MacKenzie Miller: REAL - lationships and Vulnerability in Yoga

Yoga Revealed Podcast

When I met MacKenzie Miller about 3 years ago in Seattle I knew she was someone who would be in my life for quite some time. Her fun loving personality and knowledgeable teachings were something I looked forward to about 2 times a week after work. Her and Patrick Beach were the only two teachers I really resonated with for my short 3 month stay in Seattle. When I learned that she was moving to LA I was absolutely ecstatic.

In this revealing interview with MacKenzie Miller we go deep into her passion for yoga and how it has shaped her life. She touches on some of her most vulnerable experiences and what she has learned from them. The interview took place after a full immersive day together that started with a meditation lead by her in Venice Beach, Ca. Then we went to Chad Hamrin’s class, who she speaks of in great detail, further in this interview.

I start off by asking, “When Yoga was First revealed to Mackenzie?”

She describes her past as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor who would take all the classes offered just to experience what else was out there. She has always had a passion for physiology and anatomy so Yoga came easy for her in the beginning. She really gravitated to her first teacher who challenged her to arm balances. Mackenzie was often used as the demo because she was pretty flexible and had the strenght to demonstrate some of the more physically demanding postures in class. Although she loves the physical practice and it’s aesthetics, she is a firm believer that the “Brain’s are the sexiest muscle in the Body.”

The teachers MacKenzie Miller is most inspired by:

1 Tiffany Cruikshank The only person who she has truly “studied” with. MacKenzie’s beloved teacher Tiffany has been a huge inspiration in her evolution and teaching style. She has invested time and money in training with her teacher and friend because she truly values Tiffany’s depth in knowledge and genuine passion for teaching anatomy in Yoga Medicine. She watches her grow and evolve as a person. Tiffany holds a degree in Sports Medicine and Chinese Medicine alike.

2. Chad Hamrin “The Hammer” as MacKenzie calls him, is the teacher she goes to on a weekly basis to practice with while in LA. “There is something to be said about someone who has been teaching for 20 years.” she laughs. She says he is one of the teachers who is willing to mess with you and truly practices and lives his yoga. It’s not about him it’s about the practice of YOGA. He is quirky and weird and Mackenzie likes that.
3. Kathryn Budig MacKenzie found Kathryn to be her favorite teacher to practice with during the time that she was new to Yoga Works and LA. She says that Kathryn inspired her vinyasa yoga teachings and dynamic body movements that she teaches today. Kathryn also suggested that MacKenzie study with Tiffany and since then she has has become one of Tiffany’s master assistants.

What are qualities of a dynamic teacher?

“You have to be a student,” says MacKenzie. “It’s easy to get lured into the fantastic poses in today’s Instagram vinyasa inspired world. Don't be distracted by the seemingly endless beauty of these advanced looking postures. We must quiet the mind and continue to explore. Constant exploration and willingness to explore helps us grow.”

MacKenzie’s past

MacKenzie has used Yoga, exercise, and meditation to deal with her most dark times.

Her father figure committed suicide at 18 in her first semester of college at LMU. Addiction, death and painful subjects are things that she is open to talk about because she feels they are the best way to gain strength and overcome the shadow side. In this interview she talks extensively about her shadow side and why it is important to acknowledge it.

“Hurt people, hurt people.” MacKenzie describes in depth her past, being abandoned often and feeling alone at times in her life. She found herself doing the opposite in her most recent relationship. This time she was holding onto her partner in efforts to do the opposite of what she had done before. She felt powerless in her strength. Her adrenals were shot and she was unhappy. Therefore she knew she could no longer go on with this relationship. She decided that LA was not the best place for her.

The non stop travel time is very exhausting for MacKenzie and she realized that LA was a very stimulating place. Instead of being a place that she could retreat to and call home, she realized that LA was draining her. She was ready to go back to Seattle; to her sweet spot, to the place where she feels best and finds the energy to excel.

Mackenzie’s Yoga Evolution

When I first met MacKenzie in Seattle her yoga style was a mix between a hot vinyasa and a sweaty yin. It has certainly evolved since the first time that we met. Her dynamic movement and intuitive flow is what I loved most when I was in Seattle. After practicing with her in LA for the recent filming of her new Cody App plan Fit Flow Strong, I was re-inspired by her skill and dynamic sequence. Her unique approach to teaching a Yoga class that incorporated High Intensity Interval Training left me absolutely drenched. Brihony and MacKenzie make an amazing team, and you have to check out their last Cody App.

We also touched on the details of how MacKenzie’s practice of yoga has turned her on to a documentary that changed her perspective on what she eats and why. She rants and raves about the impact that “CowSpiracy” has made on here eating habits and health. She also touches on some of the books that have helped her to develop an optimistic mindset of self empowered selfless inspiration.

MacKenzie’s 3 Recommended Books

The 4 Agreements

Daring Greatly

Molecules of Emotion

MacKenzie’s Nugget of TRUTH!

“If you want to really get to know yourself, TRAVEL ALONE. It reaffirms that there are so many kind, loving, people out there. People are are genuinely kind. “

LINKS

BOOK that she reveals.

“You can Heal your Life” Louise Hay

LMU Yoga Program

Yoga Works Main st.

CODY APP

CowSpiricy revealed a different perspective to her on sustainability

She grew up in Seattle eating deer and wild game that was hunted by friends.

A “Beer and burger type of girl.” goes Vegan. “Anytime you put a label on things you are limiting yourself.” says Mackenzie Miller

https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_weekday_vegetarian?language=en