About Us

Discover our story, our mission, and the teachers who make our community special.

Mindfully Rooted Yoga

Our Mission

"Provide a safe space for personal grounding and spiritual growth, through mindful use of movement, meditation, and plant medicines, to cultivate a world free from suffering."

Founded by Steve Walton, Mindfully Rooted Yoga embraces the true essence of yoga as a complete practice for mind, body, and spirit. We believe in the ancient mantra "Hari Om" - the removal of suffering - and guide students through all eight limbs of yoga, not just physical poses.

Our name reflects our commitment to helping students find stability and grounding through the full spectrum of yogic practices, establishing strong roots that nourish growth and personal transformation.

Here, yoga is more than movement - it's a pathway to present moment awareness and spiritual awakening.

Our Philosophy

We embrace a well-rounded yoga practice that honors all eight limbs of yoga from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Much of the transformative work happens off the mat, cultivating a yogic lifestyle throughout all aspects of our day.

Ancient Wisdom

We explore all eight limbs of yoga, learning how to develop and unite mind, body, and spirit through traditional practices and modern understanding.

Mindful Growth

Through breath-to-movement, meditation, and mindfulness practices, we create unique flows that promote present moment awareness and personal grounding.

Holistic Healing

We integrate movement, meditation, and mindful living practices to support complete wellness and spiritual growth in a safe, supportive environment.

Meet Steve

Your guide on the journey of mindful practice and spiritual growth.

Stephen Walton

Stephen Walton, RYT-200

Founder & Lead Instructor | Mindfulness-Based Psychedelic Guide

Steve has been practicing yoga since 2018, when he lived in Phoenix, AZ. He was first introduced to yoga as a way to improve physical health and well-being. This led to an exploration of the mind-body connection, and a realization of the benefits of yoga beyond physical practice.

Steve believes in a well-rounded yoga practice and has utilized the 8 limbs of yoga from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras to create unique flows and promote present moment awareness. Steve received his RYT-200 in Vinyasa Yoga from StudioB in Danville, PA in 2025, and is currently an instructor there.

He is also certified as a Mindfulness-Based Psychedelic Guide from the Medicinal Mindfulness Academy in Boulder, CO, where he learned the skills to safely guide others through plant medicine journeys.

Contact Steve Book a Class

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yoga is far more than physical postures. The eight limbs, or "Ashtanga" in Sanskrit, provide a comprehensive framework for living a meaningful and purposeful life.

1

Yamas (Ethical Restraints)

The foundation of yogic practice, these are ethical guidelines for how we interact with the world:

  • Ahimsa: Non-violence, compassion toward all beings
  • Satya: Truthfulness in thought, word, and action
  • Asteya: Non-stealing, not taking what isn't freely given
  • Brahmacharya: Energy conservation, moderation
  • Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness, contentment with what you have
2

Niyamas (Observances)

Personal practices that cultivate inner discipline and spiritual growth:

  • Saucha: Cleanliness of body, mind, and environment
  • Santosha: Contentment, finding joy in the present moment
  • Tapas: Disciplined practice, sustained effort
  • Svadhyaya: Self-study, spiritual learning
  • Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender to the divine, letting go of ego
3

Asana (Physical Postures)

The physical practice most people associate with yoga. Asanas prepare the body for meditation by creating strength, flexibility, and stability. The word literally means "seat," emphasizing the importance of finding steadiness and ease in both body and mind.

4

Pranayama (Breath Control)

The regulation and extension of breath to control life force energy (prana). Through conscious breathing practices, we can calm the nervous system, increase focus, and connect more deeply with our inner wisdom.

5

Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

The practice of turning attention inward, away from external distractions. This prepares the mind for deeper meditation by reducing our dependency on sensory stimulation and developing the ability to observe our thoughts without attachment.

6

Dharana (Concentration)

The practice of focusing the mind on a single object, thought, or concept. This could be the breath, a mantra, a visual image, or any point of focus that helps train the mind to stay present and undisturbed.

7

Dhyana (Meditation)

The sustained flow of concentration, where the effort of focusing transforms into an effortless state of awareness. In meditation, the separation between the observer, the process of observing, and the object of observation begins to dissolve.

8

Samadhi (Union/Enlightenment)

The ultimate goal of yoga practice - a state of complete absorption and unity. In samadhi, the individual self merges with universal consciousness, transcending the limitations of the ego and experiencing pure awareness and bliss.

Integration in Our Practice

At Mindfully Rooted Yoga, we honor all eight limbs in our approach. While our classes focus primarily on asana and pranayama, we weave in elements of mindfulness, ethical living, and meditation to support your complete well-being. Steve guides students not just in physical practice, but in understanding how yoga philosophy can transform daily life, relationships, and our connection to the world around us.