Yoga at the beach taken by my friend Dan

While working at Southern Living Magazine I mentioned my yoga practice to a few colleagues. Intrigued, they asked that I lead them in a lunchtime class. That class became a regular event and often my motivation for hopping out of bed on Mondays.

In April, I enrolled in the Birmingham Yoga Alliance’s teacher training program to feel “legit” as a teacher and to deepen my practice. While in training, I offer a free public class at the Jones Valley Urban Farm. We rise with roosters to meet at 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday. I know it’s early, but it’s worth it. Dawn is an auspicious time for yogis and surrounding yourself with the flora and fauna of the farm as well as frequent color displays from the rising sun, just make you feel good.

Because we meet so early, I go slow and let the body wake and prepare for the day. We usually spend a few minutes in mediation, followed by asana (poses) and more meditation. Most of my students are first-timers so if you’re new to the practice, you’ll find friends here. If you do join us, please bring a mat (I do have a few students who practice on burlap sacks or butcher block paper, and you can do that, but I recommend something to keep you from slipping). Wear clothes you can move in, and come prepared to let go.

I started practicing yoga in 2003 because I needed an “easy” credit to complete my course load while studying at Southern Utah University. Now 6 years later, my practice has become the one constant in my life. Yoga helps me stay balanced and in perspective. After practice I usually feel happy and connected to the earth. I think, “how could I sustain this feeling forever?” The answer is daily yoga, which I try to do when my ego doesn’t get in the way.

I’d love to meet and practice with you.

Namaste,

Kelsey