AM ALUMNI
Shayna Cathey | She/Her/Hers
AM V300 -May 2023
Orinda, CA | USA ๐
Hey there! I’m Shayna and I am officially a 500 hour RYT Instructor! I grew up in the Bay Area, CA and started my yoga journey after a snow boarding accident at 15ish. At first I used yoga as therapy for my injured knees and over the years I have found depth in myself through the practice of yoga.
For years I wanted to become an instructor but felt shy about my desire toward it… who was I to instruct another person? But one day I threw fear away and decided to take a month of my life and travel to Peru. I had found a 200 hour RYT Tantra yoga teacher training that was going to begin in the sacred valley in two short months of me deciding to finally deciding to pursue this goal that had been pulling at my heart. The intensive training taught me not just about the beginnings of teaching but of how to listen to my own heart. It solidified my love of yoga and the many variations it takes. I came back to CA as a 200 hour teacher but a month later covid happened. My teaching began with friends, in parks and mostly with myself for the first months until my limbing gym reopened. I have been teaching out of my favorite gym since then making friends with my regular students and expanding my teaching offering through private lessons, park yoga, and virtual classes.
I am thankful to authentic movements for allowing me to continue my education and deepen my awareness around anatomy and creative movement. It is deeply exciting to be able to continue my yogic journey and officially be a 500 hour instructor.
@shayna.g.cathey
Reflecting on the AM YTT Experience
| Why did you choose Authentic Movements for your YTT? | |
| ย | I recall the very day I made the choice to join authentic movements. I had this deep desire to deepen my learning of yoga and challenge myself. I hadn’t need following Stevi long on instagram when I saw the posting for the 300 hour, 500 hour track online YTT. I looked into it and felt called to sign up. I was between Authentic Movements and one other online 300 hour training. But there were two things that became deciding factors 1, I have never been able to hold a handstand and I wanted to even if it was just for me knowing I could and 2, I wanted to learn from women in an environment that felt empowering to me! I got both of those things with authentic movements! While yes I cannot press to handstand yet I can hold one much better then ever before! |
| How did the online training platform work for you? | |
| ย | During the training I had a climbing injury that needed surgery and about 6-8 months of recovery time before getting back to where I was post surgery. I had already been working on my training when it happened and I was concerned I wouldn’t have been able to complete the training before my original deadline. I reached out and immediately they extended my timeline and wished me a speedy recovery. Going through the the training was challenging both mentally and physically at times but I loved every moment of it. Whenever I needed to reach out I got the answers and support I needed. It was exactly what I needed for my growth and where I was at. |
| How has your teaching changed since completing the AM YTT? | |
| ย | I am less ridged than I was when I first began teaching. I am able to see students as more than the immediate posture they are in and add more sprinkles of fun. I have students tell me how much they enjoy some of the more funky elements. I definitely have always made jokes and laughed when things happen in class but I do notice a layer of joy that has been amplified in my teaching |
| How have you engaged with the AM community of alums and students during and after the training? | |
| ย | I love supporting them on instagram, and hope to meet some in person! |
| What was your favorite part of the course content? | |
| ย | My favorite part will forever be the meditations and philosophy especially the way Erin presents it from her own very gentle and heartwarming perspective. But I adored everything! |
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