If you are involved in the Modesto Yoga Community you have most likely heard the name Kaycie. Kaycie is a HUGE part of this community and that is putting things mildly. In this latest Tayoga Conversation, Kaycie and I talk about her yoga journey thus far, our mutual love for Modesto, and what the future has in store for this beloved friend and studio owner. Take a moment out of your busy day and get to know a little but more about this amazing woman.
Tayoga: How did you get started with yoga and at what point did you decide to complete teacher training?
Kaycie: I started Yoga in 2012 when I decided I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle. I started running (completing my first half marathon), then moved to working out from home through a p90x workout video, where I tried yoga for the first time ever. My first experience with yoga was challenging - I felt like all the postures were out of my physical range and that one would have to be a noodle to get into them. I continued anyway to complete the 90 day workout program, and, as I progressed, the yoga video started to become my favorite. I noticed how I was becoming more flexible, stronger, and more balanced just by consistent practice. I couldn’t even touch my toes before and I was now doing things I never imagined were possible! After I finished the 90 days, I knew I wanted to continue yoga, but I wanted to try a real group yoga class. A friend of mine invited me to one locally and I absolute fell in love - instantly. I made it a regular practice and after figuring out VERY shortly after that the studio offered a teacher training, I jumped on the opportunity. There was something inside of me that told me to do it - and it was more of a feeling that I KNEW I was supposed to, even though I had only been practicing for a short time. I completed my teacher training that year and have been teaching passionately ever since!
Tayoga: That is so impressive that in just 7 years you have accomplished so much! You have taught at so many different studios, traveled the world, opened your own successful studio (Elevate Community Yoga in Roseburg Square), and are already teaching a new generation of teachers (thank you for doing that, btw! I could not have asked for a better teacher!). Over the last 7 years, what do you think has been your top 3 (in no particular order) most influential moments in your yoga journey?
Kaycie: In no particular order...The day I meditated willingly. This sounds funny, but meditation even just 2 years ago was more of a chore and felt difficult to maintain a regular practice. I loved the idea of meditation, in theory, but doing it was a different story. After trying on and off for a couple years, May of 2018 changed all of that. It was the time I sat at a friend’s house while they were gone and I had absolutely nothing to do but listen to music and hang. So I thought to myself, why not meditate? I set up pillows and sat for 20 minutes and it felt great. From that day on, my life has significantly changed direction for the best and I meditate daily now - best thing I’ve ever stumbled upon. I think timing is everything, but when I was ready, it came.
Tayoga: That’s good to know! Meditation is not my strong suit, so there is hope for me yet! Next?
Kaycie: The day I decided to open Elevate. I thought I was going to open a studio so that I could finally serve the community the way that I wanted – donation-based, where the intention was built on community. Well, it’ll be our 3 year anniversary next spring, 2020, and it has become so much more than I even imagined. Yes, it’s donation-based and my focus is still on the community, but it has brought so many amazing people into my life, has opened many doors of opportunity, and has held space for me to grow as a human and teacher alongside that community. It’s been incredible and life-altering. It continues to inspire me every day to be a better person and to give back more to the people that mean so much to me.
Tayoga: Elevate truly is a community. Well done, my dear. OK…last one.
Kaycie: Reading books! Man, I can’t even fully describe how influencing books are in my life and teaching. I have devoured some truly magical books over the past years that have reset the course of my life with thought-provoking ideas and ways of seeing myself and the world through new eyes. Each book has blasted me into a realm of new knowledge, understanding, and the inspiration to share it with the world. Spiritual books are my favorite, but I like anything that feeds my brain good info. A few of my favorite books over the years? How Yoga Works, The Celestine Prophecy, and The Alchemist are really good ones, but I’ll stop there because I have way too many good ones… I could share all day.
Tayoga: Reading books? I wouldn’t have thought that would be one of your answers, but that completely makes sense! You are always reading and learning and sharing your knowledge with the community. I am so glad I asked you that question. For me, you opening Elevate Community Yoga and offering Yoga Teacher Training was a huge influence in my yoga journey. Every time I walk in that studio I feel home.
Kaycie: I am so glad to hear how much of an influence YTT had on you in your journey. It has been an absolute treat watching you grow as a person, student and as Tayoga, of course. Truly.
Tayoga: Aww, shucks 😊 Ok… since we are talking about the Modesto Yoga Community, how did you wind up in Modesto [Area]?
