Body Positivity and Inclusivity Training for Yoga Teachers

At the heart of Yoga, we are learning how to connect to the inner parts of the Self. Yoga encourages us to quiet the mind, to breathe more fully and observe without judgement. So why are we so focused on the physical abilities of our bodies in yoga?

Bryna invites you to get curious about adapting postures for individual bodies rather than performing poses to look the “right” way according to dominant culture. We will release the ideas of perfectionism and hierarchy in alignment and embrace an array of possibilities that support acceptance and freedom in the body. We will dismantle cues that may exclude or discourage participants while considering language that encourages agency for your student. Together, we will brainstorm ways to create an inviting wellness space for belonging and empowerment.

This workshop will take place over  Zoom; you will receive the link to attend via email.

Meet Bryna 

Bryna Parker first started practicing yoga in 2007 at the local YMCA through a prenatal yoga series that helped her manage mood swings, anxiety, fibromyalgia and depression during her stressful pregnancies. After a few years of being a stay at home Mom she found herself severely depressed, chronically ill, over medicated, and consumed by anxiety that kept her stuck in fear. She began to feel hopeless and permanently broken which triggered past childhood trauma of suicidal feelings. Bryna had given up on the idea of recovery through traditional doctors and western medicine. In 2012, Bryna turned to her friend who became her mentor and patiently guided her back to herself through yoga, breath work, meditation and self-study. Yoga became therapeutic and helped Bryna reconnect to her true inner self as she learned how to create balance in all aspects of her life. It allowed her to shed old beliefs, habits and trauma responses that did not align with her true being. Yoga encouraged Bryna to face her deep rooted trauma, break the generational cycles and lead her back to her spiritual roots. "Yoga is the medicine that shows me how to self regulate. Yoga gives me hope and allows me to hold gratitude, compassion and forgiveness in my heart for all beings.... including myself."

On this personal healing journey Bryna felt called to live out her dharma and share her experience with others. As a facilitator, Bryna teaches confidence, acceptance, and how to feel good in your body without shame. Bryna’s classes offer variations to make yoga accessible to anyone, no matter experience, size, age, or ability. Bryna’s passion is taking yoga out of the studio and into underserved communities as a tool for healing and reasilancy. Bryna's experience includes Traditional Hatha Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga, Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga for Conscious Activism, Body Positive Yoga, Accessible Yoga, Children and Family Yoga. Bryna is a 200 hour Teacher Training facilitator and is trained as a Traditional Usui Reiki Master.