Bonnie Bradford Berry, Owner at everyoneYoga

I get that a lot, and it’s true! I am a Southern California native transplant. My husband grew up in Hickory, NC and when our daughters were ready to start school, there was no question we were moving and growing our own roots to raise them in Hickory, NC. How did yoga come into my life? As a child, teenager, and young adult, dance, cheerleading and athletic sports were always my focus. When I was pregnant with my first child, I bought a Prenatal Yoga DVD and loved it. I was very intimidated to practice yoga in a studio setting. I started attending yoga classes at my gym. They were good and I loved the feeling I had after the classes, but I felt like I needed more. Once I had the courage to try a class at a local studio, I was hooked. The energy of the people in the room and the elevated level of instruction captivated my soul and I’ve never looked back. How do I practice Yoga on the mat? Yoga came into my life in my late 30’s. My connection to yoga has always been more than the physical practice of asana (postures). I left every practice with a sense of calm and clarity. Don’t get me wrong, I love the physical nature of yoga, but that’s not the only reason I roll out my mat. The beautiful thing about yoga is that there is always somewhere to go, taking your practice to the next level and learning. When I step on my mat as a teacher it is always with a servant mindset to the students who paid to attend my class. My focus is on their needs, how they feel that day and what they’re in the mood for. How do I practice Yoga off the mat? My new way of being is to live the eight-limb path of yoga. It is a journey of change and evolution. The beauty of combining the postures, mindful breathing and meditation within my personal yoga practice is a gift. My daughters are my mirror and remind me every day what thoughts, ideas and behaviors I need to change in order to grow into a better human being. "Be the change that you want to see in the world." Ghandi Why a Yoga teacher? I believe yoga is a gift to share with others. I am deeply honored to stand in front of a class as a teacher, but always with a student mindset. I learn from each and every person that walks through the door. Watching students learn, challenge themselves and achieve growth is pure joy. What is my teaching style? I bring a laid back, flexible style to my classes. Based upon the student level, mood and other unknown factors, I adapt to their needs. I want everyone to feel respected, appreciated, unique, and above all, have fun. I reinforce the connection of breath and movement, allowing students to feel comfortable practicing at their own pace so it is serving them. That focus also affords the opportunity to move inward and gain a deeper understanding of the mind, body and spirit connection. At the end of the day it’s not about my style, it’s about yours. Bonnie