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!
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About the AuthorKayleighWriter, energy healer, astrologer, nerd, animal enthusiast, naturopath in training. Archives
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