Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Burgess.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
For as long as I can remember, I have felt inspired by the human experience and drawn to be of service. I went through some experiences living with autoimmune diseases when I was younger that made me realize early on in life that every person struggles, whether that is outwardly apparent or not. I also developed a belief that we are each incredibly strong and capable, and sometimes just need to be reminded of this.
Right after college, I pursued a Masters Degree in both mental health and sport & performance psychology with a desire to help people discover their resilience, their strength and their potential. I observed and experienced the possibility for an integrated conversation between one’s mind, body and heart – and aimed to facilitate this connection in a way that could create transformation and the ability for my clients to live a life of meaning and purpose.
For several years, I worked in inpatient units and residential settings, with teens and adults who had survived tremendous trauma. I was humbled by and inspired by my clients every single day. They reminded me how strong the human spirit can be… as much as I loved my work, it was emotionally draining and I began to turn toward yoga more and more.
It was after having my first child that I took the step to sign up for yoga teacher training. During my training, I not only learned how to guide a yoga class, but discovered how to live my own life from an empowered and mindful place. The experience of practicing and teaching yoga has been one of my most profound teachers. Through this practice, I learned how to show up for myself and how to be for others. I discovered my own resilience, strength and potential. I learned to trust in my ability to share this practice in a way that allows my students this same forum to remember their capacity to live and thrive with mind, body and heart in alignment!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
I believe the challenges I have faced in my journey have been my greatest gifts in becoming the teacher that I am. I was newly pregnant with my second daughter when I started teaching yoga, and right after she was born I developed rheumatoid arthritis. There have been countless days where I taught in tremendous pain, where I had to tap into a deep, powerful will to just-keep-going, even when my body felt broken. Even when fear and hopelessness were at their strongest. Going through this experience where my body couldn’t always participate fully in an asana practice reminded me that the practice goes so much deeper than the poses. To be able to teach from that perspective has allowed me to show students that this practice is accessible to all. That you can show up to your mat feeling broken, anxious, imperfect, joyful, alive…whatever you are going through that day-and the practice will meet you there.
I often have to come back to this reminder that my story, my challenges, my gifts and my experiences give me a unique perspective. They are my life’s lessons. My greatest struggle as a teacher is in feeling like I am not enough. Fearing that I don’t know enough or can’t provide enough or can’t do enough to be of impact. What I say to myself, and would share with any teacher starting their journey – is to remember that you have something important to share, you are the only person who has lived your life. Share courageously, dig deep to uncover a trust that your experiences, your challenges and your perspective can teach another person. Remember that we are all connected. Trust that you can be a source of impact.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a brand, organization or service provider? What sets you apart from others?
My training and experience in mental health, human psychology and performance psychology gives me a unique perspective and foundation to bring into my yoga classes. I am driven to teach yoga that empowers and believe I am known best for providing a space for transformation. I combine all of the forces of my yoga and psychology trainings to create a space where students can remember their own potential. My classes tap into the physicality of power yoga and the healing of trauma-informed yoga and aim to create an energetic, spiritual and physical alignment for students.
I am so proud to share my teachings in a couple of amazing settings that provide experiences for students to show up, reset, and empower. I founded a seasonal Farm Yoga program at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, MA in a historic barn overlocking the farm’s fields. This setting holds a special kind of magic, away from the everyday hustle of life that is incredibly healing for your soul. I also host two annual yoga retreats, the Autumn Glow and Spring Radiance Yoga Retreats, that offer three days immersed in the practice of asana, inquiry and meditation. I have witnessed so many powerful, healing, vitality-creating, joyful moments on these retreats. I am humbled, proud and so grateful to keep sharing these teachings that I love and that have transformed my own life in so many amazing ways.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources that help you do your best in life (at work or otherwise)?
For me, being a student is integral to being a teacher. I am always reading and learning, and seeking sources of inspiration for my own life which I can also bring into my teaching. Brene Brown’s books speak right to my soul. I am reading The Gifts of Imperfection right now, and pretty much highlight every line! When my husband and I were first dating, he recommended that I read The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, and it is a book I go back to often; its insights speaking to me in new ways at different times in my life. I am also always finding quotes in song lyrics that become sources of themes for my classes.
Almost 11 years ago, I walked a 500 mile pilgrimage across Spain, the Camino de Santiago, and the lessons I received during this month are experiences that I return to all the time, especially when I need to simplify and remember that the days that feel like they have the steepest climbs often result in the most spectacular views. I have “Buen Camino” engraved on my wedding band as a daily reminder to “have a good journey” walking through this crazy, hard and miraculously beautiful life.
Contact Info:
- Website: brittneyburgess.com
- Instagram: @brittneyburgess
Image Credit:
Tracy Rodriguez Photography, Nancy Dion Photography, Amber Leilani Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
