Kendra Jean Osborne is a yoga teacher and musician based in Los Angeles.
1. What style of yoga do you teach?
I teach both traditional and contemporary styles of yoga. My first 200hr training was in a traditional based-style, Hot Power Fusion which is similar to Bikrim/26+2. Since my first training I’ve expanded my practice to Vinyasa/Power Yoga now, too.
2. What is your intention behind teaching?
Yoga has always been an outlet for me to explore my inner self and to acknowledge where I can improve in my daily life. When I made the decision to start teaching it was with the intention of bringing a sense of self-understanding and love to those who may need a little extra encouragement, both physically and mentally. Eventually, it grew into a deeply spiritual practice and has fostered some of my strongest relationships.
3. Who are your mentors in yoga?
One of my mentors Laura Rebecca is a long time Yogi with many trainings under her belt. What inspired me the most about her practice was the story behind it. After years of practicing martial arts, she developed an injury that forever changed her relationship to her passion and (most importantly) the way she used her body. When I was lucky enough to train under her, she really emphasized the importance of acknowledging that yoga is a great way to rehabilitate the body of injury as well as heal mental and emotional damages from the experience of loss or change. It really opened my eyes to the importance of accessibility and the need to be attentive to the finer details of each student you encounter.
4. What have they taught you?
Many of my mentors have really helped me gain more confidence in my ability to lead others. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can be a student and a teacher at the same time. Allowing yourself to learn from both people and experience is a great way to stay humble and leaves room for growth.
5. Please mention a book that you have read about yoga that has had a positive impact on you?
One of my favorite books is “The Science of Self Realization.” It is an interview style read that breaks down the importance of Christ Consciousness in regard to yoga. It puts the teaching of the 8 Limb-Path and Bhagavad Gita in context and in a way that is easy to understand. It has had a huge influence on not just my practice, but my relationship to the creator.
6. What lesson are you currently learning in your Asana practice?
I’ve been lucky enough to experience pregnancy and childbirth through the lens of yoga. Since giving birth, even being almost a year postpartum, I’ve really had to humble myself to the changes my body is constantly going through. Sometimes we have to go back to square one and re-learn the things that we used to excel at. I’m learning that it’s okay to be tired and frustrated at my body. I’ve learned to approach my practice with more care towards myself and the slower I move the more I learn.
7. How often do you practice?
I currently practice every other day at home and about 2-3 times a week in studio. I try to make as much time for my asana practice as possible. I teach 3 times a week in studio and you can find me on the schedule at Hot8Yoga Koreatown.
8. How do you implement the other 7 limbs of yoga into your life other than Asana?
To maintain a healthy Asana I devote a lot of my time to meditation and prayer. A devotion to a higher power is what drives my asana practice. It is what motivates me to wake up and find a deeper sense of purpose in my day to day life. Without that devotion I find myself stuck in an ego driven cycle that glorifies self rather than the creator which I find can be an unhealthy and sometimes selfish way to live. When we look to something higher we can find a stronger connection the environment around us and a sense of selflessness that in turn provides something of substance to each person you encounter.
9. Why is being present so important to you?
Being present is a present. It is a gift that overflows into the hands of everyone around you. When we are present we are committing ourselves to being attentive to others. It is also a great way to feel more connected to the experience of life. I try my best to stay present through all experiences, good and bad. This helps me learn new ways to cope with compromising situations. Each day I become more present and I am able to cultivate more gratitude for all the lessons I am learning.
10. How can we keep up with you on social media? What is your IG handle and/ FB name?
You can follow me on Instagram @officialkendrajean