Yoga Is Therapy
No, but actually…
Most of us think of yoga as a healing movement practice. While the mental health benefits of yoga are slowly being more widely spread, there are still pivotal parts of the practice left out of the conversation.
I am thrilled to share a heartfelt and enlightening conversation on the podcast (listen on - apple, spotify, or anywhere you like to listen to your podcasts) with Kendall Wood, a yoga therapist who specialises in managing stress and anxiety, alleviating chronic pain, and improving the quality of life through yoga. Kendall and I completed the same yoga therapy training in Encinitas, California, and she offers a holistic approach to healing both the body and mind through private sessions, group classes, and events.
One reason I'm so excited about this conversation is because Kendall's passion for yoga as a tool for mental health mirrors my own.
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The Power of Yoga Therapy
Kendall has worked with veterans, first responders, trauma, PTSD, and more. We discuss how yoga helps us sit with and understand our emotions, the importance of embracing all facets of who we are, and the vital connection between authenticity and community.
Kendall’s Journey with Yoga: Kendall's journey began in her teens, but it wasn't until her early twenties that yoga became a significant part of her life. Facing burnout and uncertainty after college, a friend introduced her to a yoga studio, which became a turning point. The practice helped her find grounding, reduce anxiety, and make healthier choices.
Challenges and Changes: As Kendall shifted her lifestyle from chaotic to mindful, she moved from Seattle to San Diego to better align with her new values and goals. This change was both challenging and rewarding, as she had to let go of some longstanding friendships while discovering new, supportive communities. In our conversation on the podcast, we discuss in detail the nuances of relationship transitions and how to navigate them with more ease and confidence.
Yoga Therapy vs. Traditional Yoga
One of the frequently asked questions Kendall and I receive is about the difference between yoga and yoga therapy. While traditional yoga is often associated with physical poses and fitness, yoga therapy dives deeper into mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Kendall emphasizes that yoga therapy isn't confined to asana (physical postures); it includes practices like pranayama (breath work) and meditation, focusing on a holistic approach to health.
Preventative and Proactive Tools: Kendall's work with veterans and first responders illustrates how yoga, especially yoga therapy, can serve as a proactive tool for mental health. She passionately discusses the importance of teaching these practices before trauma occurs to help individuals manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
Building a Connection to Ourselves
Yoga, for both Kendall and I, is more about self-study and connecting with one's intuition than merely achieving physical fitness. We talk about the importance of tuning into our inner cues and emotions, highlighting that the answers to our problems often lie within us. By developing a relationship with our body and mind through consistent practice, we can better navigate life's challenges.
Relating to Emotions: We also explore how yoga provides a safe space to process difficult emotions. Kendall shares anecdotes about her clients, like a firefighter who experienced an emotional release during a session, emphasizing that feeling and expressing emotions is an integral part of healing.
Authenticity and Self-Understanding
Living an intuitively wild life means embracing all parts of ourselves, even those we might feel ashamed of. We speak about our journey in learning to accept and express our emotions, whether it’s anger or assertiveness, and how important it is to have spaces and relationships where we can be our true selves.
Connecting with Intuition: Kendall finds that connecting with her intuition involves quieting the mind and listening to her gut feelings. Journaling and therapy have been invaluable tools for her, helping her process emotions and gain clarity.
Future Aspirations
Currently, Kendall is pursuing a master's degree in psychology to deepen her ability to support clients. Her goal is to become a clinician for the fire department or work on a larger scale with first responders, integrating her yoga therapy practice with traditional mental health support.
Events and Offerings: If you're in San Diego, Kendall offers public yoga classes at Mesa Rim and private sessions via her website. She also has guided practices available on YouTube and the Insight Timer app under "Kendall And Yoga."
I hope you listen in on this conversation on the podcast, this blog post only scratches the surface of what Kendall and I dive into. If you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don't hesitate to reach out.
Connect with Kendall:
Instagram: @kendallandyoga
Website: kendalland.yoga
YouTube & Insight Timer: Kendall And Yoga
Until next time, stay intuitively wild 🌙
xx,
~ Rachel
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