Kaycie: I was actually born and raised in Modesto - I’ve never lived anywhere else! This is as shocking to me as it is to most others, too!! I used to feel like I hated it here and always dreamed of moving away to some amazing place, but it never quite happened that way. Once I started teaching yoga and connecting with the yoga community, I started to see all the amazing-ness of this town. There truly are some gems here. Instead of wanting to move, I became more invested in my community and its growth. I now enjoy traveling to get that sense of living elsewhere, while being able to come HOME to Modesto and my people. It’s now a place I love and can’t envision myself wanting to leave - I am proud of the town and the direction it’s going. I want to be here to support it!
Tayoga: You are so eloquent and I love it! I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that realizes how amazing Modesto is. One of my new favorite places is Lofi - a classy cocktail bar on J street. One thing I am constantly saying is, "Come on, Modesto! You can do it!" I say this because there is so much potential in this town and I feel like recently people have been helping to move this town in the right direction. What is your favorite Modesto area spot?
Kaycie: Favorite Modesto spot... well, you may know I’m a little bit of a homebody - I very much enjoy the comforts of my own home - BUT I do have a personal fav... Camp 4 Cafe. This one always wins my top choice. The reason being? They love community as much as I do and they have an incredible staff who are always so warming and welcoming. It feels like home when I’m there and the owner, Damon, always takes the time to say hi and check in. I love them all!
Tayoga: Ahhh, Camp 4... an excellent choice! That chocolate panini, though. I'm drooling a little bit just thinking about it.
Tayoga: I’m just curious about your future plans. With the New Year coming up, I know you’ve got some things in the works. What are the next places you plan to travel?
Kaycie: Oh, goodness, do you know the language of my heart? haha. (I know you love traveling, too). Well, I have two Bali retreats that I’m leading next year, so those are my main international traveling plans. I’m trying not to overwhelm myself with too much because I tend to get in the mode of “go go go” and I have to remind myself to slow down and take a breather sometimes. I know that a road trip to Yellowstone is going down at some point, another trip to Kauai, and I have been bouncing the idea of New York/East coast in July. I am letting go of attachment to travel goals and just kinda letting them happen - leaves more room for possibilities!
Tayoga: Traveling is just one of the best things ever. I love that you post pictures from your trips, as well. It gives us a taste of what it is like there. I know sometimes your travel revolves around trainings. What other yoga trainings do you want to complete?
Kaycie: So, next year I am enrolled in a 300hr yoga teacher training in Bali with focus on meditation and yoga Nidra. I’ve been wanting to take a 300hr program for a while now, but having spent the last 7 years studying more physical practices, I didn’t want to do a Hatha/Vinyasa/Ashtanga teaching and most of them are just that. It was really hard to find something outside of that realm and when I did find it, it didn’t seem such a coincidence that it was in Bali (right after I got back from my trip from there and fell in love with it). I am really looking forward to it. Although I still enjoy learning more about the physical, it’s the mental, meditation, energy, and stillness that I feel more curious about and want to grow in that direction. I’m excited to see where it will go and how I’ll be able to serve. I also feel guided to trainings on sound healing, more tea meditation, and different origins of meditation.
Tayoga: Oh man! I can’t wait for you to bring back to the community what you have learned! With that said, what is next for Elevate Community Yoga?
Kaycie: As I mentioned, Elevate is evolving into so much more and I’m bursting at the seams with new ideas. It’s all about community: Community of new teachers with fresh, new, and inspired ideas to share and Community of new students who are eager and ready to learn. That in itself is so great to watch - all the new offerings and demographics being served. On a broader note, I am so into the direction of retreats, nature, and yoga “off the mat” and into the world. International retreats, weekend retreats, hikes, adventures, nature meditations, camping trips, etc. nature is so important to me, so I want to bring more people together for that, too. It’s a great way to connect and grow together.
Tayoga: Exciting things ahead that will help create new stories and memories. Speaking of stories… you have taught so many classes and I’m sure you have a ton of good stories. What is the funniest thing you have experienced during one of your classes or other events related to yoga?
Kaycie: OMG, girl, what haven’t I experienced during class? I have two memories that will always stand out. One day, an older man came into the studio where I was teaching at the time and he was wearing a nice suit and tie - very fancied up. He asked to use the changing room and when he came out, he was wearing a speedo (or at least it was small enough to be one) to practice in. I literally couldn’t not laugh because it was such a night and day difference! It wasn’t even a hot class but he did the full 75 minute class like that - no slip ups - and I’m sure the rest of the class was like “what the hell Is happening right now?!” Lol.
