Name: Christy Bonner
Lives in: I work in Chattanooga, Tennessee and live in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee in the United States.
From: I was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but have also resided in Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, Great Britain, and South Carolina. I am an Enneagram 2, but I am also high in 7 and so moving and traveling have been a source of adventure and fun in my life.
Occupation: I work as a licensed marriage and family therapist, a 500 hour certified yoga instructor, and a certified Enneagram teacher. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Emory and Henry College, a Master of Divinity from Emory University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I previously worked for 15 years as a chaplain.
I find meaning and purpose in my work seeing therapy clients, teaching yoga, writing for The Lookout Mountain Mirror, and co-hosting the Enneagram+Yoga podcast with my friend, Kat Smith. I am proud of the book I wrote about overcoming shame in my own life called, Freedom From Shame.
Tell us your first three jobs (ever!): My first job was when I was a teen. I worked at a gym that was located in a church. My second job was also in high school. I worked at a daycare and I also babysat the patrons of the daycare a lot. My third job was working as a waitress in college during winter and summer breaks.
Zodiac sign: Leo
Enneagram type: Enneagram 2 with a 1 wing, Sexual Subtype
What do you love about Greece: It has been almost 20 years since I was in Greece. I went on a cruise of the Greek Islands with my best friend, Mollie, about one year after we finished graduate school. What I loved about Greece was the kindness and warmth of the people, the fresh and healthy food, the warm weather, the architecture, the art and history, and the slower pace. In the States we tend to rush and overemphasize work. I noticed that the Greek people prioritized family, fun, and down time more than we do.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you: Well I feel like I am an open book, but one fun fact is that I am currently 23 weeks pregnant with my second child at age 45. I had my first child, Isabelle, when I was 41. My husband and I struggled to get pregnant for over 7 years and so right now many of our college friends are sending their kids off to college, while we are about to have a newborn!
Where we are most likely to find you in Lynn’s community? Since I live in the States, I follow Lynn from a distance, but I am impressed with her writings on the Enneagram and Yoga. Maybe one day I will make it to one of her retreats in Greece!
Tell us about the first time you tried Kundalini Yoga: It was well over 10 years ago that I tried my first Kundalini yoga class. I attended a Kundalini Yoga class at Clear Springs Yoga in Chattanooga, Tennessee that one of my favorite yoga teachers invited me to attend. I noticed how energizing and sensual the class was. I also have taken Kundalini classes at other classes across the country. I practice Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, but I do love and appreciate Kundalini Yoga and try to take a Kundalini class from time to time. I have noticed that my friends and acquaintances who teach Kundalini Yoga tend to be 7s and 8s on the Enneagram.
Tell us your top tip to combat climate change: Gandi’s sage advice to be the change you want to see in the world is how I try to combat climate change. I eat a pescatarian diet, recycle, and watch my energy consumption.
Anything else you’d like us to know? I enjoy reading, antiquing, traveling, playing with my 4 year old, date nights with my husband, and time with family and friends.
For more info about Christy check out her website: www.mindbodyandspiritcare.com, www.enneagramplusyoga.com, or follow her on Instagram @enneagram.yoga