247 - Building a Creative Life

Life is good at surprising us and yet, as teachers and leaders, we're in positions of service, where we must show up for our students even when we're struggling. It can be complex to navigate the taking care of ourselves and others. So how can we balance the needs of our students while creating safe spaces for authenticity and vulnerability in our teaching? Do we always have to "have our shit together"? Today I talk about some of my own experiences in answers these and other questions. 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

Last week I returned from hosting a co-ed retreat on the Oregon coast, that I called Celebrate Your Whole Damn Self. And it was beautiful and full of magic and play and deep connection. And it was an experience that was co-created. Today I talk about that, and of the power of creating spaces--where we can breathe, and be, and flow and celebrate more of who we are. And of the magic of coming together, where everyone gets to bring and share their gifts. And what can ripple outward.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

Entrepreneurship is a journey that involves challenges, successes, and continuous learning. And for aspiring entrepreneurs, there's so much to consider. Today, I share some of what I've learned and experienced in my first five years in business, including the importance of experimentation and trusting yourself, how I've found joy in the building process, and the role authenticity plays in long-term fulfillment. I also offer some questions for aspiring entrepreneurs.If you have questions for me, you're invited to add them here: Business Questions for BonnieWeekly 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 I did something big and wild, that I've never done before, and it's got me thinking about the importance of trying new things, and their impacts on us as teachers and leaders. I wasn't in this experience alone. And it's also got me thinking about trust and support as we guide others. And about the importance of grounding and integration after trying something new. 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're talking about amplifiers--meaning people, things, situations that help others grow, become bigger, or extend. I'm here to amplify others. And I'm here to create spaces that support amplification.  I think so much of that comes through being honest with ourselves, and being curious and brave, and owning our voices--because that creates space for others to do the same. 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

I'm into doing things a little different and I'm also into people who are doing things in different ways. Kate McKenzie, of YTT Design Lab, helps yoga teachers design and refine their teacher training programs. She joins me today to talk about the intersection of yoga and business, creativity and trailblazing, and what it means to design meaningful learning experiences.  To connect with Kate: YTT Design Lab and InstagramWeekly 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

Do you have a creative life? Are you a creative person? I encourage you to ask yourself these questions because I believe that creativity can be found in everyday activities and interactions--in conversations, problem-solving, and personal expression.Today we explore the relationship between creativity and the practice of paying attention and share some ways I incorporate creativity into my own life.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're joined by photographer and poet Katie O'Farrell, a dear friend of mine. In this expansive conversation, we talk about how the practice of finding joy in everyday life requires curiosity and bravery and how it can bring richness and excitement to our lives. We explore how we can transform our relationships with others and ourselves when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable. We also talk about the importance of surrending control and allowing life's flow to experience personal growth. Connect with Katie on Instagram 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

Last night in Portland, I hosted the first gathering of Yoga Teacher Circle (YTC), a community space for yoga teachers to come together, learn, collaborate, and support each other. YTC is something I've wanted to create for a while. Because it's powerful to be in a room together. And it's important to create and gather in spaces where all voices are valued and respected, and where there is room for abundance and cooperation over competition. And this is something I want to experience in other cities, too. 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 I tell about something spontaneous I did this week, where I embraced joy and playfulness. That was about saying yes to myself. This is an invitation to observe where you might be worrying too much what others think and curbing joy in your life, and where you may want to give yourself permission to say yes and do the things that feel like play. 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