My cousin and I on my pony, Brandy 

We could have never known we would end up here...

It's been an interesting and blessed ride, no doubt.  

I grew up on 80 acres in Brainerd, Minnesota, and I always dreamed of moving to the city.  I did that.  Now, more than 25 years since my days on the farm, I pine to be back in the country.  And, so, the dream is unfolding and we are building our life in the country, with all of the juicy gifts I have received from so many journeys abroad and within.  

My husband, Larry, and I now call Vernonia, Oregon home.  And I still get my city fix twice a week when I drive an hour and a half to teach at YogaPearl in Portland.  I love the city, and yet, when my practice calls, I long to be quiet, with only the sounds and sensations of nature pulsing thorugh my bones.  It soothes me and reminds me that I am home when I am quiet and tapped in.  No cell service, no internet connection.  Only me and my breath.  That is all there is.  

Professional Bio:  

Britt Bensen Steele is a celebrated yoga teacher and ayurvedic practitioner living part of the year in Portland, Oregon, and studying and traveling abroad the remainder of the year. Britt’s exposure to yoga came in her early twenties as she sought to deepen her understanding of fitness and to self-heal. She has studied extensively under the teachings of Uma Inder, Dr. David Frawley, Dr. Vasant Laad, Swamiji Vagishananda, to name a select few.  Her work includes yoga classes, yoga and ayurveda workshops, retreats, and a dedication to supporting the integration of ancient yogic teachings into the modern world. Britt believes and teaches that the work we do, within and without, while we are on the mat translates to our work on the planet. 

Britt has worked in the mind/body healthcare industry for more than 20 years. Her BS in Exercise Physiology and Masters Degree in Health Education provide her with an academic background to incorporate alignment and physiology into her teaching. Throughout her career, Britt has taught at the university level, conducted mind/body oncology research, directed wellness programs, and served as director for research and development for a hospital-owned integrative medical facility. Britt weaves her experience in academia, allopathic medicine, and Western perspective with the rich and ancient history of yoga and ayurveda to teach classes, workshops, and retreats accessible to all.

Britt’s yoga and ayurveda training includes:

1800+ hours concentrated training in yoga and ayurveda, including but not limited to:
• 750 hour classical hatha, vinyasa, and kriya yoga
• 300 hours yoga therapy
• 800 hours ayurveda

Certifications:

• Certifited Yoga Teacher (200 hour Yoga Alliance & 375 hour Chakra Yoga School)

• Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

• Certified Guru Kula Graduate (250 hour Pune, India w/Dr. Vasant Laad)

• Certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor (Vedic Institute /David Frawley)

• Certified Black Belt in the Nia Technique