Today we’d like to introduce you to Fern L. Conn. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Fern L. Conn, ERYT800, YACEP, Owner/Founder of Dancing Lion Studio. Certified Yoga Nidra Teacher. Certified Sound Healer. Wellness Coach.
Fern L. Conn, ERYT800, YACEP, and Certified ParaYoga Nidra Teacher has been helping to create wellness in the lives of others for over 35 years. Studio Owner and Lead Teacher of Dancing Lion Studio and school, Fern continues her work by also bringing the community together. She began her journey in the wellness field as a child studying dance.
She has been a Certified Personal Trainer, Corporate Wellness Coach & Group Fitness Instructor. Her passion for yoga and meditation was a natural next step and she has always included mindfulness practices in her work. Fern is also a motivational speaker, and writer and leads teacher trainings, leadership programs, and workshops in the areas of yoga, philosophy, Ayurveda, sequencing and cueing, meditation, Yoga Nidra, and more.
As a Lead Teacher in her Yoga Alliance-approved school, Fern provides not only a strong foundation for becoming a teacher but also mentorship in becoming a leader. She leads transformational Corporate wellness programs and workshops around the world. Fern can be hired as an Inspirational Speaker as well as a Motivational Coach. She offers online opportunities to work with her as a group or personally. She also presents at Festivals around the world.
Fern produces a podcast called “Flourish With Fern ” where she speaks with luminaries in the world of yoga, meditation, wellness, and more. It can be found on Spotify, Apple and anywhere podcasts are found! Fern also leads retreats where she brings students together both locally and internationally.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns. It is the challenges of life that help us grow, change, and become closer to our heart and spirit. As a spiritual guide and seeker in life, I have learned that these lessons can be a blessing and it is from this wisdom that I help others. There are many challenges to a small business owner.
I opened my studio just a few months before the pandemic which I think is going to be a pivotal point in history for most of us. Everything about the way we live, connect, and communicate shifted. I am fortunate to have the wonderful community that I do who helped me sustain the business. I also experienced my own personal health crisis. Over the last year I battled breast cancer, as someone who has always been healthy and never had a problem it was a shock to receive that diagnosis.
From the depth of despair and sense of loss, I have used this experience to add to my own teachings. My yoga, meditation, and wellness practices were truly a testament to how these practices help heal and support our well-being. These are two of the most recent and clear struggles that I can look at as life-changing. I use the lessons learned to help others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been in the wellness industry my entire life while also doing other things. I have a business degree, a real estate broker’s license, and more. But my passion has always been to use the tools of yoga, meditation, and mindful coaching to help others find peace and happiness in life. I am known for having a calm presence and a good sense of humor! I studied dance my whole life. and was a Certified Personal Trainer.
When I teach yoga asana, I have a slightly different approach in that it is less about the pose and more about how you feel. The mind/body/spirit connection is my priority as a teacher. I like to help my students have a transformative experience on the mat that goes beyond the asana.
The same is true for a speaker and a coach. I use a variety of tools to help people move past their fears, doubts, childhood trauma, negative self-talk, and more. I help to create a sense of self-efficacy so that my students learn that they can change their mindset and thus find peace.
I am a Certified Yoga Nidra teacher which is a special practice to help the subconscious mind to rest. It is restorative, holistic, and a wonderful practice. I am also a sound healer and use bowls, chimes, gongs, and more to help balance energy and calm the mind.
What sets me apart is my years of experience and daily hard work. I try to create an authentic experience and be true to the teachings while also allowing for each person’s individual needs. This takes a certain open-mindedness. Whether it is one student or a convention center filled with hundreds, I am inspired, uplifted, and humbled to be able to touch their heart and soul. I love what I do and it is truly my life’s purpose.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I advise you to take your time as you select a mentor and a networking group. I have had many throughout my career. A mentor should have an open quality and have your best interest in mind. Ultimately, you should be able to move on and not rely on them for everything.
A coach or mentor should be able to help you find your strengths and develop skills that you are less adept at. For networking, I advise attending different groups and seeing how you feel. Are they welcoming and supportive? Is there an opportunity to truly collaborate? As in any relationship, this can take time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dancinglionstudio.com and www.fernlconn.com
- Instagram: @fernlconn
- Facebook: @fernlconn
- Linkedin: @Fern L Conn
