Teaching at O2 Since: January 2016
Bronwyn’s Thoughts on Pranayama: “Pranayama is one of the most important parts of my practice and for me the most challenging. When I can take a deeper breath after savasana I know I’ve had a good practice.”
Bronwyn’s Current Teaching Schedule:
CAMBRIDGE
8am Monday – Intermediate
4pm Wednesday – Kanga & Joey Kids/Parents Yoga Series with Devon
7:30pm Wednesday – Rajas Hour
11am Saturday – Basics
Bronwyn has one of our favorite O2 Stories. A week before the Teacher Training Class of 2015 met for the first time, Bronwyn 
reached out to program administrator (and Cambridge manager) Sarah about participating in the Astanga Continuing Ed option we offer to 200-hour RYTs. Certified Yoga Teachers can join either the first weekend or the first and second weekends of our TT, which focuses on learning to teach Primary Series, so when Bronwyn first contacted us, she was confident that she’d do the first weekend but would let us know about doing the second. But then she came back for the second weekend….and decided to stay on for the rest of the training, making us her third 200-hour RYT certification. “I was only looking for a weekend workshop…Little did I know that the quality of teaching [at O2] would hook me the way that it did…I genuinely couldn’t bring myself to leave. I then started working at the cafe and doing workstudy and spending all my time at the studio,” Bronwyn said. What had started as a simple one-weekend “Sure, why not?” has turned into her yoga home — and we couldn’t be happier about that.
Bronwyn started doing yoga eight years ago in her hometown of Seattle as part of her ballet training. At first, she didn’t love it, but later when the integration of mind/body/spirit became more realized, she knew it was the practice for her. “I always struggled with depression, especially in the colder months,” she said, “but once I started a regular yoga practice, I saw huge benefits to my mental health. The feeling of strength and self-empowerment I developed was something I knew I had to pass on to others.”
Now in her fourth year teaching (and in her second at O2), Bronwyn has also done an Iyengar-based and Baptiste-based training and since doing O2’s training, she’s also been certified to teach prenatal yoga. And if after all of this, you’re wondering just how much Bronwyn loves yoga, she is also about to graduate from Lesley University with a degree in Holistic Psychology, specializing in yoga therapy, and will be going on to grad school in the fall to develop her expertise even further!
We are so honored to be considered “home” to so many of our teachers, cafe staff members, workstudy members, and students — and we love when all of those words can describe the same person! Bronwyn, it’s so fantastic that you decided to give our Astanga Continuing Ed a shot back in 2015 — and we look forward to all that’s coming for you on your yoga journey.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from Mimi?
“The power of kindness and authenticity. Seeing Mimi interact with her students and the staff in general showed me how much little daily interactions can brighten someone’s day and create community.”
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from teaching?
“You can’t please everyone. Be yourself and the rest with fall into place.”
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from one of our other teachers?
“I’ve been nervous to offer a workshop despite how many I’ve taken myself, but seeing Paulina & Sarah’s confidence and success offering their ‘Breaking out of Basics’ series has really inspired me to take the leap!”
What’s your favorite pose to teach?
“Ardha Chandrasana [Half Moon]! I didn’t realize it was my favorite until I noticed how often I weave it into my sequences. But I love it! There’s so many different ways you can come into it.”
What’s your favorite pose to do?
“Dancer’s pose, typical.”
What’s your “dream pose”?
“Lotus! I have incredibly tight hips so this has been my dream pose for a while.”
Any “Fun Facts” you’d care to share?
“Besides ballet, I love to draw and make art.”
Do you play music in class? Why or why not?
“I do most of the time. I know a lot of teachers don’t so I stopped for a little while, but my regular students complained so I brought it back. I find that it helps me keep track of time without having to check the clock.”
Do you have a mantra or a theme song?
“Not that I can think of…But I can sing you ‘The Final Countdown’ start to finish”
To learn more about our fabulous teaching staff, click here.
