ABOUT: A SNAPSHOT

All genders, races, abilities, religions, countries of origin, and sexual orientations are welcome.

LILY & MICHAEL KESSLER

Christine Lily Kessler is an Educational Specialist, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, and is an adjunct professor of Yoga Philosophy and Methodology at Butler University. Lily is fascinated by the facets of the ancient, living Yoga lineage. Her studies and peace-teachings honor the people, cultures, and roots of these vast traditions. Lily has been a teacher for 27 years. For 16 years, she served in elementary schools in Tacoma, Washington and Alexandria, Virginia teaching Head Start, Kindergarten, and Fourth Grade, as well as being a District Data Coach, Curriculum Designer, and Reading Specialist. Lily has created two International Yoga Alliance Certified Schools in both 200-hour and advanced 300-hour certifications. Lily has been a guest presenter in over 30 certified Yoga programs within the United States and worldwide. Since 2014, Lily has founded both Blooming Life Yoga Studio and School (now Blossom Yoga + Pilates), as well as Nourished Heart Yoga Training and Travel. She is an adjunct professor at Butler University and is author of the 4-book compendium The Art of Living Yoga. Lily has been a global retreat leader since 2015, cultivating experiences and leading groups on cultural and spiritual journeys to India, Peru, Costa Rica, and Spain as a peace effort so people may see themselves in others. She is a committed volunteer at the Humane Society and has a home full of rescued animals. Through the lens of Yoga, Lily guides us to bravely examine, question, and dissolve outdated labels and oppressive belief systems to claim a life rooted in the freedom of personal authenticity. Humbly, it is Lily’s life’s calling to make Yoga’s vast and tangled roots accessible and recognizable in everyday life, as she, herself, is in the thick of her own learning and refinements.

Michael Kessler, E-RYT 200, E-RYT 500, JD, founder of Nourished Heart Yoga & Training, founder of Blooming Life Yoga Studio + School. Michael's introduction to yoga began as physical therapy following back surgery. Since that practical beginning, he has come to appreciate the many physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, both on and off the mat. Michael is honored to share his yogic passion and knowledge of the Tradition with all people, and is an LGBTQIA+ ally.

Michael is a B.E.S.T Practitioner®, Reiki Master, Yoga Nidra practitioner, global retreat leader. He has led spiritual trips with Lily to spiritual journeys to India, Peru, Costa Rica, and Spain. Since 2015, Michael has co-led all of Blooming Life’s 200 and 300-hour teacher trainings, teaches in The Hot Room’s 200-hour program, and co-leads Nourished Heart’s 200-hour program. Michael’s grounded insights, bridging ancient Yoga to the modern world, offer peace and insight. He hopes to inspire his students to bring their yoga off the mat in a manner that will help enrich both their daily lives, and will help them bring awareness to others.