Miranda Kissick is a Yoga Teacher. I met with Miranda 2 years ago when I began my journey in learning the practice of Yoga. She is awesome! If you have never tried yoga before, go see her! If you have been practicing yoga for years, go see her you will not be disappointed. My friend Tanja (who is devoted to the practice), summed it up perfectly “Miranda speaks and practices from the soul!” I know if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend her class and experience her spirit and quiescence you will know you have found something truly wonderful in your life. I call this a gift!
HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB?
I am in essence a private contractor, so I am self-employed. I work for a studio, teach yoga to people in their homes and work at a local fitness club.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
First and foremost I like helping people. We live in a society where many people’s’ lives are over-scheduled. As a result, people are more stressed than ever. So if I can be of help to someone in learning how to breathe and relax, then I am happy. Another benefit of this type of work is being able to set your own hours. I can work as much or as little as needed and schedule my day around family commitments.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE WORKFORCE? (Especially if they want to do what you do?)
For someone just starting out, the first decision is where to go for your yogic education. There are many schools/programs available, so ask around find the best fit for you.
Also, had I known I was going to be teaching yoga for a career, I could have benefited from greater exposure to courses such as anatomy and kinesiology. Being a physiotherapist or personal trainer would be helpful to someone wanting to teach yoga. the more knowledge you have about he body the better. Also, having a degree or career in one of these areas would allow someone pursing yoga to support themselves!
Yoga training is a lifelong pursuit, and training is expensive. It is possible to make money teaching, but many people struggle to earn a living solely through teaching yoga unless you have another means of support. To actually own and run one’s studio is costly and one needs business savvy as well as the ability to hire additional teachers.
HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
I’m where I am today via a very circuitous route!! I attended Purdue University (many years ago) and have a degree in Humanities, with a minor in travel and tourism and recreation. I worked in the travel industry for many years and then I working in the publishing industry in sales. I always had an interest in fitness and dance and yoga…. but never expected to actually become a yoga teacher. I did take several yoga classes throughout my young adulthood, so perhaps I was preparing all along. The seeds were planted years ago…..but just took time to sprout!
WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW?
The Bhagavad Gita, a mystery novel, and La Prisonnaire. (A true story of the 20 year imprisonment of a Moroccan woman, by her own adopted father.)
FAVOURITE COLOUR?
Blue…..For as long as I can remember.
IS THERE SOMETHING IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH MIGHT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
When I was in grade school, I used to watch a PBS program called Lilias Yoga and You. I was strangely attracted to this very slow-moving program with one person (Lilias) in a body suit doing yoga. She had a very gentle and calm manner and wore her hair in a long braid down her back. She seemed quite exotic to me!
This was in the 1970’s and I lived in a small farming community in the middle of Indiana. I was truly mesmerized by Lilias, and have only realized recently that this was the very first seed of yoga planted for me. One can see old videos of Lilias on You Tube and she is still teaching today!
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT (work related?)
One of the truly wonderful benefits of teaching yoga is the daily satisfaction of seeing someone’s life change (if only a little) by their practice. If someone feels better after class than they did when they walked into class, then I have accomplished my goal.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORLD – what would you say to them and why?
Number 1 … any person (body) can do yoga and every “body” can benefit from yoga practice.
Yoga is the simplest action or practice that one can adopt to achieve the greatest, most powerful positive change in one’s life. Mental happiness,m the ability to concentrate, relationships, personal peace and contentment compassion for self and others.
The health benefits include better sleep, a balanced nervous system, flexibility, better digestion, lower blood pressure, a calm mind and happy heart, more energy, and increased sexual satisfaction…..just to name a few!
Need I say more! Try yoga today.
You can find Miranda at the Awareness Yoga Studio in Elora, www.awarenessyoga.ca The studio is located downtown Elora, with a view of the Grand River. Miranda has a great “Gentle Yoga”, Friday Class. I always enjoy coffee after the class with “my yoga girls!”
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