what is PRANA ANANDA
prana - Sanskrit for breath
ananda - Sanskrit for bliss
life is in perpetual motion, and the energy within and around us is always shifting. just like our breath, shakti, and thoughts, we are constantly evolving.
PRANA ANANDA—the bliss of life force—is found when we align ourselves with the natural rhythm of the universe. in this synchronicity, we move with grace and ease, where body, mind, and spirit flow in perfect harmony. obstacles dissolve, and we become smooth operators of our own energy. through this conscious movement, we discover joy, taste mystic self-transcendence, and experience a seamless connection to the tman—the true self.
upcoming
yoga retreat
puerto vallarta | feb 14-21
my services
wellness coaching
my philosophy in wellness coaching is to cultivate a culture of care, resilience, and collective growth, ultimately creating a stronger, more vibrant environment for everyone. in a world where chronic stress, burnout, and lifestyle-related illnesses are increasingly common, wellness coaching provides the tools and accountability needed for lasting transformation.
i tailor-made individual and corporate programs with guidance and support in areas such as stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being—helping people make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their quality of life.
yoga with me
practice anywhere, anytime
Prana Ananda 30-Min Flow (Collection 1)
Prana Ananda 30-Min Flow (Collection 1)
Prana Ananda Flow 5
Prana Ananda Flow 4
Prana Ananda Flow 3
Prana Ananda Flow 2
Prana Ananda 30-Min Flow (Collection 2)
Prana Ananda 30-Min Flow (Collection 2)
Prana Ananda Flow 10
Prana Ananda Flow 9
Prana Ananda Flow 8
Prana Ananda Flow 7
hear from
my students
"Her unique blend of spirituality, mindfulness, and expert guidance creates a deeply personal and transformative experience."
Working with Monica in private sessions has been truly life-changing. Her unique blend of spirituality, mindfulness, and expert guidance creates a deeply personal and transformative experience. She intuitively tailors each session to what I need—physically, mentally, and emotionally—helping me not only build strength and flexibility but also find a deeper connection to myself. Every session feels like a journey toward balance, healing, and self-discovery. If you’re looking for a private yoga instructor who will inspire, challenge, and support you on every level, Monica Shum is the one.
Juliet Shine
"Practicing regularly with Monica has been an invaluable addition to my fitness route — as a runner, the mobility, flexibility, and strength-building benefits of yoga have helped me to run farther and faster than ever before."
Monica is my absolute favorite yoga instructor because of the incredible atmosphere and sense of community she curates during her classes. Practicing regularly with Monica has been an invaluable addition to my fitness route — as a runner, the mobility, flexibility, and strength-building benefits of yoga have helped me to run farther and faster than ever before. But the benefits of Monica’s classes go far beyond the physical — she is encouraging and supportive, challenging you to be brave and try new things while also creating a safe space to listen to your body above all else. Perhaps most importantly, Monica knows everybody’s name and takes time to say hello and offer shoutouts and accolades (in addition to expert adjustments and guidance) during class. She really does create a strong bond and sense of belonging with all her students, whether you’re a studio regular, a retreat participant, or even a beginner yogi. I sing Monica’s praises to all my yogi and yoga-curious friends and can’t recommend her highly enough!
Monica Landy
"Monica has touched my life, and in addition to deeply admiring her yoga practice, I’m honored to call her a friend."
I met Monica two years ago when I was novice yogi. As an athlete with 20+ years in competitive team sports, I was immediately humbled by the practice of yoga. Monica was welcoming and encouraging yet disciplined in her approach, and her classes have been instrumental in the development of my balance, flexibility and core strength. Our time together has been highlighted by a week-long retreat in Costa Rica in Summer 2024 which was an immersive and transformative experience. Monica has touched my life, and in addition to deeply admiring her yoga practice, I’m honored to call her a friend.
Jenna Kirschner
"I trust Monica. She is an expert. Her classes and her resplendent energy have helped me deal with stress in my life. She is always positive and unpretentious as she demonstrates the poses incorporating both spiritual and physical aspects of Yoga while simultaneously helping quiet down the minds chitter chatter."
I’m writing this to let you know what a wonderful yoga instructor Monica Shum is and how much attending her classes has helped me in a variety of ways!! Monica teaches 3 different classes at Lifetime: Root Hatha, Surrender Yin and Sol Guided Vinyasa. Each class is challenging in its own way. I love all of them and the flare with which Monica teaches them! Monica is very consistent in her instruction yet the same class will vary from week to week which challenges me in different ways from class to class. I trust Monica. She is always ready to offer support and hands on assistance to help tweak the poses when necessary. She is also great at giving praise when I am doing well and encouragement when I need a little extra push like a zen cheerleader. Monica knows her stuff. She is an expert. She is always positive and unpretentious as she demonstrates the poses incorporating both spiritual and physical aspects of Yoga while simultaneously helping quiet down the minds chitter chatter. Monica is a friend. She has shared some of her personal history with me as I have mine with her. This has definitely deepened our relationship and she and what I know of her life story are inspirational to me. I know we both see the light in each other and I love her energy! Monica’s classes have helped me in many ways. I have various nagging injuries and comprised body parts (multiple foot surgeries, bad left shoulder and neck) as well as recovering from a kidney stone surgery I had in February 2024. Her classes have helped lessen or eliminate various pain issues I’ve had to deal with for years and some newer ones that pop up here and there with my age and profession. Ironically the occasional discomfort I may feel in her classes brings great relief from various pain issues afterwards. Her classes and her resplendent energy have helped me deal with stress in my life. I have lived in NYC my entire life. I have been in the catering industry for 27 years and worked in restaurants for 10 years before that starting when I was 18. Basically born to serve. My father is 81 and after a very independent life he increasingly needs my help as he progresses into his twilight years. My beautiful and multitalented wife is a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and works full time while my work is a more seasonal, on call, freelance profession which means I take on most of the housework in between jobs. Our ambitious and equally beautiful daughter is almost 15 and doing incredibly well at the High School for American Studies in the Bronx which is one of the 9 specialized high schools in NYC. We are very proud of her! I mention all these personal details because while my life is a beautiful and fortunate one, to say the least, it is also very full and sometimes very stressful. After a class or two with Monica ( sometimes I do back to back sessions) I feel relaxed, peaceful, stronger, more open and happier! I recently did 6 classes over the course of 5 days with Monica and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt that fantastically well. I remember walking through Central Park, as I often do going to and from Lifetime Midtown, to meet my daughter and she was taken aback when she saw how much I was beaming with joy after the 6th class in 5 days. I think that says it all!!
Wiley Gambol