We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keirst Ferguson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Keirst, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Recognizing imposter syndrome as a brain pathway was instrumental in overcoming my own self-doubt, and discovering that most of my limitations were self-imposed and fear based.
As I started to observe my own thoughts, I discovered how similar thought patterns continued to arise related to insecurities and doubts. Once I realized the repetitive nature of the mind, it allowed me to have a degree of separation to these thoughts. Each time I noticed self-doubt creeping in, I would consciously re-route my brain using breath work or guided meditation. Over time and with repetition, I started to catch my thought patterns changing into more positive and supportive pathways.
When I first began teaching yoga, I wrote down my own intention for sharing the practice, and would read this intention before each and every class. It helped to remove my own bias against myself, and reminded me that I was sharing this practice out of my own experience with the transformation it can offer to people on and off of their mat.
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?
When the pandemic hit, my husband and I both moved into virtual jobs and the green light to leave our hometown finally came into fruition. We said goodbye to our families and friends in Ohio, and left to explore out west. Leaving everything we had ever known behind was a challenge emotionally and a huge risk financially. We had sold almost everything we owned and were living out of small suitcases that could fit into our shared vehicle, working multiple side gigs, and spending every weekend in the National Parks camping and exploring new small towns.
We had no furniture, and even slept on the floor for several months during this transition. Despite the physical and emotional discomfort in this, we both agreed and understood that we were following the right path.
Traveling has a way of expanding your perspective, and this new lens on life allowed me to discover my own purpose in teaching yoga, primarily using nurturing and psychological safety to connect students to their own mind and body. After a few long walks through the desert, my husband convinced me that I was capable of creating my own business out of this passion. We imagined a community that was supportive, curious, and connected to all five senses. As we walked through the desert, we created a vision and Afternoon Yoga was born.
Our primary focus is community involvement, accessibility, and psychological safety. We offer healing in the form of movement, community, breath work, and guided meditation. Getting people outside of their comfort zones is critical for growth, and allows students to find a level of self-trust that translates into everyday life.
We are currently growing and expanding in the retreat space, and have an upcoming yoga retreat in Pagosa Springs, Colorado this September 21-24th. Tickets are on sale now and include all workshops, accommodations, and 3 nutritious meals a day.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Persistence: Showing up again and again, and making the effort to be consistent in my authenticity helped establish a level of trust in the community. The message is: We can show up on our best and worst days, and find acceptance and support on our mats.
Curiosity: When doubts, fears, or even moments of confidence arise – approaching these emotions and thoughts with a sense of curiosity allows me to remain balanced and attuned to my own energy. Exploring the sensations in the body and the nature of the mind inside the yoga studio, and off the mat with a playful mindset allows us to grow and expand.
Intention: Creating a vision allows you to return to your WHY, which is extremely helpful in decision making. As a small business owner, it can be tempting to say yes to everything. This can lead to misalignment and burnout. Understanding why you’re doing what you’re doing allows you to say yes to opportunities that align with your vision, and no to things that will ultimately distract you from your path.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed or flooded with emotions or thoughts, it is a clear sign for me that I need to spend time in nature. I turn off my phone, hit the road, and find a place in nature where I can find solitude. Being close to the water or in the forest and mountains gives me a sense of perspective of how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of life, and grounds my nervous system.
Another tool I frequently use is “brain dumping” in a journal when my mind is racing. Often putting pen to paper and spilling out my thoughts helps me decipher what is chatter and what is true for me. Many people feel intimidation around journaling because they don’t know what to write. I would recommend letting go of any expectation or need for your words to make sense. Just grab a pen, and get started.
Contact Info:
- Website: afternoonyogaco.com
- Instagram: afternoonyogaco
Image Credits
Cody Ferguson
