Know Thyself Meditation Teacher Training offers an incredible path to becoming a competent and inspired meditation teacher!  I had previously taken Jim and Kimberly Carson’s Mindful Yoga for Chronic Pain level two training, which gave me the skills to teach the Mindful Yoga course.  While the Mindful Yoga training offered an excellent template and foundation for teaching meditation, and the necessary tools to lead a group, the Know Thyself course facilitated a shift in my teaching and understanding of meditation at a much deeper level.  Prior to these courses, I had felt confident as a yoga teacher, yet I still grappled with some self-doubt.  After taking the Know Thyself course, I feel that the teachings of yoga and meditation are coming from a deep place within.  While I still have a framework and plan my courses as a teacher, I no longer rely on my ‘plan’ as the source of my teaching.  I completely trust the teacher within, from the deepest part of my very Self, and I am able to spontaneously teach to, and be intimate with, whatever is arising with my students in the present moment.  This trust not only enriches my experience of teaching (and undoubtedly my student’s experience), but it also aligns with the lived experience of yoga off the mat, in daily life.  My ability to trust whatever is arising, and maintain a sense of equanimity, has grown exponentially, both on the meditation cushion, and in my life as a parent, spouse, teacher, and friend.  Additionally, taking the course with a community of teacher training students who are all learning with and from each other was an invaluable gem.  Jim and Kimberly’s authenticity allows for each student to blossom in their own unique way.  I highly recommend this course for anyone who is wishing to teach meditation, and/or deepen their own practice of meditation both on and off the mat.

Abby Hatfield

Registered Yoga Teacher, E-RYT-500

IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist

I began Know Thyself Teacher Training with enthusiasm, hope, and a tremendous amount of focus. A few months into the program, I experienced a tragic loss. My brother died unexpectedly. His death brought me to my knees. Suddenly getting through the day felt challenging and overwhelming. My grief was so massive, I felt uncertain about how to keep up with Know Thyself. I quickly discovered that “keeping up” wasn’t the end goal. The real magic was the way these teachings and this group of people supported me and accepted me. Their non judgement, love, and willingness to be present with whatever emotion rolled through helped me to find steady ground and feel less afraid of the pain I was experiencing. I also felt like I had the opportunity to work with the teachings we were learning in real time—and in a very practical way. I know that my participation in Know Thyself the first year following my brother’s death is a big part of the reason why I’m doing as well as I am today. The skills I’ve cultivated are priceless. I’m incredibly grateful. It amazes me how well this program fit into my life during a time of wild transition and heartbreak. 

Taking the Know Thyself Teacher Training program is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s not just a training, it’s a chance to develop a rich practice that will transform your life and give you the tools to work skillfully with whatever life throws at you. After my year of studying with Kimberly and Jim, I firmly believe in my heart that if I am alive, I can work through it thanks to these teachings. I no longer feel so afraid of anxiety, grief, and emotional distress. I now see these things as an invitation to learn more about myself and the secrets of the universe. I am profoundly grateful for the wisdom, the newfound confidence, and the sense of ease and relief I’ve gained as a result from this year-long program. Know Thyself is a gift and a treasure. 

Before I started Know Thyself, I already had a strong meditation practice that was a central part of my life. Going through the Know Thyself training took something that was already deep and meaningful to an entirely other level. This year-long program taught me how to live and embody the teachings in a way that is authentic to myself. It also gave me access to a like-minded and focused community of people going through the same things that I was going through. Words fall short, but the experience was profound and I feel like this training helped me express myself more fully and freely. I found myself, and I found my voice. What greater gift is there than feeling more ok with who you are and getting the blueprint to help others do the same? It’s the honor of my life to be a part of this training and to now be able to share these teachings with other people. I highly recommend it to anyone. 

I’ve never met anyone like Kimberly or Jim. Their wisdom and experience is unparalleled. Their offerings are unprecedented. I’ve never felt more supported or encouraged than I have in the Know Thyself Teacher Training program. 

Kait Hurley

The value of this course for me is immeasurable. In my personal life, I’ve had a mostly regular meditation practice since age 19. My practice had grown stiff and disconnected from my daily life. The pain patterns in my body were seeming to be great obstacles in my ability to drop inside. So, I was in a lull, longing for more tools to go deeper and bring these practices into my work.

 Through the careful guidance of Kimberly and Jim, the texts that we read, the guest teachers that we listened to, and regular feedback about my practices, I have had deep and lasting shifts in my formal and informal practice. Through KTMTT and the simple yet powerful ancient yoga techniques, I found that that which used to feel esoteric is now incorporated into the simple experience of being in my day-to-day life. Allowing mindfulness to remind me of simply being has allowed me to release layers of separation that my mind had created around what is spiritual and what is not spiritual. This has helped release a truckload of judgment around my process, inviting deeper relaxation into my daily experience, curiosity and flexibility in my formal practices, and a renewed sense of trust and wonder at the Grace which guides it all!

Through this renewed experience, I’ve been able to offer the 8 week course here in my home, as well as incorporate the practices into my sound healing work, and my work as a minister. I am so grateful and I highly recommend taking this course.

Elizabeth Lavenue

Sound healer, voice teacher and minister