Meet Meagan

Born in the United Kingdom to a military family of European descent, I grew up in a typical military household, subjected to the kind of programming that many of us experience. This environment contributed to my development of an avoidant attachment style, as I lacked the guidance to properly manage my emotions.

In my early 20s, I gave birth to my son, Luca, just as I passed my nursing boards. I landed a job on an oncology and palliative care inpatient unit and was thrilled. My first week as a nurse, less than three months postpartum, I came home from my shift exhausted. I closed my eyes, not knowing that when I opened them, my life would be drastically changed.

When I woke up, I had double tunnel vision, painful spasms throughout my body, extreme left-sided weakness, and the most severe case of vertigo and optic neuritis. I spent the next 10 days in the hospital receiving lumbar punctures, plasma exchange, and MRIs, leading to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Upon this initial scan, I already had over 11 actively demyelinating lesions.

The next several years were an all consuming pain-body cycle that felt like a prison sentence. My life became a combination of prescription medications, depression, and hospitalizations. I constantly asked the universe, “Why is this happening to me?” It was not uncommon for me to take 17 medications in the morning just to push through the day. Often, I would clock out of my shift and walk immediately to the ER as the symptoms were so unmanageable.

I felt immense guilt for not being able to play outside with my son often, and this internalized pain led to a suicide attempt in my 20s. Things came to a head when I received an experimental treatment that I was assured would “fix everything.” I put all my hope in this external fix, but after receiving this IV drug, I developed severe anaphylaxis and was rescued just in time as paramedics secured airway management.

There’s no other way to describe this experience other than an altered state of consciousness that led to profound insights. It was in this experience and in this breath that I realized that I held the key to my own healing all along. The answers were never outside of me. Slowly I began the tedious task of reprogramming myself and implementing changes to take my power back. I changed my diet, I found plant medicines. I formed a daily ritual. I made a habit of thanking my body each morning when I woke up. Little by little, as I aimed to heal my body, I received so much more healing than just the physical. My connection with myself and the universe deepened. I began deepening my studies in Shamanic Reiki. I signed up for yoga teacher training. I implemented these studies of yoga and found contentment even as tragedy struck my life once more. I went back and completed my advanced training in yoga.

These days, yoga is a part of who I am, whether I am holding a sacred medicine ceremony, or sitting in the carpool pick up line at my son’s school. Yoga translates to “union” or “to yoke”. Honoring these subtle layers of myself and digging new neural grooves was no easy feat. I started over hundreds of times. I still do. And I keep that in mind as I aim to be a safe and trauma-informed container for others to find their power and facilitate deep and miraculous healing for themselves.

The infinite wisdom in me, sees and honors the infinite wisdom in all of you. Namaste.

  • Absolutely, yoga is for everyone, regardless of flexibility. Yoga is a practice that can be adapted to meet your individual needs and limitations. Many poses can be modified, and props like blocks and straps can assist you. The goal is to improve flexibility and strength gradually, not to start out being perfect. With regular practice, you'll likely find your flexibility and overall well-being improving. The great thing is that so many people come for the stretch but leave with so much more!

  • Yes, yoga can be incredibly beneficial for calming the nervous system. Many yoga practices incorporate deep breathing exercises and meditation, which are known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. These techniques can help regulate your body's stress response, improve your mental clarity, and enhance your overall sense of calm and well-being.

  • Yoga is not a religion; it is a spiritual and physical practice that can complement many belief systems. While it has roots in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga itself is a versatile practice focused on mindfulness, physical well-being, and inner peace. Many people of various religions and backgrounds practice yoga without any conflict with their beliefs. It's about finding a practice that works for you and aligns with your personal values and goals.