Kaitlin Heavin

Kaitlin Heavin
Foundations Program Graduate
Advanced Program Student
C-IAYT Candidate
Yoga Teacher & Therapist
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Website: www.anandayogatherapy.com

I thought I knew so much about yoga going into this training, but in reality, I had only scratched the surface. The Breathing Deeply Program set me on a path of healing and self-discovery.

At the time that I signed up, I had been teaching yoga for about 15 years but still felt like something was missing. I wanted to move into more of a healing space, and as I was researching, I noticed that the concept of yoga therapy kept popping up. I looked into a handful of schools, but I found that breathing deeply was the most authentic, and the website was very clean and informative.

On a personal level, through the program, working with meditation and, more specially, yoga nidra have changed me. I went through a high-stress point a year ago, and my tinnitus became incredibly loud to the point that I couldn’t sleep. It was terrifying, and I had never suffered to such a degree at any other point in my life. I practiced Japa and yoga nidra every single day, as well as vata balancing pranayama. I still think these practices saved my life. My entire outlook has evolved since then, and I attribute that to the practices I’ve learned through the program.

With the Foundations Program, I have a true foundation to build upon as I begin my journey as a yoga therapist. Additionally, I’m a better teacher overall. My cueing has evolved, and I’ve moved into a more invitational practice for my clients.

I signed up for this program wanting authenticity, which has been delivered—Brandt is fantastic at explaining complex concepts to a point that they’re understandable. I love how collaborative Breathing Deeply is, and I love getting to know my peers.

Since graduating from Foundations, as I move into my practicum, I have a few clients I work with privately, and I have started implementing these practices. Also, even just as a regular yoga teacher, my language has shifted to be more open and invitational.

One case study I am happy about was very cooperative when she initially worried that she wouldn’t stick with the practices. She started noticing a change within the first week and hasn’t stopped practicing!