Collective Spotlight: Kyla Ferguson
Photo credit: Sandra Costello
Meet Kyla Ferguson, a Yoga Teacher and Body-Mind Therapist
Why did you want to become a Yoga Teacher and Therapist
My work has been a natural evolution of my life. As I have dealt with chronic illness, worked through childhood trauma, dealt with relationship challenges, and burned out from work, I’ve learned tools to help me heal and cope. It’s just been the natural progression to share what I’ve learned. I’ve always felt so blessed that whatever I’ve gone through, I’ve always had a mentor, healer, or teacher there to guide and support me. I would be humbled to serve in that role for others.
What have you gained from this work?
I’ve learned the value of slowing down and of simplifying inner life—and also, the value of allowing the storms to happen when they’re happening. As I’ve traversed through my own internal world, I’ve found it easier to relate to others’ challenges. I’ve found that at the core, many of our challenges have similar voices with different themes. This has really brought me deeper into empathy and a knowing that we are all one.
What do you hope your students/clients feel after working with you?
I always hope that people feel more connected to themselves in a way that feels lighter, easier, and less tense. It’s not about getting rid of anything or fixing something about ourselves. That just promotes more tension. It’s about softening into what is. From there, somewhat mysteriously, our sticky places tend to loosen their hold and we find more comfort and ease.
How does your work inform your activism or understanding of the world?
We live in an individualistic, capitalist, patriarchal society where distractions from ourselves are everywhere. Connecting to ourselves and each other is a radical act. Somehow, the most natural things are becoming the most radical: community, connection, rest, creativity, and presence.
What’s your favorite season of the year and why?
I love summer. As a summer baby, I have this theory that people tend to love the season they were born in most. Though as I get older, winter seems to be growing on me!
What has made you smile recently that you feel the need to share?
My daughter Amaya makes me smile countless times every day. She’s learning to walk and talk and it’s just incredible to watch. It’s also amazing to see her doing all of the yoga poses so naturally! She is my teacher right now.
