Welcome to Wymbin's Graduate Spotlight!
This is a space to celebrate all of our incredible Youth Yoga Teacher Training graduates and keep up to date with the inspiring things they are up to.
Introducing: Gracie Elbel
Hi Gracie–welcome to your graduate spotlight! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your yoga journey?
"Yoga found me at the age of 12. My first teacher was Jenna Galloway, the founder of Wymbin. Having this practice to turn to was so critical to my well-being, especially at that age. I took my teacher training at the age of 15, I was in grade 10. It felt so right (and very full circle, with Jenna being the one training me!). I think the fact that I was able to take this training as a teenager is what made it so special. It was pretty incredible to be teaching kids who were the age that I started yoga at, while I was still a kid myself."
Why did you take your yoga teacher training with Wymbin?
"Wymbin is the perfect training for anyone at anytime in their personal practice. I think that the training really helps you grow as a student and helps to broaden your understanding of yoga by being able to teach it to kids and teens. And if you’re a teen considering taking this training, take it! There's nothing more impactful as a kid than having another kid teach you. It's incredible to be able to have teachers you can relate to and look up to. The training definitely opened me up to a broader yoga community, I feel lucky to have experienced."
How has your yoga teacher training supported you in your daily life?
"I’m currently studying at OCAD University studying textiles and sculpture. I feel that art and
yoga are very interconnected. I often find that my best ideas come to me when I’m practicing.
Aside from school, I work with a kids nature program that's purpose is to give inner-city kids the chance to play freely outside. I often use mindfulness practices with the kids that I learnt through my training. As well as the occasional yoga class :)"
A final note from Gracie:
"Yoga has always been a beautiful gift in my life. I’m beyond grateful for having the privilege to have had so many incredible chances to learn this practice."
"I wish to acknowledge this land that I create and make on, here in Tkaronto (Toronto); the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinabek, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we reside and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis. I express my gratitude for the opportunity and privilege to create, make and live on this land."
Are you ready? Start your journey here!
Are you a Wymbin YTT graduate? We'd love to hear from you! Email naina@wymbin.com.
- Gracie Elbel
Gracie Elbel (she/her) is an artist living in Tkaronto (Toronto) and a Wymbin Kids Yoga Teacher Training Graduate. She took the training when she was just 15 years old.
She is currently doing her undergrad in fine arts at OCAD and will be studying at the Berlin Art Institute. She continues to combine the practice of yoga with her art practice.
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