242 - The Art of Improvisation w/Christopher Brown

The stories we tell about ourselves can make us feel smaller or less valuable, or they can make us feel big. Today I share about how I'm reclaiming myself. Re-storying myself. Last week, I changed a story I've had about myself for a long time; the opportunity was unexpected but the choice was intentional: to move from a story that made me feel small to one that makes me feel big. This is about finding rooms where we can be our authentic selves. It's about finding the rooms where we get to be big, and invite others' big, and through that, change the world. Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

Today, jazz musician and teacher Christopher Brown joins me to talk creativity, freedom of movement, and how discipline and systems support creative work. We also explore the intersection of music and creativity with yoga and movement, inviting more freedom and choice through control, challenging existing beliefs to grow and evolve, and the decision-making process involved in improvisation. Connect with Christopher: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, websiteWeekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

Have you ever had the privilege of watching someone do a difficult thing? Today I share a personal story about my son, who chose to run hurdles during his final season of high school track. This was him trying new things and facing fears in the process. Witnessing him taught me a lot about the process of learning and growth, and the importance of being attentive to ourselves and our lives. Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

Woby Lang, a foot health enthusiast and footwear designer, joins us to  discuss the importance of barefoot movement, the relationship between foot health and longevity, and the impact of footwear on our overall well-being. We explore topies like the culture and history of shoes and how modern footwear has led to foot problems and misalignment; the need to restore foot function and mobility through barefoot movement and proper footwear; and the role of movement and play in maintaining a healthy body. Woby also shares his journey of designing barefoot shoes and the benefits they offer. I learned so much during this conversation! Takeaways- Foot health is crucial for overall well-being and mobility- Modern footwear, with its narrow shape and elevated heels, has led to foot problems and misalignment- Restoring foot function and mobility can be achieved through barefoot movement and proper footwear- Foot health is connected to longevity and the prevention of chronic pain and injuries.- Movement and play are essential for maintaining a healthy bodyCultural and societal norms play a role in how feet are perceived and the level of intimacy associated with them- Grounding and connecting with the earth's frequency can have positive effects on our overall health and well-being- Wearing shoes disconnects us from the ground and limits our body's natural movement- Barefoot movement raises our frequency and can improve our overall well-beingIf you'd like to connect with Woby on socials, check out Instagram or LinkedIn.  His portfolio can be found here and here are the soccer cleats he's designed that are now available. To reclaim and optimize your foot health, Woby recommends checking out The Foot Collective.Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

What would it be like to explore other forms of movement that bring you joy? And how might that bring more play to your practice? Today we talk diversifying movement. And how, like with relationships--where diversifying can allow us to receive different kinds of support from different people, and ease the weight on any one relationship to fulfill all our needs--exploring new movement hobbies or styles of yoga can benefit us and our practice.Want to practice with me in Studio B? Click here.Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

Venus Lau is a movement coach whose approach combines holistic and scientific elements and is about offering permission for the mover to explore beyond the rules and truly become strong in body, mind, and soul.She joins us today to discuss the physical practice of movement as a gateway, including its impacts on confidence and physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We talk about why we need to give ourselves permission to experiment, ask questions, and be playful in our movement. We also explore what it means to listen to and explore with our bodies--including how to understand the different types of discomfort and pain we can experience--the benefits of collaboration and learning together with others, and the importance of finding joy in fitness and personal growth. To connect with Venus, visit her website, Instagram, or Facebook.If you enjoy this episode, consider sharing with a friend!Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

Today we talk tools and mindset shifts to overcome self-doubt and take actions that move us toward what we want in life, while moving with a sense of experimentation and playfulness, and a willingness to embrace failure.We also explore the power of using your voice, the value of repetition and observation in building confidence, and the shift from self-centeredness to focusing on serving others. Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

Two studio owners, Steph Alston and Rachel Brooks, join me today, for the first in a series of conversations where we explore the realities, joys, challenges, and learning experiences of studio ownership.Both Rachel and Steph own, manage, and teach at studios that cater to less commonly targeted populations, so we talk about the why and how of that. And we talk about how they found their ways to studio ownership.  We also get into money things like paying themselves and teachers, opting for contractors vs. employees, the need for transparency in the industry, and their personal journeys toward financial stability in their businesses.  Connect on Instagram: Rachel, Seeking Space Yoga, and Yin Yoga Space Steph and Santosha Yoga CollectivePrevious episodes with these guests: Steph: episodes 205, 227Rachel: episode 188Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

This past week I did a terrifying thing. It excited me and it's what I asked for, though. I spoke at an event. And I'm sharing this to illustrate the importance of saying yes to scary opportunities. And the need to trust yourself and give permission to explore and experiment. This is about owning your voice and building a creative life that is unique to you.Takeaways:Say yes to scary opportunities and trust yourself to figure it out as you go.Give yourself permission to explore and experiment.Own your voice and build a creative life that is unique to you.Pay attention to your body language and how it impacts your emotions and feelings.Embrace the space between excitement and terror and step into scary opportunities.Remember that your voice matters and keep nurturing it.Weekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner

Missy Bunch, a neurology expert and movement teacher to the pros, joins us today and I'm so excited! This is a juicy and vulnerable conversation and we talk so many things, from motherhood and movement science to business and making dreams come true.Some of today's takeaways:How authenticity and vulnerability on social media helps to connect on a human level with others and invite successExpansion doesn't always happen in the way we expect or choose, but it's important to say yes to opportunities and trust that everything will work out.Having limited time can actually increase productivity and focus. Balancing work and parenting requires communication, trial and error, and adaptation.Women claiming themselves and stepping into their power can have a profound impact on the world.Balancing motherhood and running a business requires prioritization and being present in the moment.Eye movements in yoga practice can stimulate the brain and improve brain health.Incorporating eye exercises into yoga classes can enhance the students' experience and promote brain-body connection.Yoga teachers can experiment with different eye movements and positions to engage different parts of the brain and enhance proprioception.Connect with Missy on InstagramChapters00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Authenticity on Social Media08:08 Childhood Dreams and Embracing New Opportunities27:57 Navigating Expansion and Growth36:00 The Unexpected Process of Expansion44:34 The Power of Women Claiming Themselves52:39 Balancing Motherhood and Business01:03:31 Productivity in Limited Time01:13:14 Balancing Work and Parenting01:31:00 The Connection Between Eye Movements and Brain Health in Yoga01:46:27 Experimenting with Eye Movements to Improve ProprioceptionWeekly stories by email from Bonnie’s HERE Connect with Bonnie: Instagram, Email ([email protected]), WebsiteListen to Bonnie's other podcast Sexy Sunday HERE The music for this episode is Threads by The Light Meeting. Produced by: Grey Tanner