This past September marked the 15th anniversary since I was in a serious car accident. I was 21. My TBI was so severe, they asked my parents if I wanted to donate my organs (thankfully, Mom said yes). After two months in a coma, and several more using a wheelchair and other rehab devices, I began my struggle to continue on the path I had set forth, without really understanding how much I had changed, that outcomes ultimately were not in my control... Yoga has helped me develop the emotional strength and flexibility to accept the uncertainty, while showing me the love and support I need remains within. I began my “yoga journey” about six years ago, when I began taking yoga classes regularly. I didn’t realize it then, but I had found a way to reconnect to my “damaged” body and brain in a positive way. Years later, in my teacher training at Integral Yoga Institute, I learned the absolute necessity of self love and acceptance. When we sincerely accept ourselves as we are right NOW, we can more fully nurture, accept, and love others. Acceptance starts with love, and love is what we really are. In my life, yoga is the ideal way to connect to this. This “LoveYourBrain Accept, Love, Support” meditation is a conglomeration of ideas I’ve picked up from my many teachers along the way. I thank them for their gifts, and I thank you for your willingness.

Daya Alexander Grant, Ph.D., M.S., is a neuroscientist, sport psychology consultant, and yoga/meditation teacher. She joined the LoveYourBrain team in 2015, bringing a deep understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of brain injury and recovery.

Kyla Pearce is the Lead Yoga and Meditation Teacher for the LoveYourBrain Foundation. She conducts LYB’s yoga teacher training workshops to enable other yoga teachers to learn how to tailor these practices for the TBI community. She is passionate about making yoga accessible to TBI survivors so that they can direct their healing one breath at a time.

Caitlin Parsons is a Healthy Back and Yoga Therapy teacher in north county San Diego as well as a lead trainer at the School of Gentle Yoga, providing workshops and 200-hour yoga teacher trainings throughout the United States. She graduated the University of New England and currently still works as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Caitlin loves all things adventure and outdoors. You can learn more about her work at www.healerswithin.com.

Brian Tuck is a yoga and meditation teacher in Montreal. When Brian was first diagnosed with Goodpasture’s Syndrome, he was told that he'd lead a normal, healthy life, but most likely would never be able to run. He is now training for his second triathlon!

Liz Heffernan is an international yoga teacher and Integrative Yoga Therapist (CYT-1000). Her teaching weaves together philosophy, creative sequencing, clear alignment, mindful breathing and compassionate self-inquiry to form a tapestry that reflects her heartfelt commitment to this transformative path. She is the founder and teacher training director of Soma Yoga Institute: www.somayogainstitute.com.

Ally Mazerolle started Girlvana Yoga in 2012 as an initiative to get teens practicing yoga and meditation as a vehicle to radical self acceptance and self love. Currently, Girlvana Yoga leads week long retreats on Galiano Island, weekly classes held at my studio Distrikt Movement and programs in high schools and elementary schools throughout Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Scott Adam is a an avid yogi, meditator, and musician, and aspires to help others transform their lives through yoga.

Katie is a yoga and meditation teacher in training, follower of Christ, reiki practitioner, nature enthusiast and amateur baker. She lives near Philadelphia with her family. To learn more about Katie’s journey check out her article on Yoga Today

Steve participated in LoveYourBrain's first teacher training this past August. Steve is committed to sharing the two things--yoga and meditation--that have had the most significant impact on his recovery and rehabilitation with other survivors and their caregivers.