7 GHP Fitness and Nutrition Awards 2024 Founded as an LLC in the summer of 2023, Yoga Connexus is owned and operated by Bonnie Walker, a solopreneur with a background in education, in which she holds a master’s degree, and an unbridled enthusiasm for the transformative power of yoga. Initially trained in alignment-focused method of yoga, Bonnie today includes all eight limbs of yoga within her classes and workshops, offering stability and mobility that focuses on the whole person. Yoga is, at its core, an eight-limb practice that focuses on nurturing the innate connection between a person’s body, mind, and spirit. From Asana to limbs spanning breathing control, concentration, the withdrawal of senses, and meditation, whole-person stability and mobility can be achieved through the meticulous combination of these principles, which Bonnie is incredibly knowledgeable about given that she has been doing yoga now for more than 20 years and teaching it for approximately ten. Sitting at around the 500-hour mark when it comes to teaching, Bonnie’s additional coursework in such areas as biomechanics and diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity make her one of the region’s premier instructors – one whose knowledge goes far beyond just the ancient art of yoga itself. Although there is no shortage of yoga studios across Oregon and the wider US, Yoga Connexus is distinguished by the undercurrent of social justice, trauma-aligned teaching, and inclusivity that runs throughout it. As Bonnie explains: “There are many people who have been left out of the modern-day commercial yoga studio setting. Yoga Connexus seeks to redefine how we teach yoga to be more inclusive of people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities.” The sliding-scale and donationbased nature of the yoga classes that this woman-owned business runs are another differentiator, with this making yoga and its array of benefits accessible to an even greater number of people who may otherwise feel alienated. “Part of why I developed yoga for whole-person stability and mobility is to address the challenges that neurodivergent people face every day”, says Bonnie. This is a particularly personal subject for Bonnie, who is the parent of a non-binary young adult with autism and ADHD. Bonnie also volunteers to teach yoga at the local senior center where her whole person approach helps many older adults overcome or learn to adapt to the physical, mental and emotional challenges of aging. Yoga Connexus’ approach is thus perfect for anyone who may feel left out or excluded from yoga classes at mainstream studios, with the company’s prioritising of a trauma-sensitive way of working making it suitable for, and welcoming of, all. Unsurprisingly, this encompassing approach has resulted in some significant obstacles that Yoga Connexus has had to overcome. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Yoga Connexus, LLC works in the intersection of yoga and social justice. Yoga Connexus provides yoga and social justice technical assistance (such as grant writing and WordPress web development) as well as hatha yoga classes for Whole Person Stability and Mobility. Their goal is to offer an inclusive, trauma-informed yoga practice that is grounded in the eight limbs of Patanjali’s yoga sutras and that emphasizes personal empowerment and healing through yoga. Best Holistic Mobility & Stability Yoga Community 2024 - USA Initially, it was difficult to find a like-minded liability insurance provider. Bonnie was rejected twice before finding an insurance provider that would partner with a social-justice oriented business such as Yoga Connexus. Mainstream marketing is full of triggers such as ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out) and Yoga Connexus knows this type of traditional marketing can be very off-putting for the exact community they want to help. Bonnie has had to forge a path for Yoga Connexus in developing an uplifting and invitational style of branding and marketing. And, then there are always the naysayers and trolls on social media that have to be dealt with. Having made it through these challenges, the company is more determined than ever to deliver excellence and serve society’s most vulnerable. Looking ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, Bonnie tells us that now is a really exciting time to get involved in Yoga Connexus, as its online library of curated and personalised yoga sessions is being designed specifically for the people who sign up now. Across Yoga Connexus, LLC, Bonnie Walker maintains the highest standards of ethics, sticking true to her principles and delivering a quality service that sees a community formed and united through the power of holistic mobility and stability yoga. Bonnie invites you to visit the Yoga Connexus website and learn more about the benefits of practicing whole person yoga. Contact: Bonnie Walker Company: Yoga Connexus, LLC Web Address: https://yogaconnexus.com/
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