Hala Khouri

What I Believe

I am optimistic about the future and I refuse to believe we can’t heal and build a loving community. I know trauma can be transmuted into growth and that as we free ourselves up to be fully present with all of our shared humanity, we can dream a new world together. I think this work needs to happen on the personal, interpersonal, and collective level, and it must be embodied. Our liberation is tied; recognizing this and taking care of each other is the most important work we can do!

My Education

B.A. Psychology, Columbia University M.A. Counseling Psychology M.A. Community Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute Trained in Somatic Experiencing Ph.D. in Progress, Depth Psychology, Community, Liberation, & Ecopsychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute

What I Do

I have been teaching yoga and movement for over 25 years (starting as a fitness instructor at 16!) and I’ve been doing clinical work with people living with trauma, depression, anxiety, or navigating life transitions for over 15 years. I train clinicians, yoga teachers, educators, and non-profit staff to be trauma-informed and healing- and justice-centered in their work through Collective Resilience (a training program I co-founded) and A Thousand Joys. I am an adjunct professor at Pitzer College where I teach a Critical Community Engagement course. I love to facilitate spaces of transformative learning. I lead trauma-informed yoga trainings nationwide and offer my own 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program in Los Angeles.

Radical Wellbeing

I also have a small and sweet online community program called Radical Wellbeing, where you can practice with me and connect with others who are committed to healing in community. Through this program, I support people on their journey to peace.

My Book

My book *Peace from Anxiety: Get Grounded, Build Resilience and Stay Connected Amidst the Chaos* (Shambhala Publications) was released in April 2021. It’s about empowering people to build resilience and stay grounded in the midst of life’s chaos.

Off the Mat, Into the World

I am a co-founder of *Off the Mat, Into the World* (OTM), a training organization that bridges yoga and activism within a social justice framework. I started OTM in 2010 with Seane Corn and Suzanne Sterling. This is a passion project, and we have seen thousands of people get inspired to get involved in activism as a result of our programs. Our mission is to get people to take their yoga practice off the mat and use it to change the world.

My Home Life

I live in Venice, CA with my two sons, a dog, a frog, and a small snake. Teaching is one of my favorite things to do, and I still teach public yoga classes weekly. Sharing movement, healing, and connection with my community is what gets me out of bed every day.