I just continue to be blown away by the depth of this content and how well it is done. I learn something new with every video I watch, even though I have been through the videos before. I am able to immediately take the information to the mat. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you Dianne and Amber, this program and content is so wonderful. I am thrilled to be a part of it.
Don’t freak out if you are running behind or things come up. This content is available for a year and relevant to you and your practice for a lifetime. Take your time, take notes, experience the suggestions and use the group format to ask questions. Take the classes to your students, don’t rush through, you don’t have to. When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
-Connie Reichert
I remember when I first came to the mat, my struggles were real, my body got in my way, my breath was non existent. Fear almost made me quit. So when I became a teacher, I vowed to ensure this never happened in my classes. I want everyone to feel as though they are welcome to come as they are, and I’d be with them every step of the way. Learning about languaging my classes has been more difficult than I had expected, but the more I practice the more natural it becomes, so thank you for that. I have also learned as I put some of these practices into play, that you can’t always please everyone. Not all students will appreciate your style and that’s ok. Just staying true to myself, listening to my students needs, being there for them, addressing their needs and supporting them in anyway I can has been the defining moment for me as a teacher.”
-Tina Strieg
I have so many bigger bodied clients come to be and tell me they can’t do yoga and I always say ‘yes you can!’ and now I can really SHOW THEM!!! Do you have an idea what a blessing that is?! These modifications have been really amazing to learn for my own practice because I struggle with tender, tight joints. Sometimes it feels like I will never be able to get into certain poses and it kind of makes me sad. But now I know so many more modifications to help me baby step to get me there! So this training has not only helped me understand what it’s like doing yoga in a bigger body, but I can use these with people who have certain injuries (like my dad). His knees aren’t the best and now I know ways of getting around his excuses for not wanting to do yoga because of his knees! ? Words cannot describe how grateful I am. I feel like this training really helped me fill in the gaps where I was not feeling as confident in my teaching with modifications. I no longer have to feel nervous when a bigger bodied woman walks into my class or someone who has an injury. Thank you, thank you!!!”
-Ashley Looker
Thank you so much, Dianne–your belief in me is so meaningful! Your presence in my life has been life-changing in the most beautiful ways I also believe you probably have that effect on lots of people…you are a miraculous force of nature made almost entirely of Love!!!
Amazingly, after writing out my final on Friday–yesterday a new student walked into my Monday Ferguson class…a woman probably in her 60’s, about 300+ lbs, who told me she has had work done to almost all of her joints (especially, as she put it, 2 blown out knees)–and I KNEW it was going to be my ACTUAL final!I (of course) began by giving her a seed of happiness, then 2 blocks, a strap, and helped her place a chair on her mat. And this woman did absolutely EVERYTHING everyone else was doing…it was MIRACULOUS!!! It was the final I had turned in–living and breathing right before my very eyes!!! The modifications and adjustments came so easily to both of us, and the other Students didn’t even seem to notice that another Student was using a chair!
I cannot thank you enough–she was absolutely glowing after class (exhausted, but HAPPY)–and she signed up to continue practicing with us! Without you and Amber, I might not have had any idea how to Teach this beautiful woman–and I am so grateful. So. GRATEFUL! ~
-Margeua Steinau
I got my Certificate last week! I didn’t check in here immediately to say that I still learn something new every single time I watch, because I was finalizing details for my first retreat. I hadn’t had the courage to book it before, but I know I am informed and ready and can teach any body that wants to join me. Thanks Dianne and Amber for this amazing work. Beyond grateful!
-Melissa Hite
Sooooo last night a subbed a gentle restorative yoga class at a studio where I taught a tween/teen series. For the past several months I’ve been having chronic pain in my knees & foot which have taken a toll on me physically, emotionally, mentally etc. So I sat in my car before the class trying to get in a good frame of mind & ground myself in positivity for the students who will be sitting in class in front of me….I used the “prayer for my class” that Amber shared ???. Was perfect & then as I was checking people in & greeting them, there was a woman who was brand new to the studio & in a bigger body, and was visibly nervous about being there…asked me “Are you the teacher?” & when I answered that I was, her whole demeanor changed & she said “Yes!!!!” ? I guess no matter what we’re feeling, we are responsible for what energy we bring into a space, because it has an impact! Have a great day everyone ?
– JoAnne Kazis
This community is f@$*ing BEAUTIFUL. Every one of are an inspiration to me. You make my heart so FULL!
