Hidden Gems: Meet Kerry Steuart of MYKC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerry Steuart.

Hi Kerry, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I joined the Air Force in 1991 and planned on retiring after twenty years, but unfortunately, I was medically discharged in 1999. I suffered from migraines, leg pain, and other issues, but those two prohibited me from serving our Country. I eventually began to have battles with PTS that affected my home and work life. Although I might appear happy and healthy on the outside, on the inside, I was truly struggling. I was struggling to find a purpose, an opportunity to serve. I was angry and bitter because I spent the next twenty years trying to discover the cause of my health symptoms, and the VA Hospital was not very helpful. All this frustration and anger was taken out on my family, friends, and colleagues. My eldest daughter had been suggesting yoga because she thought it would help my symptoms.

I started my yoga journey with mindfulness and meditation, and I discovered that I felt calm and relaxed for the first time in a long time. I would pause any time during the day when a trigger or any anxiety occurred and perform a meditation practice. I had this practice for four months before stepping into a yoga studio. The true foundation of yoga is our breath, and I have realized through this journey that yoga is not just the hour on the mat but the twenty-three hours off the mat. The mat sets the foundation for the rest of the day. Yoga does two things for us every day. First, it allows us to realize the things in our life that we are doing well and, secondly, those things that need work. Yoga is truly for everyone, transforming our life from the inside out.

I am a Gulf War Veteran who spent eight years in the Air Force. I have a BS in Business Management, am a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, and have been retired since 2014. Suffering from chronic pain and PTSD since my time in the military, I understand first-hand the numerous benefits of yoga and meditation for pain reduction and mental clarity. I am a yoga instructor that recognizes and believes that yoga can cause both physical and mental transformations that result in less pain, reduced PTSD symptoms, and stress reduction. I provide a variety of classes that serve those looking for a physical challenge and a complete mindfulness/meditation practice. People come to the mat at all different levels with different intentions, and I welcome everyone to come and make the class their unique yoga experience.

Moderation and balance are truly two of the greatest aspects of being mindful. Providing a variety of yoga, including talks to the community through different facets, allows me to connect with the community. I have to ensure not to overextend myself mentally, physically, or spiritually. Otherwise, I cannot provide positive energy to my family or the community. I have been blessed to work with Warriors’ Ascent, which provides a week-long opportunity to transform the participants’ life at no cost. If you know someone who has served our country and our community and is looking for a chance to regain and take back their life from past trauma, please have them apply here: https://www.warriorsascent.org.

Warrior’s Ascent has evolved over the past few years, and this program works as demonstrated by the hundreds of lives saved and impacted. A four-year study by The KU Cofrin-Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment confirms the Warriors.’ Through Warriors’ Ascent, I have learned various concepts that provide participants an opportunity to find unconditional love, acceptance, and the ability to be present.

The Ascent program has been proven to reduce our participants’ emotional and psychological suffering and improve their well-being, as evidenced by statistically significant outcomes. I created MYKC, a nonprofit (https://midtownyogakc.org), a few years ago to allow myself and others to extend our reach within the community. MYKC can provide yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and various speaking engagements to organizations like Warriors’ Ascent or corporate events. We can also provide a Warriors Essential Yoga Kit to the participants for Warriors’ Ascent that provides a solid foundation for their yoga journey. My latest opportunity to connect with the community has been through my youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/kerrysteuart). This has been another huge blessing because I can connect virtually with people worldwide and provide yoga or interviews from personal requests.

This journey has provided a transformation of changing my perspective from a victim to a hero. Yoga has allowed me to feel loved and accepted, to be okay with the pain from my past, to find the opportunity to be positive, real, and authentic, find forgiveness and hope for my future. It allows me to look at my overall health and wellness optimistically. I still struggle daily with pain, PTS, and other medical issues, but the various facets of yoga have helped me through this journey. It has given me a purpose to live, give back to my family and community when possible, and provide hope for all mankind.

As you know, we’re big fans of MYKC. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
The Why – Social Enrichment
We believe that one suicide from those that serve our Country and Community is one too many. We are currently in a mental health crisis and want to provide a path of holistic healing to those that have dedicated their lives to serving us. The support from our community is overwhelming at times and allows MYKC the opportunity to transform and truly save lives. While telecommunicators are often the first responders engaged with those on the scene, research on their suicide risk and mental health has lagged. Law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the public. Studies have found that between 17% and 24% of public safety telecommunicators have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 24% have symptoms of depression.