Tayoga: HAHAHA!
Kaycie: I know you’d expect a fart story, and yes, that’s what this is. I normally don’t even pay any attention to farts in class because they happen often and honestly, they are usually embarrassing for that person so why draw extra attention to it in group setting? Anyway, this one time I was teaching a backbend from lying on the belly - hands reaching back for the ankles in bow. Well, all it took was the cue “find your fullest expression” and it was literally the loudest farts of all time… there was absolutely no pretending that didn’t just happen. Everyone started cracking up and the look of this guys face... he literally just closed his eyes and shook his head in embarrassment. I felt for him but he handed it like a champ and laughed about it later. It was one of the only times a fart actually disrupted the entire class for a bit to enjoy some laughter, which I’m sure was just what we all needed.
Tayoga: Aww... I love it! I find it hilarious that your 2 funny stories include men. I don’t think I have a funny fart story… yet… but if I keep teaching I’m sure it’ll happen. Just a couple more questions for ya. Is there anything in life you would do differently? Why?
Kaycie: I literally don’t regret one thing. Not one. I didn’t always feel that way, but as I’ve grown up a bit and forgiven myself for things I’ve done in the past that I might not be proud of, I’ve found a lot of peace with it all. More so, I recognize how much I’ve learned about myself through all those moments and couldn’t imagine taking it back - it has helped mold me. And the thing is, we have all done some things that we aren’t proud of but it makes us human, after all. Those things connect us all – and make us relatable. I’m glad we can connect and grow together from those moments.
Tayoga: Agree. Any final words for the community?
Kaycie: My final words are, LOVE YOU ALL! I get emotional thinking about how much I love my people. I am lucky to have so much support and love on my side and I’m just doing what I can to show my gratitude in return!
Tayoga: Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, Kaycie. You are a huge part of this community and I feel honored to call you friend.
Kaycie: I super appreciate all your kind words and for putting this together. It’s great to share these memories and to bring hype to this amazing little (big) town!
🧡
Thank you for reading this conversation. Kaycie and I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to take one of Kaycie's classes at Elevate Community Yoga or just come support the community. Class schedule at www.elevatecommunityyoga.com. You can also follow Kaycie on Intagram @elevatecommunityyoga. Until next time my friends.
Namas(tay).
Photo by Josh Wallace Photography. This picture is a couple years old (2.5yrs), but it is very special to me. Kaycie led a mini yoga session for me, my mom, and my bridesmaids on my wedding day - back in May 2017. It was the perfect way to start the perfect day.
Photo by Ashley Purple. This is a current photo of the lovely Kaycie Hall.
Tayoga: How did you get started with yoga and at what point did you decide to complete teacher training?
Kaycie: I started Yoga in 2012 when I decided I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle. I started running (completing my first half marathon), then moved to working out from home through a p90x workout video, where I tried yoga for the first time ever. My first experience with yoga was challenging - I felt like all the postures were out of my physical range and that one would have to be a noodle to get into them. I continued anyway to complete the 90 day workout program, and, as I progressed, the yoga video started to become my favorite. I noticed how I was becoming more flexible, stronger, and more balanced just by consistent practice. I couldn’t even touch my toes before and I was now doing things I never imagined were possible! After I finished the 90 days, I knew I wanted to continue yoga, but I wanted to try a real group yoga class. A friend of mine invited me to one locally and I absolute fell in love - instantly. I made it a regular practice and after figuring out VERY shortly after that the studio offered a teacher training, I jumped on the opportunity. There was something inside of me that told me to do it - and it was more of a feeling that I KNEW I was supposed to, even though I had only been practicing for a short time. I completed my teacher training that year and have been teaching passionately ever since!
Tayoga: That is so impressive that in just 7 years you have accomplished so much! You have taught at so many different studios, traveled the world, opened your own successful studio (Elevate Community Yoga in Roseburg Square), and are already teaching a new generation of teachers (thank you for doing that, btw! I could not have asked for a better teacher!). Over the last 7 years, what do you think has been your top 3 (in no particular order) most influential moments in your yoga journey?
Kaycie: In no particular order...The day I meditated willingly. This sounds funny, but meditation even just 2 years ago was more of a chore and felt difficult to maintain a regular practice. I loved the idea of meditation, in theory, but doing it was a different story. After trying on and off for a couple years, May of 2018 changed all of that. It was the time I sat at a friend’s house while they were gone and I had absolutely nothing to do but listen to music and hang. So I thought to myself, why not meditate? I set up pillows and sat for 20 minutes and it felt great. From that day on, my life has significantly changed direction for the best and I meditate daily now - best thing I’ve ever stumbled upon. I think timing is everything, but when I was ready, it came.
