We loved getting to know our community member and fellow yoga teacher, Brooke Burton, better during our #shoutoutsaturday series. Every week we interview a member of our community and share their responses on our social media and blog. Brooke opens up about how challenging her yoga teacher training is and how she’s lighting it up outside the yoga studio these days!
1. Where can we find you on your mat?
Surprising to me, in studio at 6:00am power classes! I never in a million years thought I’d be a 6am’er, but these early morning classes have become a regular part of my routine and set a positive tone for the rest of my day. I love any hot, sweaty class and really enjoy getting into a good flow during Power Jam!
2. What is a challenge that has really helped you to grow?
Teacher training at Ignite was a mentally and physically challenging process that became a catalyst for growth at a crossroad in my life. Training just began when my then husband and I separated. For the first few weekends of training, I wasn’t sure if I’d return for the next session because of the turmoil in my personal life, but teacher training ended up being exactly what I needed at that moment. The physical challenge was a positive outlet for the negative emotions I was feeling. (ambien) The self-reflection required was difficult, but empowering, and the bonds formed with other trainees created a tight net of support. If you are feeling even the slightest nudge to participate in TT, do it! You won’t regret it. There’s really no better time than right now! If you’re thinking about it and want to talk more about the experience, please reach out!
3. Where do you feel most at home?
In the country, at night, under a wide open sky.
4. What is one thing you’ve learned on your mat at Ignite?
I’ve learned so much about myself while playing around in arm balances. I’m not gonna lie, being able to make those crazy shapes while balancing on my hands makes me feel pretty badass sometimes…and then falling on my face keeps it real! I love the playfulness of exploring these postures. They are my reminder to take the practice seriously, but yourself lightly.
5. What’s been your greatest adventure?
Blending a new family. My fiancé and I have 6 children between us, ages 15-8. People often mention the Brady Bunch when we share our story. We laugh and joke that it’s kinda like that, but without Alice!
6. Where else are you lighting it up these days?
On road trip adventures. During a corona-cation this summer, my fiancé and I took time to renovate an old pop-up camper. We replaced the floors and countertops, painted the cabinets, added new hardware, custom built a table and sewed new curtains. The whole deal. It was a rewarding experience to build something together and now we hit the road with the “glamper” to get away for a beat.
7. What is something you aspire to do in life?
Live in the country. I’ve always lived a suburban lifestyle and would someday like a change the pace. I’d love to design and build a tiny house on a quiet piece of land.
8. Is there anything else about yourself you would like to share?
I can’t believe I turned 40 this year! For years I viewed 40 as a gray cloud birthday, but now that I’m here I don’t want to look back.
9. What is one thing you know to be true?
Protecting your own peace isn’t selfish.
Want to learn more about our community? Check out these awesome interviews:
Recovery Through Yoga: Interview With Community Member Jenny
Work-Life Balance With Yog: An Interview With Steve Barnhart
