Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanita Kent.
Hi Vanita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
As with many yogis, I have found that my private practice of yoga has evolved throughout the years. I was first introduced to the world of yoga back in 2006, shortly after high school. As a former athlete, I was initially intrigued by the duality of the challenging workout component, contrasted with the mental freedom I felt after each class. Fast forward a few years, when the stresses of balancing motherhood, homelife, and my Physical Therapy career, yoga was there to help in a very different way. The heaviness and stress that comes with being a healthcare worker caring for people that are currently going through life-changing events lays a heavy burden on those providing the care. I found yoga truly helped me release my work once home. That release gave me balance and helped transmute those energies in a productive way. This allowed me to then be able to focus on my personal life and show up as the wife, mother, family member, and friend others deserved for me to be. During the pandemic, I began to have the calling to share the teachings of yoga and meditation with others to help them find that same balance needed to not only enjoy a wonderful workout but to release, heal, and be the best version of themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am blessed to say the evolution of my yoga business the past 2 years has been organically smooth. I have had fun being creative in this vision and allowing it to grow into something productive that helps others. The most challenging aspect of running a yoga practice has been the time to dedicate to the modern world of marketing and promotion on social media platforms. My family comes first. Nurturing and ensuring I am present both physically and mentally for our family of 5 is top priority. So, Stargaze Yoga’s business initiatives and growth ideas have had to be paused at times, though I wouldn’t change it for the world. It is true what they say, time really does fly, so having a front-row seat to my children’s lives is divine. Thankfully my yoga business helps afford me that flexibility.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I completed my yoga teacher training during the pandemic in 2020. I knew I was doing what I was called to do, and the pandemic amplified my calling. Life is difficult on so many levels. Not having your physical or mental state operating at its best can make everything appear more dreadful. I love to open peoples’ minds to the fact that there is a way to see goodness in everything. There is a way to train your mind so that you can react consciously vs worldly. I teach there are profound ways to decrease your stressors with your breath and a sense of gratitude at any time in any situation. I teach nutrition and that what is placed in your body does impact how you think, feel, and operate in this life. I teach that allowing yourself grace is a must. These techniques are not new. They are ancient. I have not invented anything new I have learned from the wisdom of others. With a yoga practice, you are not striving for perfection but for the best version of yourself daily, no matter your history of trauma, occupation, or current setbacks that may be occurring.
The mystery of the human body and my passion to learn more about it led me to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. As a PTA, I have been treating patients ranging from pediatrics, neuro, orthopedic, geriatric, cardiac to return to sport rehabilitation for over a decade. This formal knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics allows me to further cater my group classes and teach everyone, at all levels, in a way that makes them feel capable and empowered in their own practice rather than defeated by exercise. My 1:1 private session client get personally tailored flows that allow them to get the highest quality experience for their time and money.
Additionally, I also specialize in stretching and Thai yoga, a practice as ancient as yoga and meditation, that helps with the restoration of one’s body and mind. The knowledge I have of the human body and years of manual practice allows me to safely address ailments and help my clients heal through Thai Bodywork sessions. During an appointment I manipulate the body by stretching muscular facia, target acupressure points, and provide range of motion of the joints, releasing tension and increasing blood flow to promote healing. Human touch is powerful and packed with healing power. I love the refreshed feeling and expression of relief from tension and pain that my clients feel after they leave my assisted stretch and flexibility appointments. For private Yoga and Thai Bodywork sessions no specialty equipment is needed from the client. To enhance the customized training experience, I provide music (auditory therapy and fragrance (aroma therapy). Private sessions are held virtually, at my clients’ homes, or at a studio located in North Dallas. Public sessions and events are held throughout the year at various locations around the Metroplex.
I help others find mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional connection to their current selves and who they hope to be. One of the most frequent things I have heard as a complaint or concern about trying yoga classes is that people feel out of place, intimidated, and unable to perform the asanas. I find joy in educating people that yoga is for everyBODY. No matter your age, physical ability, or experience level you can do yoga and reap the physical and mental benefits of it if you step outside of your comfort zone and try.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
New endeavors are full of risks, but I have always been up for the challenge. I am one that is comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable, and that is what taking a risk is all about. It is also what growth in this life is all about. Having an idea or an opportunity come to you is a divine appointment for one to make a move. Often times because it involves a risk people are so inclined to maintain their comfort level and avoid a risk due the unknown factor. The unknown is intimidating, I will admit, but the unknown is also intriguing, inspiring, and motivating to me! Discover what the possibilities could be. I am an over-thinker at times. I have been traditionally trained in science and healthcare to think critically and objectively. With this, I can see many outcomes for a given risk. This is where being still during meditation and prayers to our Creator come into play. If and when one is still and present in the moment, they can hear that inner guidance that tells them to take the risk or not. If taking the risk is the conclusion, then one may have peace with the outcome. Taking a risk means you may fail, and that’s fine. Those that have found success in any area of life have not done so without failing once or many times. Failure brings learning, which bring resilience, which brings persistence, which ultimately leads to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: stargazeyoga.com
- Instagram: @stargaze.yoga
- Facebook: stargazeyoga