Tayoga: That’s good to know! Meditation is not my strong suit, so there is hope for me yet! Next?
Kaycie: The day I decided to open Elevate. I thought I was going to open a studio so that I could finally serve the community the way that I wanted – donation-based, where the intention was built on community. Well, it’ll be our 3 year anniversary next spring, 2020, and it has become so much more than I even imagined. Yes, it’s donation-based and my focus is still on the community, but it has brought so many amazing people into my life, has opened many doors of opportunity, and has held space for me to grow as a human and teacher alongside that community. It’s been incredible and life-altering. It continues to inspire me every day to be a better person and to give back more to the people that mean so much to me.
Tayoga: Elevate truly is a community. Well done, my dear. OK…last one.
Kaycie: Reading books! Man, I can’t even fully describe how influencing books are in my life and teaching. I have devoured some truly magical books over the past years that have reset the course of my life with thought-provoking ideas and ways of seeing myself and the world through new eyes. Each book has blasted me into a realm of new knowledge, understanding, and the inspiration to share it with the world. Spiritual books are my favorite, but I like anything that feeds my brain good info. A few of my favorite books over the years? How Yoga Works, The Celestine Prophecy, and The Alchemist are really good ones, but I’ll stop there because I have way too many good ones… I could share all day.
Tayoga: Reading books? I wouldn’t have thought that would be one of your answers, but that completely makes sense! You are always reading and learning and sharing your knowledge with the community. I am so glad I asked you that question. For me, you opening Elevate Community Yoga and offering Yoga Teacher Training was a huge influence in my yoga journey. Every time I walk in that studio I feel home.
Kaycie: I am so glad to hear how much of an influence YTT had on you in your journey. It has been an absolute treat watching you grow as a person, student and as Tayoga, of course. Truly.
Tayoga: Aww, shucks 😊 Ok… since we are talking about the Modesto Yoga Community, how did you wind up in Modesto [Area]?
Kaycie: I was actually born and raised in Modesto - I’ve never lived anywhere else! This is as shocking to me as it is to most others, too!! I used to feel like I hated it here and always dreamed of moving away to some amazing place, but it never quite happened that way. Once I started teaching yoga and connecting with the yoga community, I started to see all the amazing-ness of this town. There truly are some gems here. Instead of wanting to move, I became more invested in my community and its growth. I now enjoy traveling to get that sense of living elsewhere, while being able to come HOME to Modesto and my people. It’s now a place I love and can’t envision myself wanting to leave - I am proud of the town and the direction it’s going. I want to be here to support it!
Tayoga: You are so eloquent and I love it! I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that realizes how amazing Modesto is. One of my new favorite places is Lofi - a classy cocktail bar on J street. One thing I am constantly saying is, "Come on, Modesto! You can do it!" I say this because there is so much potential in this town and I feel like recently people have been helping to move this town in the right direction. What is your favorite Modesto area spot?
Kaycie: Favorite Modesto spot... well, you may know I’m a little bit of a homebody - I very much enjoy the comforts of my own home - BUT I do have a personal fav... Camp 4 Cafe. This one always wins my top choice. The reason being? They love community as much as I do and they have an incredible staff who are always so warming and welcoming. It feels like home when I’m there and the owner, Damon, always takes the time to say hi and check in. I love them all!
Tayoga: Ahhh, Camp 4... an excellent choice! That chocolate panini, though. I'm drooling a little bit just thinking about it.
Tayoga: I’m just curious about your future plans. With the New Year coming up, I know you’ve got some things in the works. What are the next places you plan to travel?
Kaycie: Oh, goodness, do you know the language of my heart? haha. (I know you love traveling, too). Well, I have two Bali retreats that I’m leading next year, so those are my main international traveling plans. I’m trying not to overwhelm myself with too much because I tend to get in the mode of “go go go” and I have to remind myself to slow down and take a breather sometimes. I know that a road trip to Yellowstone is going down at some point, another trip to Kauai, and I have been bouncing the idea of New York/East coast in July. I am letting go of attachment to travel goals and just kinda letting them happen - leaves more room for possibilities!
Tayoga: Traveling is just one of the best things ever. I love that you post pictures from your trips, as well. It gives us a taste of what it is like there. I know sometimes your travel revolves around trainings. What other yoga trainings do you want to complete?
