Mission Statement

The Soma Center is a community center, dedicated to conscious-living practices which impact individual and environmental health.

The Soma Story

In September 2008, the Coupland-Girling Family and the Soma Center became ONE. Erin Girling had long been interested in Yoga and is a life-long Vegetarian, so when the opportunity presented itself to run a business which combined these two ideals, she jumped at it. With her supportive parents, husband Rich and daughter Shanti at her side, she immersed herself in 'all things Soma' and is involved in every aspect of the Center. Continuing on from the good work by previous owner Scott Brown, Erin and Rich (with a lot of help and support!) have made The Soma Center a hub of conscious-people and conscious-choices. The Center now plays host to not just Yoga, but also a whole variety of Workshops, Live Seminars and Live Music. There is also an ever-growing selection of Eco-Products for Home and Family at the 'Simply Shanti Boutique', next to the cafe.

It was important to The Coupland-Girling's that the Soma Center reflected their morals. This can be seen in the 100% Cruelty Free Menu, the Positive Energy and Atmosphere surrounding the Center, and the "Yoga by Donation" principle. The morals of the Soma Center can be summed up in the Mission Statement.

The Coupland-Girling Family

Originally from Canada and England respectively, Erin and Rich have long been advocates of fitness and the environment. Erin, a yoga enthusiast and life-long vegetarian, has always felt strongly about creating a positive environment, where food can be made cruelty-free and people can relax, free from prejudice. Having obtained her B.A. in Psychology, she brings with her a great deal of understanding and empathy. Erin's husband, Rich, also has strong ideals about fairness and equality for all. With a B.A. in Foreign Languages, Rich has a passion for other cultures and traditions and is keen to promote acceptance of people's differences.

Erin's parents, Dana and Michael Coupland, are an unshakable foundation, supporting Erin and Rich in the running of The Soma Center. Dana, a Registered Nurse, embraces a holistic approach to healing and is a practitioner of Reiki and Healing Touch. Michael, a Psychologist with 30 years experience in the field, has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 30 years, and is a great advocate of acceptance and balance in life. Both Dana and Michael have been vegetarian for over 30 years and more recently have adopted the raw food lifestyle.

The Soma Center is not any one thing.  Nor is it about any one person or type of person.  The idea is to expose one to new ideas, new knowledge, new people, new forms movement, and a new sense of community.  None of this is possible with out the support and dedication of the people involved.  We are proud to have in our space many wonderfull and knowledgeable teachers, baristas, artisits, and musicans.   If you feel love and surround yourself with love, you will pass love onto others.   

We pay tribute to almost all of the people involved with the creation of The Soma Center.  Click here to visit the Art page to read about our featured artists and to find links to their respective sites.

The Soma Center Instructors -