“It was challenging to force myself to report to my computer every day and commit to the self study at home while in lockdown, but it was also exactly what I needed to keep my mind sane and focused…”
This month we feature Stephanie Smith in Who Are They Today… Stephanie completed all 500 hours of her training with Rise + Vibe, but she started with an in-person intensive in the Dominican Republic for her 200 hour training and finished with the online train-at-your-own-pace format for the 300 hour advanced training. She currently lives in the DR with her super sweet family, she is a published author and a super mom; keep reading to learn more about Stef and her journey since YTT!
Who are they today? : Stephanie Smith
When did you complete your YTT certification with Rise + Vibe school of yoga? I completed the 200 HR YTT in April 2019 and the 300 HR YTT August 2020.
I did the 200 hr YTT in person, in Cabarete, during a 3 week intensive. I didn't stay overnight as I lived very close to the training center and have a young daughter, so I slept at home to be home with her at night. But I still loved the in person experience of connecting with Chrissy and other students during that intense 12-14 hr a day format.
I completed the 300 hr online, during COVID. It was challenging to force myself to report to my computer every day and commit to the self study at home while in lockdown, but it was also exactly what I needed to keep my mind sane and focused during the pandemic. I loved the flexibility of the online training because I could watch the modules when I could , and sometimes saved some of the yoga practices for at night after my daughter went to sleep… I would not have mentally coped well otherwise!
Tell a little about having multiple trainers during the YTT program...
I loved having multiple trainers with varied concentrations during the YTT program. I learned about specific types of yoga, like chair yoga and yin yoga from practitioners who teach those types of classes daily. I also loved the special mantra lecture by Bill Barry. Learning Sanskrit and the historical roots of various mantras was super interesting.
Where has your life taken you since then?
I am a much more grounded person. I've learned to manage my anxiety much better. I've learned to use my breath to help me tap into my steady state. I've been more loyal to my morning routine. I'm more positive and am more grateful for my life status as I was before. I still enjoy yoga. I still keep in touch with the people I took YTT with and I still live in the DR!
What do you remember most from YTT? The days we did yoga nidra. It was so relaxing for me, and allowed me to go to a different mental plane every time. I do the practice every night before I fall asleep as a reset for my brain after a long day.
What does an average day in your life look like currently?
My day is mostly writing-- I am an author and writer of children's books. I am currently co-writing two middle grade fiction series, so most of my day is in front of my computer. But, I start my day around 6:30, do a meditation on Insight Timer, then do my journaling. Then, breakfast with my family and send my daughter to school, then movement--which can be yoga or pilates, or running or weights. Then I write during the day until my daughter comes home from school, and of course a bit of play until dinner and bedtime!
Photo by @moraima_cp
Are you teaching yoga or meditation?
I want to get back into teaching in 2022. I have been pouring my knowledge into my children's books series--the books included scenes of the young characters doing yoga or meditation. Some have also have struggled with mental health issues and we show how those practices can help them cope.
Are you practicing yoga or meditation?
I practice yoga and meditation every day. They are part of my daily routine and they both help me stay focused and grounded during the day. If I skip these practices I can definitely see the difference in how I manage my day.
Would you recommend this training to others? Why?
Absolutely! Chrissy is an absolutely amazing teacher who truly "lives the yoga." The effect that yoga has had on my life has been truly life changing. Whether I'm teaching or not, the principals of the practice are great life tools for everyone.
What's next? Any plans for 2022?
I plan to get back into teaching for 2022, and to write and illustrate books about kids and yoga and mindfulness! CLICK HERE to download the HIPPO YOGA coloring sheet by Stef…
Here’s the link to Stef’s book Reindeer Yoga: https://www.amazon.com/dp/171103603X?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
FOLLOW Stephanie on Instagram: @stefsmith and @saltsandyoga
And VISIT her website: saltsandyoga.com