Kaycie: So, next year I am enrolled in a 300hr yoga teacher training in Bali with focus on meditation and yoga Nidra. I’ve been wanting to take a 300hr program for a while now, but having spent the last 7 years studying more physical practices, I didn’t want to do a Hatha/Vinyasa/Ashtanga teaching and most of them are just that. It was really hard to find something outside of that realm and when I did find it, it didn’t seem such a coincidence that it was in Bali (right after I got back from my trip from there and fell in love with it). I am really looking forward to it. Although I still enjoy learning more about the physical, it’s the mental, meditation, energy, and stillness that I feel more curious about and want to grow in that direction. I’m excited to see where it will go and how I’ll be able to serve. I also feel guided to trainings on sound healing, more tea meditation, and different origins of meditation.
Tayoga: Oh man! I can’t wait for you to bring back to the community what you have learned! With that said, what is next for Elevate Community Yoga?
Kaycie: As I mentioned, Elevate is evolving into so much more and I’m bursting at the seams with new ideas. It’s all about community: Community of new teachers with fresh, new, and inspired ideas to share and Community of new students who are eager and ready to learn. That in itself is so great to watch - all the new offerings and demographics being served. On a broader note, I am so into the direction of retreats, nature, and yoga “off the mat” and into the world. International retreats, weekend retreats, hikes, adventures, nature meditations, camping trips, etc. nature is so important to me, so I want to bring more people together for that, too. It’s a great way to connect and grow together.
Tayoga: Exciting things ahead that will help create new stories and memories. Speaking of stories… you have taught so many classes and I’m sure you have a ton of good stories. What is the funniest thing you have experienced during one of your classes or other events related to yoga?
Kaycie: OMG, girl, what haven’t I experienced during class? I have two memories that will always stand out. One day, an older man came into the studio where I was teaching at the time and he was wearing a nice suit and tie - very fancied up. He asked to use the changing room and when he came out, he was wearing a speedo (or at least it was small enough to be one) to practice in. I literally couldn’t not laugh because it was such a night and day difference! It wasn’t even a hot class but he did the full 75 minute class like that - no slip ups - and I’m sure the rest of the class was like “what the hell Is happening right now?!” Lol.
Tayoga: HAHAHA!
Kaycie: I know you’d expect a fart story, and yes, that’s what this is. I normally don’t even pay any attention to farts in class because they happen often and honestly, they are usually embarrassing for that person so why draw extra attention to it in group setting? Anyway, this one time I was teaching a backbend from lying on the belly - hands reaching back for the ankles in bow. Well, all it took was the cue “find your fullest expression” and it was literally the loudest farts of all time… there was absolutely no pretending that didn’t just happen. Everyone started cracking up and the look of this guys face... he literally just closed his eyes and shook his head in embarrassment. I felt for him but he handed it like a champ and laughed about it later. It was one of the only times a fart actually disrupted the entire class for a bit to enjoy some laughter, which I’m sure was just what we all needed.
Tayoga: Aww... I love it! I find it hilarious that your 2 funny stories include men. I don’t think I have a funny fart story… yet… but if I keep teaching I’m sure it’ll happen. Just a couple more questions for ya. Is there anything in life you would do differently? Why?
Kaycie: I literally don’t regret one thing. Not one. I didn’t always feel that way, but as I’ve grown up a bit and forgiven myself for things I’ve done in the past that I might not be proud of, I’ve found a lot of peace with it all. More so, I recognize how much I’ve learned about myself through all those moments and couldn’t imagine taking it back - it has helped mold me. And the thing is, we have all done some things that we aren’t proud of but it makes us human, after all. Those things connect us all – and make us relatable. I’m glad we can connect and grow together from those moments.
Tayoga: Agree. Any final words for the community?
Kaycie: My final words are, LOVE YOU ALL! I get emotional thinking about how much I love my people. I am lucky to have so much support and love on my side and I’m just doing what I can to show my gratitude in return!
Tayoga: Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, Kaycie. You are a huge part of this community and I feel honored to call you friend.
Kaycie: I super appreciate all your kind words and for putting this together. It’s great to share these memories and to bring hype to this amazing little (big) town!
🧡
Thank you for reading this conversation. Kaycie and I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to take one of Kaycie's classes at Elevate Community Yoga or just come support the community. Class schedule at www.elevatecommunityyoga.com. You can also follow Kaycie on Intagram @elevatecommunityyoga. Until next time my friends.
Namas(tay).
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