Tom and Daphne Larkin founded LarkinYoga as a representation/brand for the creative vision of their life’s work. Yoga has become not only a daily practice on the mat, but also a way of life for them. Their rich life experiences have cultivated and informed their yoga practice and teaching. Recognizing that we are all products of our experiences, they offer a yoga practice that speaks to people from all walks of life – including business professionals, professional athletes, musicians, dancers, and artists as well as new and experienced yogis. They offer group classes, privates, workshops and tailored yoga programs for individuals that are in harmony with the demands of everyday life. They reside in Nashville, TN and when not hosting workshops and retreats around the country, they teach at their studio Sanctuary for Yoga, Body & Spirit.
As a teaching team, Daphne and Tom offer a truly unique experience. Balancing both shiva and shakti energies, honoring the masculine and the feminine, they complement each other perfectly. They encourage students of all levels, from beginning to advanced, to discover their own practice in a way that is both challenging and inspiring. Tom's infectious spirit and steady strength is empowering and brings out the courageous heart in all students. Daphne's sequences and unique approach to unlocking the layers of the body helps students open to the natural grace and depth of their practice. They teach from the heart and honor the divine potential in everyone.
Daphne came to yoga through her two passions – music and dance. In dance, she experienced movement as an expression of the soul. In yoga, she discovered an even deeper connection. Her diverse studies have enriched her yoga practice and shaped her own unique style of teaching which deeply honors the wisdom of the body.
Registered through Yoga Alliance, Daphne has been teaching since 2001 and has studied Iyengar, Anusara, Ashtanga and Vinyasa traditions. She holds a 1,000-hour certification from the Southern Institute of Yoga Instructors and a Vinyasa Flow certification from Shiva Rea, whom she is honored to assist in workshops around the country. Daphne's teaching has also been influenced by her work with many other senior teachers including Dharma Mittra, Ramanand Patel, Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden and David Swenson.
Daphne’s fluid sequences and intuitive approach to unlocking the layers of the body help students open to the natural grace and depth of their practice. She encourages students to come to yoga with an open heart and guides them toward a joyful practice that honors the potential within us all.
In 2004, Daphne co-founded Sanctuary for Yoga, Body & Spirit in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Tom. She teaches group classes and private sessions, and leads workshops throughout the United States.
The purpose of yoga is to enact a change…be that in the way we think, act, or live. A teacher is here to be a guide and help you navigate these changes. To walk with you down your own path to a greater Self.
Tom came to yoga after many years in the business world creating visual art, playing sports, performing music, studying philosophy, and earning an Art degree from Belmont University. Through the encouragement of one of his first teachers, John Charping, Tom enrolled in the Southern Institute for Yoga Instructors' 1000-hour teacher training program and received his certification at the end of the 13 month long program. In addition, Tom is certified in Vinyasa Flow Yoga by his teacher Shiva Rea and gives pranams to her for continually guiding him to new levels of personal change. Among many other teachers and guides, Tom has also had the pleasure to work with, learn from, and experience the rajasic jnana (passionate knowledge) of Ramanand Patel, Patricia Walden, Erich Shiffman, Mark Whitwell, David Swenson, Martin and Jordan Kirk, and Simon Park.
All of these experiences have brought Tom a greater sense of Self - mentally, physically, and spiritually - which he strives to help others achieve both on the mat and in life.
Tom is co-founder, with his wife Daphne, of Sanctuary for Yoga, Body and Spirit and manages the day to day activities of the studio. When not at the studio or on a yoga mat, Tom runs his web design business, t.a.l. imagers and enjoys spending time with Daphne and their four "furry children", Emma, Fi, Zeus, and Jala.
