Bodhi Salt Yoga Teachers
Mary Kavonian
Mary hails from Los Angeles and has been teaching since 2019 when she completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at YogaWorks of Santa Monica, California. Since then, she has taught Yoga at a variety of studios, gyms, and physical therapy clinics in Ventura County. Athletes will appreciate her emphasis on the body and attention to proper alignment and injury prevention. Mary guides classes that allow students an opportunity to develop strength and flexibility, confidence and creativity, while feeling safe to explore and learn about their physical, spiritual, and mental being on the four corners of their mat, which then translates to life off the mat. Mary’s extensive knowledge of anatomy makes her class a great choice for beginners and seasoned yogis alike.
Meet Mary Kavonian, RYT 200
Tell us about the evolution of your Yoga practice:
“My Yoga story began in 2014 in Yosemite National Park with the Balanced Rock Foundation. I was working in the Park at the time teaching Outdoor Education, and my coworkers told me about this amazing local Yoga organization that led retreats and community classes for park employees. I attended my first donation class in our small town of El Portal's community hall, struggled my way through it, totally fell in love, and haven't stopped practicing since! I have practiced many styles including Ashtanga, Mysore, Hatha, Vinyasa, Power, and Yin, and currently I primarily practice Vinyasa Flow style.”
What’s one thing you wish you could tell yourself when you began your Yoga journey?
“I would have told myself to be patient, have fun, show myself love, and focus less on the pose; but how I was doing the pose - Am I breathing? What's my mind doing?.”
Why do you teach Yoga?
“I teach because I have had so many inspiring Yoga teachers change my life by holding a sacred space and by creating a challenging yet nurturing environment that allowed me to confront my insecurities and grow confident in who I am. I strive to give back to my students a little bit of all the amazing things my Yoga instructors, fellow Yogis, and my personal Yoga journey have taught me over the years. After taking my class, I hope my students will feel energized yet at peace, empowered yet humbled, a little sweaty, and always, always grateful. I love teaching, and love learning from my students!”