Tell me a little bit about your yoga journey from the beginning. I was first really exposed to yoga in college as a part of my curriculum. I believe it to have been divine intervention; Yoga became a way I could pray and surrender the uncontrollable when words failed. During teacher training, I developed my life's mission statement: to embrace and free wholeness within each heart I encounter. I teach yoga with the intention of providing a sacred space where each individual is free to practice and be just as they are. What's it like to be a part of the RYL community? Wonderful! I was immediately welcomed and already feel as if I have known many of these people for years. Growing up in the Roswell/Woodstock area, I have a heart for this city and for each life that resides within. I am thrilled to be a part of this community. Did you ever see yourself teaching yoga when you started practicing? When did you know that you were called to teach? I never saw myself teaching strictly yoga. As a dance instructor I incorporated yoga as part of our warm-up and cool-down routines, but it wasn't until I saw emotional and mental breakthroughs that I was convinced I needed to teach yoga with intention. What does yoga mean to you? Yoga to me is a lifestyle, a way of being and perceiving the world. I'm not perfect at it by any means, but it has taken my physical health, my faith, and my emotional well-being to heights I didn't think were possible. What is the most magical thing about yoga? Watching one of my students have a breakthrough! Whether physically attaining a pose they have been working so hard to achieve, or mentally by leaving a class at peace, or spiritually in their walk with God and how they relate via yoga. Why do people especially need yoga in their lives? Oh, so many reasons! The physical benefits, for starters, are incredible. Yoga provides people a means of proactively dealing with stress, giving themselves the grace to be without being overcome. I have found a deeper and more intentional way to commune with God by using yoga as a physical manifestation of prayer. This month we are shifting the focus on peace with yoga. In what ways does yoga bring more peace and tranquility in your life? Yoga brings a deeper sense of peace to my life because it has given me the tools to sit still and let go of things that are out of my control. It provides me an escape from the chaos of life to restore and revive before stepping out again to engage with the world. What is your favorite music to practice to, and why? In a class like vinyasa or power I like to use upbeat and uplifting songs to lighten the mood. For a yin or restorative, I bring in nurturing music to set the tone. I usually end each class with instrumental music, nature sounds, or silence as a way of bringing the focus back to the breath, prayer and intention. What 3 words would describe your life outside of your yoga practice? Fast-paced, people-oriented, and whole-hearted What is your greatest guilty pleasure? Eating gluten free pizza in bed while watching Netflix! Anything your students ought to know about you? I am very approachable. If you have questions, I would love to hear! I become a better teacher and my students become better at their practices when I have feedback. |
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Did you ever see yourself teaching yoga when you started practicing? When did you know that you were called to teach?
Not at first. I really didn’t like to get up in front of people and public speaking was definitely not my idea of a good time. I did always kind of feel like I would be a teacher in some capacity in my life, but teaching yoga was not on that list. It wasn’t until I started teaching Ashtanga yoga that I really began to enjoy teaching and felt like I was on the right path. What does yoga mean to you? Union, Connection, All is One What is the most magical thing about yoga? The stillness I feel and the connection that I have everyday when I step on my mat. The way it teaches me everything I need to know, and the gratitude that I feel after practice continuing throughout my day. Why do people especially need yoga in their lives? "Practice, practice, practice…all is coming" - Pattabhi Jois This month we are extending our reach to the community through festivals and unique classes. What are your favorite ways to get involved in the yoga community? I like to practice with and meet like minded people. When I am in a group of yogis, I feel like it is exactly where I belong! What is your favorite music to practice to, and why? I prefer to practice with no music. There is something really powerful about practicing in silence with the loudest sound being your breath. Like Sharath says, “Silence is the only method to bring peace”. What 3 words would describe your life outside of your yoga practice? Family, Outdoors, Travel. What is your greatest guilty pleasure? Binge watching drama series on Netflix or Hulu! Anything your students ought to know about you? I am very passionate about the tradition of Ashtanga yoga. I believe and have witnessed the benefits when practiced as prescribed. When you follow the lineage, you know what to do, where to look, how to breath, so there is no question. You just do it-- and it works!
The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body." -Jason CrandellAfter every yoga class, something magical happens; your body feels lighter, more vibrant, and longer than it had before you rolled out your mat. The resistance of daily stress and tension of upcoming demands dissolves as quickly as your first exhale into sun salutations; your mind, body, and heart are suddenly relieved of the modern day "slump!" If you're like me, you're probably feeling a lot like the woman up there-- happy, lighthearted, and giddy!
