ALUMNI OF THE MONTH: KELSEY MADDEN

1. Where has Yoga has taken you? – I started practicing Yoga religiously about 10 years ago. I began the journey when my family was going through difficult times, and in-person therapy wasn’t working for me. Yoga was my output where I could focus on myself, and be able to absorb everything that was happening on my mat while at the same time quieting the world around me. I underwent a double mastectomy last year, and I couldn’t practice or do anything for 5 months. I lost a lot of strength and flexibility that I have worked for over the years. Before heading into surgery, I knew that my yoga practice had prepared me for the recovery process. Yoga guided me and allowed me to trust the process, have faith, and breath. I am now five months back into my practice, and I am back where I left off! The journey of yoga never ends, and I can’t wait until I find where it takes me next.

2. How did your yoga teacher training influence your life? – I started teacher training in my first trimester of my first pregnancy. I was very nervous for motherhood, and how much my life was going to change and the uncertainties of change or if I was going to be ready. What had influenced me the most during my teacher training was my fellow trainees and teachers. People who started out as complete strangers watched me and my baby grow right before my eyes, and gave me the confidence that I needed to be ready for this massive life change. I have so much gratitude for the support system that comes with the Sonic community. I am now a mother of a two year old, and I have begun my 300 hour TT at Sonic!!

3. What was your first yoga class like? – My first yoga class was when I was about 15 years old. I went with a few girlfriends of mine, one whom is 5’11” and has legs like a gazelle. We spent the entire class laughing at the sight of my girlfriends legs flying through the air and how ungracious and awkward we all were! Safe to say, my friends mom never took us back! But it was a memorable moment that we still laugh at to this day. 🙂