Hi, I'm Shannon.

I help folks use their movement, meditation, and self-care practices to reconnect to their whole selves. I am a fat, white, non-binary, and neurodivergent sociologist, yoga educator, and activist.

I am currently living and working in Toronto on Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Haudenosaunee, Mississauga, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation land.

My Story

Hi! I'm Shannon Kaneshige.

I help folks use their movement, meditation, and ritual practices to reconnect to their whole selves.

I spent years trying to make myself smaller in so many ways--my body, my personality, my dreams--because I believed the lies that society told me about who I needed to be in order to be successful, accepted, and happy. Truthfully I can't tell you exactly what changed, other than I was tired of feeling alone and broken. I was homesick for myself.

It started with slowly accepting my body as it was, reconnecting through movement, self-study, and self-compassion. I began to take up the space around me unapologetically. Then it became easier to take up space with my ideas and words, and I realized I could have big dreams and tell big truths. I could feel myself becoming more whole--more ME.

The more space I took up and the more I shared my experience, the more realized I wasn't alone. This is when Fringe(ish) began, a space for those of us who had been pushed to the margins, who were told we weren't enough, or were too much. We all deserve to be our whole selves and find community that accepts us as we are.

Now I help others take up space through movement, self-study, and self-care.

What to expect in class

Never any diet or intentional weight loss talk.
Fat and disabled folks are always centered in cueing and discussion.
Classes are trauma sensitive and LGBTQIA+ positive.
You can keep your camera off if that is how you are comfortable practicing.
You are encouraged to take agency in your practice by taking breaks when needed, asking questions, and practicing things other than what is offered if you feel lead to.

Need my bio?

Shannon Kaneshige is a yoga practitioner, educator, fat activist, and sociologist. As an E-RYT 500, they have become known for their expertise in teaching diverse body types and creating options for folks of all mobility levels. Shannon helps folks use their movement, meditation, and self-care practices to reconnect with their whole selves.

Shannon lives in what is now known as Toronto with their partner and child. They hold a master's degree in sociology from Roosevelt University and are a registered yoga teacher, teaching public classes and other teachers. You can find them at fringeish.com.

Education & Training

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

Training (14 hours+)

Restorative Yoga for Long Covid, Monisha Raja (2023)
The Path to Yoga, Justice and Equity 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Dianne Bondy (2022)
Accessible Yoga Training with Jivana Heyman & Amber Karnes, Virtual (2020)
Yoga For All Training with Dianne Bondy & Amber Karnes, Virtual (2020)
Social Justice & Equity in Yoga with Tobias Wiggans, Yogaspace, Toronto (2020)
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Kathryn Beet, Hali Schwartz, and Jessica Ullathorne, Yogaspace, Toronto (2019)

Education

Master of Arts, Sociology, Roosevelt University, Chicago (2011)
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Minor: African American Studies, Roosevelt University, Chicago (2010)

Affiliations

Accessible Yoga Ambassador

Yoga for All Certified Teacher

Yoga and Body Image Coalition- Community Partner

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities to create community. Let's connect.

hello@fringeish.com