I am very excited to continue collaborating with the vibrant, thriving, and giving Kelli Russell. Kelli teaches at Vinyasa Arts and Yoga Six Carlsbad where she shares her love of yoga and giving back to enrich the lives of her community. In anticipation of our upcoming class this Saturday, April 9 at Vinyasa Arts and The Retreat April 23-24, I asked five questions about her journey. Enjoy!
1.) Tell me about your personal journey with yoga. Why is it important to you?
I started doing yoga about 11 years ago for exercise at my gym. I felt so alive – strong, powerful, vibrant – and it really smoothed out my mind. I had my Masters in Counseling, and I had completed about 1500 hours interning, working towards licensure. Talk therapy was difficult…the mind is so tricky with resistance and denial. Then I really started observing people in yoga. Many walked in with slumped shoulders and downcast eyes, but an hour later left with chest lifted, bright, shining eyes and a smile! It was like magic! Yoga has this way of circumventing the mental road blocks that we put up. I knew that I could help more people within a 1 hour class than with years of talk therapy. I decided to become a full-time yoga instructor, and I’ve never looked back! It’s important to me because I want to help people live the best life imaginable. When I was a kid I saw lots of adults in relationships where they didn’t seem to like the other person, and in jobs where they were miserable – in general, not enjoying life. Not only did I swear that wouldn’t be me, but I want to help others do the same.
2.) When did you first begin teaching yoga?
I started teaching in 2009.
3.) What makes your classes unique?
I’m kind of an alignment nerd, but I also love to create fun classes that have interesting transitions and variations. I want to help students stay mindful and in the moment, so I try to keep it fresh, so that they don’t fall into repetitive patterns. My classes are strong and playful, and I do my best to remind everyone not to take themselves too seriously, especially during the challenging moments.
4.) How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?
I think music really sets the whole tone for the class. I like ambient chill, indie/alternative, world beats, and electronic. I publish all my playlists on Spotify under Kelli Russell if you want to check them out! I usually create a couple of Vinyasa mixes and a couple of mellow mixes (good for a mellow flow or deep stretch) per month. One of the coolest things though, is to teach with live music like DTO. Then it’s a triad: the teacher, the musician, the class, all exchanging energy – it becomes a LIVING thing! Amazing!
5.) Tell me about your next events and where we can follow you online.
- April 9th, 2016 6:30-7:45pm All Level Flow with live music by DTO and Golden Coast Mead libations to follow
- April 23/24, 2016 THE RETREAT at the Pala Resort – crowdrise.com/theretreat
- June 11th, 2016 2pm-4pm Meditation for Beginners Workshop at Yoga Six 4S Ranch location
- 200hr Yoga Teacher training at Vinyasa Arts June 18th -October 16th 2016
- Instagram.com/YogaGivesMeSuperPowers
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