Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubree Gilbert.
Hi Aubree, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I can remember I’ve had big feelings, big emotional reactions, and persistent curiosity. Like most kids, teens, and even adults, I didn’t have the language to explain what I was feelings or understand how, why, or where I was feeling it. I always felt like something was wrong with me–I had asthma, constant stomach issues, mood swings, and would go into what my family calls my, “shut down mode” where I get very unresponsive, icing everyone out (notice I’m using present tense). I started partying and relying on substances at a very young age, had low self-esteem, and what I now understand to be anxiety attacks. It wasn’t until I started my trainings in mindfulness/yoga for mental health that I learn “shut down mode” is actually a stress response. I started practicing yoga in college when I learned about most studios offering free first-time classes and discounted 2-week trials. At the time I didn’t understand why, but I felt better after taking classes–this lead me to doing a work-trade at a studio–which lead me to diving deeper into yoga teacher trainings by my desire to share what I was learning. Through my trainings, I learned how everything is connect-body, mind, behaviors, patterns, the impact of emotions and stress levels have on our well-being. Everything clicked into place. I learned more about anxiety, depression, PTSD, and in the words of Bessel Van Der Kolk, how our bodies keep the score. Once I learned how my body and breath respond to stress and the tools, I can use to give myself space to feel and move through big emotions, I gained self-awareness and empowerment. I was never interested in teaching at studios, I wanted to offer practices to people who maybe couldn’t afford to go to a yoga studio or didn’t feel comfortable in that settle but could benefit. I have been teaching in schools for 5+ years and am continuously inspired by the young people I work with. I have worked in over high schools, group homes, juvenile detention centers, leading Mindfulness groups, 1:1 coaching sessions, donation-based zoom, and park classes. All my classes emphasize emotional wellness by doing a combination of somatic movement (yoga), breathing techniques/meditation, and art prompts to build a better relationship with ourselves and in turn the world around us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I had a lot of dark days that turned to weeks that turned to months before I started building awareness and staying consistent with my practices. I still have my shadows, but I don’t stay in the dark for nearly as long. I found my way to a better way of living and pulled myself up mostly on my own with the exception of guidance from my teachers. When I started teaching, I was confident in the effectiveness of the practices but not fully confident in myself. I would have anxiety attacks on the way to teach. I would have to self-soothe the whole commute and at the end of the day. I still face challenges doing this work. I chose a life of service which comes with both its triumphs and its burdens. Some of the kids I work with are heavily traumatized. It is extremely hard for me to “leave my work at the door.” Caring can be a superpower and a weakness. I get burnout often and have to remember to fill my own cup. I teach about trauma and mental health while always working through my own battles too. My practice is what grounds me and my students keep me going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work for a non-profit going into low-income schools educating students on the impacts of stress, trauma, and emotions. We work on building community while enhancing awareness of how each of us experience stress, trauma, and emotions in our bodies and how that affects our behaviors, patterns, and over-all well-being. We have open discussions on our experiences, use writing/art prompts to dig deeper into our mental/emotional/creative minds then use breathing techniques and somatic movements(yoga) to self-regulate. The goal is for people to learn how to customize these self-care practices so they can make them relevant to their lives. Since Covid, I have been branching out more on my own to offer 1:1, group coaching sessions and donation-based park classes. I specialize in mindfulness for mental health and stress resilience. I am most proud of my ability to transform my own well-being and offer practices to so many different communities. I think what sets me apart from others is I share the mic with my students, A LOT. I offer guidance and autonomy knowing that these practices aren’t a one-size-fits-all.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
In my parents’ backyard there used to be this corner that was covered by a bush with little fragrant purple flowers. The branches arched in a way that made a little cave. I used to love sitting in the dirt, smelling the flowers, and letting my imagination take off. This was my safe space. I still don’t know what those flowers were but every now and then I’ll get a whiff of something that reminds me of them, and I can’t help but smile.
Pricing:
- 1:1 coaching sessions $90-$150
- Private Group coaching sessions $150-$250
- Public Group Classes $15-$35 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: mindfulskulls.com
- Instagram: mindful.skulls
