My name is Brandon Copeland and I’m a yoga instructor in Washington D.C. I am the father of one amazing ray of sunshine, Lenox Copeland, who keeps me grounded and inspires me to be a better person every day. As a matter of fact, it's thanks to Lenox that I ever took a yoga class in the first place.
When I found out about Lenox's imminent arrival, I was in my junior year at Howard University and had just decided I wanted to become a psychiatrist. With my head in the clouds, I was completely blindsided by the responsibilities of being a father. I began to struggle with my spring semester course load and was failing. I became depressed. I'd lost my place trying to ignore the stress and needed something, anything, to help me focus on my life's purpose. A friend of mine suggested I take a yoga class and offered a pass they weren't able to use. After a few reminders and a little more prodding I went and tried out this foreign experience.

Long story short: I took the class and was hooked. I was finally able to relax enough to make a plan and after coming to my senses. I took a breath. I began volunteering at the studio and by the time Lenox was born I was half way through the studio's teacher training. I'd found my purpose and began to chase it vigorously.

It's been three years now and I teach yoga full time. I am in the early stages of developing a company and website (kheperawellness.com) to spread the practice I love. Particularly, Rocket Yoga has propelled my life into a place that I, literally, never imagined. I've been able to grow as a father and person against the odds; even more satisfyingly I've been able to share that growth with people who, like me, had never considered wellness a priority. People contact me through Instagram (@brandoflows) and Facebook (facebook.com/ BrandonCopelandYoga) to ask questions much like the ones I had when I faced my biggest fears. I've committed my life, learning more about methods of promoting wellness and making those practices relatable to those who, like me, did not know that they deserved peace.

I have started this campaign to continue my efforts to learn and share Rocket Yoga under the tutelage of my teacher David Kyle. A few summers ago I hosted David at a few workshops for yoga studio, Stroga, where I was the yoga director. After taking his 50 hour Rocket training in that same summer I haven't practiced or taught much else. Each summer since then I have offered Rocket Yoga classes to over 1000 students many of whom took the class with me at Malcolm X Park. I've always made sure to offer a Rocket class for students to take for free because I believe in the power of this practice to change the world, especially for those who are on hard times.

My core goal is to open up people's concept of personal power and continue to be an example of determination and internal strength. This training is a major step in my journey that has come right at the perfect time. Who am I to fight purpose?

Humbly, I ask that you donate to help this dream become a reality.

If you're interested in yoga or learning more about the practice, whether you donate or not, please reach out. I'd love to share more about Rocket Yoga and how it's changed my life for the better.

Namaste.