Not surprisingly, it takes investments and time to cultivate such a natural sensation-- the achy back and anxiety do not cost us a penny in today's world. Wouldn't it be nice if it were the other way around? Gurucharan Singh Khalsa, PhD, wrote that "happiness is our birthright [..] each of us is given everything we need to be happy and fulfilled. The greatest lie in our culture is the one that says you are broken, incomplete and need something outside to give you happiness." With more mindfulness based practices gaining more momentum and popularity, we're beginning to realize the impact that gentle reminders have on our well being. Health is wealth, not the other way around! A job may provide material wealth to fulfill your material needs, while your internal needs are neglected in favor of a perceived urgency to deliver a material assignment to a conglomerate that is outside your reach. Imagine the impactful change that direct and mindful work can employ for hundreds of thousands of people across the planet-- by shifting the focus from that to this, we can start to design a world that is rich with motivated and inspired people working with drive in their mind and their heart! Why are you your greatest occupation? Because, at the end of the day, how you feel about yourself will directly influence your behavior and decisions. How you show up for others, at work, and in the community will evolve into your mindset and perception of who you are at the core. What makes your heart sing with happiness? How are you incorporating hobbies, passions or dreams into your daily life? Which decisions can create an abundant balance in your mental bank account? By choosing more of these decisions, your physical bank account will begin to transform. No longer will you feel tormented by the impending responsibilities and obstacles that lie ahead of you-- you will instead feel prepared and able to weather any storm that may come. Gurucharan Singh Khalsa touches on the importance of a healthy mindset as your starting point in daily life. "A meditative mind is essential to be perpetually happy and is one of your built in capacities. The only challenge is that it is not automatic. You must do some practice to evoke it, train it, and cultivate it. It is your hidden genie—your inner power to go beyond conflicts and enjoy every moment of life, to express your uniqueness and be happy. When you are awake and conscious, you can develop an attitude of hope, victory, joy, gratitude and contentment. You can be perpetually happy." The next time you're in yoga class, try to catch yourself sliding into the slippery slope of Stressville, or Tension Trail. Remind yourself of the valuable experiences in life that condition and strengthen your mind, body and spirit. There's only one occupation that you can't afford to resign, and it's you. “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” -Mahatma Gandhi Every year, on April 22nd, the world stops to honor and celebrate the ecosystems and environmental miracles at work everyday to sustain life and provide valuable resources for those who inhabit it. Last year, we reflected on simple, yet effective, ways to celebrate Earth Day that are fun for not only you, but your friends and family as well! As we step forward into another year, it’s important to stop and celebrate a birthday of sorts for Mother Earth! Honoring that which we depend on every single day can dramatically improve your quality of life and be a limitless source of happiness. The Ripple Effect of Change Whether you’re working with dirt in the garden, hiking in your local park or forest, or researching a new form of environmental science, there’s no doubt that the impact of every choice we make to preserve life here on Earth can multiply over time. In today’s world, every choice matters; arctic ice is melting at a rate we’ve never seen, species are struggling to survive in the changing atmosphere, and our quality of life is declining in response to environmental degradation. Though it may feel overwhelming, grandiose steps are not necessary to be a positive source of change and evolution. Yoga and Earth Day This year, we encourage you to incorporate the same positive actions in your daily life, starting with your yoga practice. Find those moments of bliss when you’re watering a sprouting plant in Savasana (Corpse pose); similarly to any restorative pose, nourishing the soil is the same as nourishing the body. Leaning into Ustrasana (Camel pose), channel the strength you have when climbing a steep hill during a hike or bike ride. Setting your intention before a yoga practice is as insightful as studying sustainability, learning new and challenging truths about yourself and the world around you.We Exude Our Attitude
In order to save the world, we must be willing to save ourselves. Just like when the flight attendants announce that you must adjust your oxygen mask before you help others, taking the time to sustain and balance your own heart is the key to sharing that sustainability with the world. Today, we are excited to incorporate small acts of loving kindness to the Earth through smarter choices: meatless meals (like these recipes) to cut down on the 33% of global water waste, reusable cups to avoid landfill crowding, choosing natural alternatives to cosmetics and cleaners, and walking instead of driving for a 1 or 2 mile commute. To avoid losing sight of what’s truly important for the long haul, we’re integrating such compassionate acts on the mat. What courageous act of self-care will you infuse with the power of Earth Day kindness? How do you reflect on the power of the planet during this time? Share your comments, stories, and ideas with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #rylwellwed and #roswellyogalife! |
About the AuthorKayleighWriter, energy healer, astrologer, nerd, animal enthusiast, naturopath in training. Archives
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