meet candace stevens!

#yogahomies, meet Candace! You may have taken Slow Flow, Gentle, or Vinyasa with her but did you know has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Trauma? She uses this and integrates mindful practices into her class!

December 1st – 3rd she is hosting, Winter Illumination – A 3-Day Immersion in the Psych and the Nature of Inspiration & Intuition  and on March 9-11th will be hosting Your Brain on Yoga: A 3-Day Training Examining the Role of Psychology & Trauma in the Practice of Yoga

Why is Yoga so important to you?
I struggled with anxiety most of my life, and it prevented me from going towards my dreams. Yoga taught me about the power of present-centered awareness and action; it gave me the ability to get out of my head and into conscious action. I learned to get out of my own way. These tools are too powerful to not share.

How has your background in Psychology contributed to your teaching style?

The mind and body are inextricably linked. Every asana we practice, every breath we take is a tool for exploration and inquiry- how we do anything is indicative of how we do everything. I encourage continuous self-study. I particularly love to apply my knowledge in mental health-specialized privates (where we can deeply consider each individuals unique circumstances) and workshops (where I can break out the science!)

What impacts would you like to make on the world?
It is my work to help people look inward and see more of their their truth. It’s also my work to help people recognize the mental and emotional patterns and blocks that get in the way of it, so that they may begin to remove them. I feel the world becomes a better place when more people are living on purpose, recognizing their inherent value, power, and freedom.

Would you categorize yourself as a thinker, maker, planner, or leader?
I’ve always been a thinker by nature, almost to a fault. I’ve spent the last few years transitioning into being a maker- taking ideas and turning them into actions.

Of all Yoga Home’s core values {Connection, Acceptance, Love, Community, Growth} which do you connect with most?
I would say acceptance, particularly self-acceptance. I believe we may have a deeper ability to authentically engage with all the other values when we are able to show up fully, as we are.