Veterans are 57% more likely to commit suicide than those not served. This is 1.5 times greater than the general population. There are currently 44 Veterans committing suicide daily. Corrections officers face a risk of suicide 39% higher than those in all other professions. They also have a 20% higher rate of divorce.

We have the privilege of transforming and saving lives by providing a path of acceptance, hope, and unconditional love in a space they can truly be vulnerable. We provide a foundation in breath work, mindfulness, meditation, self-care, developing a mission statement, establishing healthy boundaries, and yoga. During 2022 MYKC directly impacted the lives of 77 participants with Warriors’ Ascent.

Testimonials:
Mike: Where do I begin? You have transformed every aspect of my life. You have allowed me to be real, raw, and authentic with the ability to be vulnerable. I wouldn’t be here without you. You truly are a real-life superhero who has guided us to the top of the mountain without leaving our side. You are amazing and a lifelong friend. There aren’t enough words for what you have done and continue to do for me and everyone you come in contact with. You don’t judge or question how or why we got to where we are; you fill the room full of love and appreciation. For that, I say thank you. I love you, brother!

Glenn: Well, where can I start? Before you, I did not even like myself! With your help, I learned how to love myself because I’m human and flawed. So you helped me learn how to unconditional love. Not to be judgmental; let a person be them and not care what they bring to the table; love them for being them. Stand up and be responsible for your actions. Show your battle scars. Embrace them; don’t let them be a scar of shame. Be proud of yourself, love, and be your best. Never be distracted from the moment; be all in! Love you, brother, and thankful for you more than you will ever know.

Vanessa: I realize that life is not just about work. We have to go deep in self-care to know “who I am and that I have to explore the person Im. We only live once, and we have to live happily and enjoy what we like to do. When Im going through my emotions, I have to ask myself why? That we have to let go of whatever it is. Learning to inhale and exhale helps me set my mind to focus on the task Im doing at work and daily things in life.

David: Kerry Steuart is truly transforming lives. He gave me the tools to bring peace, calmness, and vision to my life. Kerry is one of the most authentic people I know, who means what he says and acts on it when it comes to supporting our community. Kerry instills sincere accountability, healthy boundaries, and vulnerability; I cannot thank or recommend him enough.

Mario: I would be in a coffin if you did not follow your path. I believe in this program.

Tammy: Kerry is such a kind and genuine soul! He helped me to breathe meaningfully and to be intentional in life. He is a blessing to me and many others!

Christopher: Kerry’s program has truly saved my life. It has shown me how to turn my life around through self-care, vulnerability, and accountability to myself. I went from isolation to having a new band of brothers I know have my back. Having daily text message reminders helps set me up for success each day.

Dave: My week at Warrior’s Ascent was incredible! I have experienced several different types of trauma over my life, and things came to a head last Fall. I decided to try and get help through the VA again, and this time it worked, and I have been engaged in weekly counseling since this last January. Throughout my counseling experience, I have learned the value of vulnerability, especially with my feelings. I would have never allowed myself to engage with a group of strangers without having done months of preliminary therapy. When allowed to attend WA, I was a prime candidate and open to growing deeper in the emotional healing part of my recovery. From the first session, I knew I would experience some very positive outcomes, as the topics and content revealed some very important “next steps” toward change. The moment I met Kerry Steuart, I was impressed by how he was able to present himself and his care and compassion for all of us. This was unique, and I never felt I had to guard myself or, importantly, my past trauma against anyone that week. I made a personal “intention” to be open at all costs. Since that day and that decision, my life has been different, transformed, and empowered. I discovered another series of critical tools to aid in my recovery, and thanks to Kerry, I have continued to work on the areas of my life that were revealed during the sessions with Kerry. I have maintained contact with my cohort and established a mutual accountability relationship with one of my brothers for life.

Greg: Kerry’s humble delivery and genuine nature are a gift that has blessed my life time and time again. He has walked me through my life’s “messes,” I’ve come out on the other side, having grown positively due to his engagement. I love this guy!

Hattie: The ongoing and positive impact that Kerry has made in my life has been instrumental in helping me to reach a level of confidence and self-awareness. He is always positive and uplifting, makes you think differently, and offers a listening ear and support whenever needed! Kerry has demonstrated to be a “safe” friend for many years, sharing friendship and kindness, despite his busy schedule with community outreach events and his physical health challenges. I am grateful to have such a wonderful and inspiring friend, educator, and advisor in many things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.midtownyogakc.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midtownyogakc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midtownyogakc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdsteuart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kerrysteuart