Miranda Kennedy
After roughly 12 years of practicing yoga, I completed a 200-hour power vinyasa teaching training in 2021. Subsequently, I completed a 100-hour meditation teacher training through the Yogamu Institute in 2022. In addition to work as a substitute teacher, and teaching at special events, I’ve taught yoga for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center since 2021, with classes focused on vinyasa flow, and gentle yoga and meditation.
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Q & A with Miranda
What is your yoga / fitness background? As a student? As an instructor?
I started practicing yoga in addition to running and trying many other fitness modalities in 2010. After transitioning from a physically active job to a desk job and experiencing neck and shoulder pain because of poor postural habits, I took my first yoga class for the physical benefits, but found there was so much more to the practice. I found that focusing on the movements in yoga class helped me to feel more connected with my body in the present moment, and ultimately led me to a more peaceful state of mind after practicing. I’ve found in my own fitness journey that physical yoga practice (asana) paired with more subtle mindful yoga practices like pranayama and mediation, can enhance any wellness/self-care routine. As a yoga teacher, I strive to incorporate elements of mindfulness into the physical practice.
What is your practice philosophy?
In my teaching and my own practice, I view yoga as a method to tune into the connection between mind, body, and spirit. In addition, yoga practice in some form can be for everyone, in every body, at any stage in life.
What do you hope your students get the most from your classes?
As a yoga teacher my focus is to help students find a deeper connection and awareness of their physical body, and their inner worlds.
Do you prefer a specific style of yoga? fitness? Why?
I tend to like variety when it comes to movement. I love to practice multiple styles of yoga, from the physically vigorous to the restorative and subtle, and practice some form of yoga daily. I also regularly run and weight train to build and maintain strength and stamina.
What is your advice to a beginner walking into their first class?
Yoga practice is more about deepening body awareness/self-awareness then being able to do a certain pose or looking a certain way in a pose.
What tip do you use in your life to motivate yourself to move?
When I move my body, I feel balanced and strong, and have less anxiety. That’s all the motivation I need!
What elements of yoga and fitness are you excited to teach, and why?
I get excited to see students grow and become more attuned and comfortable with their bodies over time. I’ve also found teaching beginners to be particularly rewarding.
