"My advice to perspective trainees would be to just go for it. I thought about teacher training for about 5 years before I did it and my only regret is not doing it sooner! Keep an open mind and open heart and you will be astonished by what you can find in this process. You will quickly learn there is so much more to yoga than poses on a mat- you will begin to see how much more life holds for you, understand your purpose and be changed for the rest of your life." - Kelly Byram
Kelly was a part of the 2016 Sunshine Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Summer Intensive and graduated with grace. She was attentive, focused and enthusiastic about her growth physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Since she studied some Eastern philosophy in college, during the philosophy classes in training she excelled in understanding the essence of the scriptures. Having a strong physical practice coming into the training, I watched her discipline grow on the mat as she constantly challenged herself with new poses, new variations and new experiences at local studios. Kelly is a strong woman who inspires everyone she comes in contact with.
Since graduating the training in August 2016, Kelly has already made a positive impact on the world. She teamed up with F.I.T. 4 All, an organization that supports the motto, "Take a workout, give a workout." They also collect slightly used exercise or yoga clothing to donate. F.I.T. 4 All is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that makes energy-boosting, happiness-building, disease-preventing, and quality-of-life-enhancing exercise more affordable and accessible. Hear Kelly talk about an event she lead in the fall of 2016.
When asked about her experience with Sunshine Yoga, here is what Kelly said...
"In all honesty, is difficult to express in words how incredible and life changing my 200-HR training was with Sunshine Yoga was. From the first day I felt connected with Jessica and the other trainees who became like my second family for the summer. Together we practiced asana, Sanskrit and the art of teaching a well thought out and meaningful class. However, we also spent a considerable amount delving deep into the practice and philosophy of yoga far beyond the poses. I was challenged to push myself physically, emotionally and spiritually while feeling supported and cared for each step of they way. The training I received was top-notch, I frequently receive feedback from students and other teachers that it is clear I’ve studied under a fantastic teacher.
"Currently, I am teaching Hot Vinyasa Yoga at a studio and Children’s Yoga in schools. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face is learning to pace myself and take care of me first. When I first began teaching I was so eager, which is a great attitude to have, but I quickly began to lack self-care and was teaching from an “empty cup.” I’m learning that in order to be a powerful teacher it is essential to be solid in your own practice and self-care. Sometimes that requires me to take a step back, trim down my schedule and stop trying to be “super yoga teacher.”
"My advice to perspective trainees would be to just go for it. I thought about teacher training for about 5 years before I did it and my only regret is not doing it sooner! Keep an open mind and open heart and you will be astonished by what you can find in this process. You will quickly learn there is so much more to yoga than poses on a mat- you will begin to see how much more life holds for you, understand your purpose and be changed for the rest of your life."
"In all honesty, is difficult to express in words how incredible and life changing my 200-HR training was with Sunshine Yoga was. From the first day I felt connected with Jessica and the other trainees who became like my second family for the summer. Together we practiced asana, Sanskrit and the art of teaching a well thought out and meaningful class. However, we also spent a considerable amount delving deep into the practice and philosophy of yoga far beyond the poses. I was challenged to push myself physically, emotionally and spiritually while feeling supported and cared for each step of they way. The training I received was top-notch, I frequently receive feedback from students and other teachers that it is clear I’ve studied under a fantastic teacher.
"Currently, I am teaching Hot Vinyasa Yoga at a studio and Children’s Yoga in schools. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face is learning to pace myself and take care of me first. When I first began teaching I was so eager, which is a great attitude to have, but I quickly began to lack self-care and was teaching from an “empty cup.” I’m learning that in order to be a powerful teacher it is essential to be solid in your own practice and self-care. Sometimes that requires me to take a step back, trim down my schedule and stop trying to be “super yoga teacher.”
"My advice to perspective trainees would be to just go for it. I thought about teacher training for about 5 years before I did it and my only regret is not doing it sooner! Keep an open mind and open heart and you will be astonished by what you can find in this process. You will quickly learn there is so much more to yoga than poses on a mat- you will begin to see how much more life holds for you, understand your purpose and be changed for the rest of your life."