Yoga Strong

Finding your audience, your confidence, and your voice as a yoga teacher is a process. It means a whole lot of learning--how to lead a room, how to sequence well, how to trust the practice and ourselves, and so much more. And it means doing a lot of stuff wrong so we can learn to do stuff right.  Today we're gonna talk about how to begin.  Weekly stories by email from Bonnie HERE Connect with...

When we talk about what it means to "engage" in yoga class, what do we actually mean? Do our students understand? How do we want them to be moving?  And is engagement something we should all be teaching?  Today, we explore the concept of engagement and the nuances of teaching it, including the importance of the language we choose, the assumptions we make, and some of the influences of ou...

Change is inevitable in life and so is death. Of relationships, loved ones, dreams, versions of ourselves. Today I reflect on some of what I've been navigating the last several months and share some of what I've been learning along the way--about letting go, holding grief and joy together, and the urgency of living.   As my friend Joy Sullivan writes in one of her poems, "There&apos...

"I work with my body and not against it." I started saying this phrase while deep in the worst pain of my life.  Today I share a personal experience with chronic pain, that has reshaped my understanding of wellness and the importance of listening to our bodies--a practice of paying attention that builds self-trust and helps to us to better find flow.  Weekly stories by email from Bonnie...

Today we explore the craft of teaching, and the patience, creativity, and personal development in the journey.  I share ten actionable missions for yoga teachers to enhance their craft, focusing on observation, storytelling, the significance of repetition in teaching, and more. We also talk about the brand new Flow School Membership, where you can go deep with my creative sequencing method and mee...

Magnetizing the room as a yoga teacher is an art. It's in your presence and tone, the ways you meet and hold students, how you build trust.   Today we explore some ways to create a welcoming environment that supports students to feel connected and empowered, and eager for more. Weekly stories by email from Bonnie HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram , Email ( hello@bonnieweeks.com ), Website P...

The nature of yoga practice and teaching are always evolving, shaped by innovation, personal expression, and diversity. But as teachers we can face challenges when introducing new methods in our classes and studios. And it can feel hard to find our unique voice and approach and to stay grounded in them. This is why I love Flow School, and why so many teachers do too: it's a way to find both g...

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...