Ahava Shira

Ahava Shira, PhD, is a writer, performer and art-based community educator. 

As an adolescent, Ahava wore orthopedic braces to stop a growing scoliosis curve, and at 17 had spinal fusion surgery. 

Over the 30 years since her surgery, she credits her practice of writing and other forms of creative expression, as well as her focus on meditation, yoga, dance and healthy eating, with keeping her body and mind flexible and strong.

Co-author of Writing Alone Together: Journalling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection, Ahava is a dynamic, intuitive and imaginative facilitator with over 25 years experience creating safe spaces for creative self-discovery and personal reflection. She brings a unique combination of skills, knowledge and training to her work as a creative mentor and arts-based community educator.

Through her PhD in Language & Literacy Education, Ahava created Loving Inquiry, an arts-based and heart-based practice which supports the development of self-awareness and self-love. 

Working with Ahava will support you to find voice and meaning in your experience of scoliosis and spinal fusion. Ahava’s warm and accepting presence will also release emotions from past trauma, cultivate compassion for yourself and others, and nurture inner peace.