Graduate Spotlight: Brittany Lynne
What does Yoga mean to you?
For me, yoga is holistic connection. It’s the linking together of the body, mind & spirit as one. It’s a connection of all living beings together. And it’s a merging of our individual selves with the Divine. Yoga can be experienced in everything - it’s singing, chanting, dancing, ritual, movement, laughing and playing; it’s being in awe of the beauty and wonder of the world. To me, yoga is a practice of living compassionately, mindfully and with acceptance.
What is the secret to a happy life?
I believe the secret to a happy life is simplicity. Shedding not only extra possessions but letting go of over-thinking and over-doing. As a recovering perfectionist, I have learned through years of self-observation that stepping out of worry and releasing the need to try so hard has led me to a more joyful day-to-day life. As soon as I started letting myself off the hook, giving myself grace and released trying so hard, everything began to fall into place. I smile more, laugh a ton and feel so much lighter. The key to my own happiness is releasing and allowing rather than constantly adding more and over-efforting.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Oh my gosh! So much. And yet I feel that any advice I could give myself wouldn’t necessary land completely with my younger self had I not experienced everything I’ve walked through… but I would say to my younger self:
“Brittany, know that you are worth it. You are worth saying ‘yes’ to yourself. You are worth taking time for you. You are worth resting and nourishing your entire being. You are valued and you are enough. Things are working out exactly as they are meant to. Trust yourself. Trust your intuition. And know that there are no mistakes. There are no missteps. Everything is an opportunity to learn and grow from. Take everything one day at a time. And always let love, gratitude and compassion lead the way.”
What are you grateful for?
Every single challenge I have faced in my life. These challenges have led me to the path I am walking on today and I am so grateful for the lessons in each of these challenges - especially the ones I resisted. I am grateful for my family and friends who have supported me through everything. And I am grateful to be able to walk on my own two feet and take this breath that I’m breathing right now, in this moment. Life truly is a gift.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
For people to see through the lens of love, community and oneness rather than fear, hate or separation. I think that if we could all start seeing through loving and compassionate eyes, we would not only take care of our beautiful planet more thoughtfully but we would also be so much kinder to one another. I would love it if we could all start understanding that there is so much to be thankful for and to never take our planet, blessings and others for granted.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom is my biggest hero. She has been through so much in her life and to witness her move through hardship with such strength and grace is inspiring. I’m so lucky to have her - she is one of my biggest cheerleaders and always supports my decisions because she fully trusts me. I can always count on her to encourage me to follow my dreams. And I am thankful everyday that I get to be her daughter.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? Why?
A dolphin! They are so smart and playful. And everytime I see one, they make me smile. I’ve always felt so at peace when I’m around water - it’s cleansing and healing - so making a home in the ocean would be rad. Plus, it would just be super cool to do flips out of the water!
What is your current state of mind?
I’m so very content. I recently went through some big transitions - packed up my life in Los Angeles after living there for 17 years and moved down to Costa Rica. Having spent the last month in the jungle has really helped me to stay present, grounded and connected. Spending time in nature is so nourishing and I’m feeling very content with where I am in my life.
What is your mantra?
Trust... Trust... Trust...
It’s something I repeat to myself on a regular basis. To remind myself that everything is happening just as it’s meant to. I trust that life is unfolding beautifully, through all of its many offerings and challenges.
What you are up to now and how you are incorporating what you learned at The Sanctuary at Two Rivers into your life now?
Since graduating from Tantric Alchemy’s advanced training in 2017, so much in my life has shifted. My eating habits changed, I completely changed the way I look at life in general and I took self-study to the next level and learned how to nurture the practices that resonate best with my energy. Plus, I became a morning person! Which after 33 years of being a night owl, I thought I was stuck in my ways - haha! The Sanctuary at Two Rivers is the perfect environment to cultivate healthy practices of self-love and spiritual discipline. I learned how to listen to my intuition. I learned how to hold space for my students in a deeper way. And I learned the art of ‘being.’ Spending a month in Costa Rica for this training completely changed the path of my life. And I’m so grateful every day for saying “yes” to myself and taking the steps on this path of diving deeper into living my yoga. I am now an Assistant Teacher to Liz in the Lakshmi Rising yoga teacher training program at The Sanctuary. Having the opportunity to share the practices and philosophy of yoga with more beautiful souls from around the world has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m currently living in Costa Rica and soaking in the healing energy Mother Nature has to offer and learning what it’s like to live the Pura Vida life!
What’s your retreat all about?
I will be hosting A Midlife Awakening Retreat at The Sanctuary February 16-22nd and I’m THRILLED to have the opportunity to share this magical place with my students, friends and anyone who is called to be there with this incredible group of humans! My retreat is a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life so you can discover your peace within. It will give you the opportunity to awaken to your purpose, reconnect with joy and align with your motivation to be the best version of YOU, with the invitation to bring this connection with higher Self into your day-to-day life. I have just 2 spots left for this magical retreat and would LOVE to share it with you. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have :)
Namaste!
ABOUT BRITTANY
Brittany Lynne is a yoga teacher and meditation & yoga nidra guide. She leads workshops, retreats and trainings internationally. Brittany guides her classes with creative, intelligent sequencing and the intention of cultivating present-moment awareness to invite balance and a deep sense of calm to her students so that they may embody their own journey of Beautifully Awakening. She's passionate about sharing yoga and meditation with her community and loves hearing people's stories of their own shifts into a more balanced way of living. Brittany strives to share her light with the world and encourages others to do the same.
Brittany loves connecting with other wonderful humans from The Sanctuary community, near and far! Connect with her on Instagram: @beautifullyawakening
She also has a free full-length meditation available on her website - be sure to check it out! https://beautifullyawakening.com/online-yoga-and-meditation