That is all, carry on! ❤️?-Michelle Lewis
Finished Week 1!!! Great FAQ!! I tend to have a lot of students with wrist issues so I appreciated the confirmation that I am helping in a compassionate way with props. I frequently say these(props) are tools NOT crutches.
BUT I LOVE the idea of asking the whole class to use the blocks in a flow just to feel it differently. I love to slow down too. Sometimes we get to the point of trying to be so creative that we forget we can Use a slow Sun Salutation based class sequence. I get great feedback when we do this. Thank you.
Namaste.
-Victoria Lynn
I just finished the first video, have 7 pages of notes, and am completely blown away by the abundance of wisdom Dianne and Amber have offered in just this first video! I’m feeling so grateful, and hopeful about the impact my teaching can make. Thank you!
-Barb Hamel
Wow! All I can say is wow and I’m inspired. Lesson one module one was like hearing things I may have already heard but for the first time. You ladies teach from your hearts and your passion comes out through your words. This class will most definitely help me be a better me but also a better teacher to everyone. I’m inspired!! Thank you!!!
-Kellie Tucker Caswel
I am feeling so motivated and connected to my heart today. I was able to use some things I learned from Module 1 in my class last night and look forward to using more in my class tonight! I was happy to realize that I am already using some of your suggestions in my classes. Example: acknowledging own genetic privilege. I am able to reach past my feet in paschimottanasana- but ONLY because my legs are very short and my torso/upper body is longer than my legs/lower body. When I tell my students that, I often see relief and acceptance. It is wonderful. Can’t wait to keep learning. THANK YOU Dianne & Amber!
-Emily Walkup
I am 16 minutes into module 1, and have 4 pages of notes!! I feel like I am only now emerging l and seeing clearly. I have had a lot of these thoughts before, struggling with a positive body image myself. But Dianne, the way you communicate them brings new life and consciousness to Self. If I retain even the 7% that you mention, I will be a changed teacher…and person. I struggle so much with compassion for Self and accepting my limitations.
-Kristin Frank
The first module has left me with lots of thoughts. I pride myself on being a positive difference maker, compassionate nonjudgmental helper but yet I judge my belly, thighs and buttocks. I therefore judge other bodies too. I liked so many things about the first lessons…. a self compassion study, all bodies are capable of health and wellness. Leave them in their greatness. Lots of thoughts last night and still here this morning. Thanks love my expansion ?
-Beth Barrineau Ward
I finished listening to session #1. I really enjoyed your style of teaching very easy on the ears and easy to follow.
There are so many jewels in this program. I know my level of teaching after this 5 weeks is going to be at 150 %!! They say when the student is ready the teacher will show…..
I Am A PHAT BODY YOGA TEACHER♡♡-Desiree Odom
Hi my name is Kathryn. I’ve known far too many people who didn’t come to yoga because they felt they were unworthy of the practice for one reason or another. I’m grateful for this training. I’m so excited about it. Thank you Dianne Bondy andAmber Karnes for the opportunity to explore making yoga more and more diverse/accepting/loving/compassionate/aware/awesome.
♡♡-Kathryn Ashworth
I love, love ,love the idea of Play Time during a yoga practice!! Why didn’t I think of that?? ?lol! What a great way to allow students to explore in there own time with a little extra instruction if they need it!! This is a great concept. Can’t wait to try it out in my class?? Dianne Bondy, is this some thing you do for every yoga class?
-Kim Murdoch-Makin
I LOVE the “Mat is where I have a cease-fire zone with my body.” When I am assisting there is always someone who is apologizing for their body not doing exactly what they think it should be doing. I offer to them that their mat is their traveling home and that they should do exactly what feels right to them just as they would in their own living room. It’s a good thing to remind myself as well. Great lesson today. Thank you!
-Elizabeth Sosne
Oh! Emm! Geee! Just finished listening to M1L1. I have the biggest case of the feels right now! I will have to listen again and again!
-Kristen McCutcheon
I am so excited! I can’t tell you how relieved I am. I always doubt myself as a teacher even though my students love my classes.
Thank you so much again for this amazing training and experience! I absolutely love listening to your ideas and advice!
I am grinning from ear to ear!! Love to you and Amber!!
Be blessed,-Kim Makin
Thank you both so much for this offering. The program itself and the strong, supportive Yoga for All community provide a space for inclusiveness, compassion, contemplation, learning, and creativity. Over the course of the program, my love and passion for teaching was re-ignited. I feel more creative and empowered moving forward!” – Kerry