spiritual with a lot of lighthearted fun sprinkled in. Awesome playlists, challenging sequences and big hearted devotion. Feels just like practicing in the studio.”
“I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon Peter’s Instagram profile during the pandemic. I gave one of his classes a try on Zoom and had so much fun I became a fast fan! His knowledge of yoga, willingness to open and up and be vulnerable coupled with his sense of humor and sweet jokes make for a great combination. Peter has been so consistent with offering classes throughout a tough time for all of us, in the mornings and evenings, and has been one of the silver linings for me of sheltering in place. I have fallen in love with doing yoga at home and feel like I have grown in my practice. His classes on Thursday nights at Chrissy Field are also a lot of fun. Whether Zoom room or live- come for the yoga and stay for the great playlists, sweet jokes and I’m willing to bet you will leave with a smile. ”
“I intended to tell you after class how special tonight was for me but I wasn’t sure how to put what I experienced into words, so I just gave you a hug haha.
Nearly 4 years ago one of my closest family friends unexpectedly committed suicide. His passing was a catalyst for many amazing things; and I see him, as you would say, as a blessed teacher who pulled the rug out from underneath me and left me humbled on my knees. Like you touched on tonight, he taught me that life is beautiful yet brief. This realization is what caused me to quit my corporate job and follow my heart, my yoga.
Anyways, since he has passed I have believed that angels are always surrounding us. Touching back on what you experienced this weekend in some solitude, sometimes it’s the times like those where I can feel my angels the most, and remember that we are never truly alone
Your class tonight was incredible for me. I literally felt like I was dancing!!! The space you create for your students is so special Peter. It is honestly impossible to put into words, it just has to be experienced! I know as a teacher it’s hard to know what our classes might feel like to others and I just want to be a testament to you that you really have a gift to share with the world. You show up so authentic and filled with love it’s contagious. I’m so happy you touch many people with your practice every day because gosh knows we need some more of that around!
There are times in my day to day where I get signs from my friend who passed, whether it is a shiny penny on the ground, a song on the radio, or a hummingbird by my window. I think it’s his way of making me slow down, of saying I love you and reminding me that everything is going to be okay :) Tonight in savasana the song you played and the space you created in the room...I literally felt like my angels (and all of the angels looking out for every other being in the room) were just hovering over us. It was so magical. You took us out of savasana with the chant that honors all beings everywhere, the song I sing in remembrance of my dear friend and all those who have passed before us and I think my heart just about exploded.
All I want to say is thank you for opening my heart tonight and for letting your intuition guide your teaching. The divine is truly working through you - angels showed up at class!
Keep doing what you’re doing and have an amazing retreat with the small army you have coming. Continue to be you and you will continue to touch others...xox
Enjoy the rainstorm, stay cozy!”
“I never feel more grounded and at peace in body, mind and soul as when I am in practice with Peter. In the course of a 60 or 75 minute class I sweat, sing and genuinely laugh, all of which is facilitated gently and brilliantly by Peter’s instruction. I credit my practice with Peter with the ability to keep myself (somewhat) sane over these long months of quarantine - when I am in the Zoom room I know I am never alone. Thank you, Peter!”
“Peter’s classes are transformative magic. It’s hard to put into words how beautiful of a teacher Peter is. He has a unique way of cultivating loving awareness in his students, not only while on the mat but also in life in general. The experience he creates is all encompassing and awakens in us the true magic of life. The music lifts us, the chants and meditations ground us, and the postures, sequence flow and loving guidance serve to open our joints and our hearts simultaneously, like a beautiful symphony. There is a playfulness to Peter that is infectious and he emanates a vibration of healing love that ripples through each of his teachings. I cannot recommend Peter’s classes enough. Take them and it just might change your life! ”
“The energy Peter brings to class is healing and eye opening, transmitting itself naturally to everyone present. I find his classes physically and mentally challenging, with focus on the breath and why we are moving through asana as well as on the physical postures. His classes are spiritually grounding, thought provoking, and manage to balance the contemporary desires of yoga students with strong roots in Vedic and Bhakti yoga traditions. I always leave his presence feeling more positive, light-hearted, and ready to face life’s challenges with a more level head. In fact, even on my own, I often hear him reminding me to “begin again.”
I was lucky enough to have attended one of his week-long retreats in Hawaii, and it became a pivotal moment for me in how I approached both my practice and my everyday life. He was a welcoming host with a well-planned itinerary of mediation, talks, yoga, group meals, and time to explore the island on our own. If you ever have a chance to attend his classes or retreats, I strongly recommend you do.”
“Just dropping by to leave a long overdue review. I’ve been attending your classes for some time now (Love Story and Yoga Tree). They have become (surprisingly) important to me, and my bungling attempts to quell the beast.
I arrive at your class distracted at best, disconnected and discontent at my worst. Somehow by the end of them, through the sweat and body aches and slow submission, my mind (still twitching) quiets a bit.
Your classes are particularly good because you lead them with such a peculiar humanity. It’s not easy to give thanks and appreciation after class so here’s hoping this reaches you. You seem like a kind (and thoughtful) human. I’ll be rooting for you.
With thanks and gratitude”
“I moved to San Francisco in 2017 without knowing a soul in the city. I stepped into Peter’s sweaty, dancey, goofy, Bhakti-filled class and immediately connected to a part of myself that felt like home. I continue returning to Peter’s classes and always leave feeling connected, lighter, and more free. I am forever grateful for the community Peter has created, in the studio and now online during the pandemic. Whenever I am feeling down, anxious, tired, or scared, I take Peter’s class to transform my spirit and to remember my gratitude for this body and this life!
”