Yoga Strong

Recently I gathered together in my hometown with my dad and siblings , and we went through my mom's things. It's been six months since she passed and it was time.  It was a beautiful and intimate weekend and it reminded me of our impermanence, and the importance of paying attention to our lives, to do what lights us up, and the need to create a life filled with beauty and meaning.  Weekl...

Steph and Rachel are back for another yoga studio owners roundtable. Today we explore some current challenges faced by studio owners, the importance of fostering trust, connection, and growth within communities, and the impact of current social and political climates on business.  Connect on Instagram: Rachel , Seeking Space Yoga , and Yin Yoga Space Steph and Santosha Yoga Collective Previous epi...

Today I'm sharing about a practice I've had for years that you might find kinda cringe and that's been hugely impactful in my life: mirror work.  Literally looking at and seeing myself in the mirror has helped me to see and meet more of my whole self. I've used mirror work practices to connect more deeply to my emotions, to cultivate self-confidence and body celebration, and to...

I know I'm doing something right when I hear from people that they don't like something I'm doing. It means I'm being big enough and loud enough.  Big enough and loud enough that the ones who are for me can find me, and that the ones aren't, can fall away or find someone else to learn from. This can feel hard and vulnerable and it's also a way can all win.  Weekly sto...

This episode serves as a call to action for aspiring and current studio owners to step up, lead with authenticity, and create spaces for freedom and movement. Leadership is a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and trust and community building, and so much more.  It's common to feel self doubt, and navigating it also helps us to find our own unique voice--what's essential in leader...

How do we integrate spirituality into movement-focused classes like yoga? And how do we do that in ways that are authentic? And what does spirituality even mean?  Today I share some ways I approach these questions, and how I combine a practice of paying attention off the mat with storytelling, to create moments of connection to self and spirit during class.  Weekly stories by email from Bonnie HER...

Paying attention to students is crucial for effecting teaching. Demoing is important, too, but it shouldn't overshadow student observation. Today we explore some ways to find the balance, and I share with you what I call my "95% rule."   Weekly stories by email from Bonnie HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram , Email ( hello@bonnieweeks.com ), Website Produced by : Grey Tanner

Y'all. This past week my Instagram reached 100,000 followers! While reaching a certain number has never felt important to me, it does mean something: that a whole lot of you are choosing to show up to be with me and my weird-ass self. I'm celebrating that. And I'm reflecting on the process of this growth and the community we've been building, and all the things.  Today I share...

I'm in the process of a spiritual homecoming and it's got me reflecting a lot--on self-awareness, change and personal growth, and creating space for the kind of honesty and self-care that supports it all. i'm reminded of how we are here to be awake to our lives and, if we want to be leaders and caretakers, we have to give to ourselves so we can give to others.  Weekly stories by ema...

Rachel Brooks and Steph Alston are back for another installment of our yoga studio owners roundtable. These are conversations about the real stuff involved in owning and running a studio. Some of what we explore today: The importance of sustainable business models, long-term planning, effective communication, and asking for help. Steph also shares about her decision and process to take on a busine...

Today I share my reflections on the past year, a big death and rebirth year for me. And I look ahead to 2025 that I've named my year of play.  This past year has taught me a lot about love, transformation, and the importance of authenticity. About the sacrifices necessary for growth, the discomfort of being new, and the transformative power of grief. And the joy that can be found in new begin...

I've named 2025 as my Year of Play and I'm inviting y'all to join me! I'm so excited to share today about The Play Experiment, a month-long experience that's all about building a life where play is part of the everyday. I'm joined by my friend and collaborator, Grey Tanner--a soul and somatic embodiment artist, teacher, and mentor (and queen of play!)--who I've i...

This conversation goes deep and wide!  Today we talk about curiosity and bravery in personal growth. Womanhood and leadership. The roles sensuality and sexuality play in understanding ourselves. Navigating relationships and self-image. And the importance of embracing vulnerability through it all.  Weekly stories by email from Bonnie HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram , Email ( hello@bonnieweeks.c...

How we we cultivate authenticity? And why do we need it on social media? Some of the ways I've learned we do it: by facing fears, claiming our voices, playing, and experimenting. And to do a lot of that, we have to give ourselves permission.  For me, authenticity is about being more of you , not imitating others. And when a lot in the world encourages us to be like others, to fit in boxes, we...

What does it mean to have an advanced yoga practice? Or to teach one? What does it mean for teachers? Today we explore some of the subjectivity of what constitutes an advanced practice, the importance of recognizing one's individual needs, and the role of teachers in guiding students.  Weekly stories by email from Bonnie HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram , Email ( hello@bonnieweeks.com ), W...

Alignment--whether in yoga or in life--is not about straight lines, or a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead it's about finding the balance between structure and flow and exploring how each individual's experience and body shape their practice (and their life).  In today's conversation, I delve into the significance of clear cues in teaching, the necessity of foundational knowledge,...

Today I'm sharing about a couple big experiences--my first time traveling overseas, and to teach Flow School in Switzerland!--and how those weave with a larger conversation about imposter syndrome, and what it means to grow as a teacher and human.  I also explore the the significance of trust in teaching, how we cultivate inclusivity, balancing planning and play, and why creative sequencing a...

In this conversation, we welcome Steph Alston and Rachel Brooks back to the podcast, and discuss the intricacies of studio ownership, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and community aspects involved. We explore current problems in their businesses, the importance of grants and funding, sustainability in operations, and the significance of communication and connection within the studio env...

The last several weeks have been so big. I'm back to the podcast after a hiatus, to share some of what I've been navigating--including immense grief and loss after the unexpected death of my mother.  This season has been reminding me of the importance of kindness, and celebrating life and the complexity of emotions. And it's been reminding me that we are all fighting unseen battles....

Life is good at surprising us and yet, as teachers and leaders, we're in positions of service, where we must show up for our students even when we're struggling. It can be complex to navigate the taking care of ourselves and others.  So how can we balance the needs of our students while creating safe spaces for authenticity and vulnerability in our teaching? Do we always have to "ha...

Last week I returned from hosting a co-ed retreat on the Oregon coast, that I called Celebrate Your Whole Damn Self. And it was beautiful and full of magic and play and deep connection. And it was an experience that was co-created.  Today I talk about that, and of the power of creating spaces--where we can breathe, and be, and flow and celebrate more of who we are. And of the magic of coming toget...

Entrepreneurship is a journey that involves challenges, successes, and continuous learning. And for aspiring entrepreneurs, there's so much to consider.  Today, I share some of what I've learned and experienced in my first five years in business, including the importance of experimentation and trusting yourself, how I've found joy in the building process, and the role authenticity p...

Today I did something big and wild, that I've never done before, and it's got me thinking about the importance of trying new things, and their impacts on us as teachers and leaders.  I wasn't in this experience alone. And it's also got me thinking about trust and support as we guide others. And about the importance of grounding and integration after trying something new.  Weekl...

Today we're talking about amplifiers--meaning people, things, situations that help others grow, become bigger, or extend.  I'm here to amplify others. And I'm here to create spaces that support amplification.  I think so much of that comes through being honest with ourselves, and being curious and brave, and owning our voices--because that creates space for others to do the same.  W...

I'm into doing things a little different and I'm also into people who are doing things in different ways. Kate McKenzie, of YTT Design Lab, helps yoga teachers design and refine their teacher training programs. She joins me today to talk about the intersection of yoga and business, creativity and trailblazing, and what it means to design meaningful learning experiences.  To connect with...