Meet Carla Bunting

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carla Bunting. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Carla, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

Yoga taught me resilience, compassion, and the healing power of presence, all of which fuel my enduring optimism today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In 2022, I founded Carla BE Yoga, a space where I teach yoga tailored to each individual’s unique needs. My students have included postpartum mothers seeking reconnection with their bodies, busy lawyers looking for a moment of calm, stressed business owners yearning for balance, and individuals managing conditions such as vertigo. What excites me most about my work is the ability to meet people exactly where they are and guide them toward greater harmony within themselves. I firmly believe that if you can breathe, you can practice yoga. There is no wrong way to practice, only the right way for each person. Every session begins with a caring conversation to understand how the student is feeling and what they would like to focus on, similar to the personalized approach of a massage session. I lead them through a warm-up, observing their movement to customize the asana practice to meet their specific needs. We conclude each session with a calming meditation of loving-kindness, fostering self-compassion and optimism. I am grateful to witness my students’ growth and the transformation that yoga brings to their lives, physically and mentally. My mission is to make yoga accessible and meaningful, showing that it is far more than just physical movement. It is a practice of self-discovery, resilience, and joy.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

In my experience, practicing what I teach, connecting with friends and my community, and studying the eight limbs of yoga had the greatest impact on my journey. I would advise anyone interested in becoming a yoga teacher to explore not just the physical postures but all eight limbs. Yoga is a holistic practice that unites the body, mind, and spirit, and this deeper understanding is transformative for both teachers and students. I bring all of my life experiences into my work because true joy comes from authentic connection and mindful integration. I do not dismiss pain and suffering; instead, I allow them to inform my next steps with compassion and curiosity. My advice to anyone starting out is to listen to the wisdom of the body and begin exactly where you are, free of shame. Yoga is not about perfection but about presence. The more I practice, the healthier and more successful I feel, both on and off the mat.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My community has been the most helpful in overcoming challenges and building essential skills, qualities, and knowledge. Eager to deepen my understanding of the human body, I immersed myself in the Twist Yoga training program in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Jennifer Pahl, Allison Matt, and Cynthia Pedraza, I absorbed the wisdom of yoga, anatomy, and philosophy. I stay connected with my yoga training cohort including Jennifer Duffin and Kendyl Welker, to share business ideas, celebrate successes, and discuss areas for improvement. I also collaborate with other small business owners like Jen Wilcoxon owner of FloralWood PDX, in workshops like Balance and Bloom, which blends yoga and floral design. My community is a vast source of knowledge that I continue to tap into, offering inspiration, support, and new opportunities for growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carlabeyoga.com
• Instagram: carlabeyoga

Image Credits

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