Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Mitchell.
NFL All-Pro Athlete Keith #59, a former linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, found himself respected on the field for making record-setting defensive tackles and quarterback sacks. He was a modern day warrior, hero-worshipped by adoring fans and experiencing an elite earning bracket very few people in the world ever achieve. He was living the American Dream. And it all ended in a moment. At the apex of his success, a paralyzing tackle caused a spinal injury that ended his football career and forced him into early retirement at only 31 years old. “What is an athlete? An athlete is someone who surrenders himself to a greater purpose by sacrificing day in and day out in order to attain a dream…
Keith Mitchell (KM59) Transition was unavoidable, yet Keith was unwilling to accept defeat or surrender to the plague of emotional depression and the physical atrophy he had seen happen to many NFL peers after similar traumas. In his darkest hour, Keith discovered conscious breathing, mindfulness, and meditation. He found that these daily practices not only helped him physically recover from his injury, but created a refreshing sense of self-awareness and fulfillment that far surpassed his love for football. After experiencing profound, life-changing transformation from daily yoga and meditation disciplines.
Keith developed a desire to share these liberating tools with others. He soon realized that many audiences had little to no exposure to these empowering and healing tools he discovered that were paramount to his healing. Keith started on his new life path: To speak out and lead by example. Now, as a Motivational Mindfulness Coach, Keith has a rare gift in sharing his unique approach to mindful living by passionately inspiring others not only through a personal journey of a Phoenix rising but also as an empathic, philosophic teacher and motivator. Combining his acumen as a professional athlete being in the “Zone”, he translates that rare gift into daily living.
Combining the tools Keith has utilized personally and now teaches he helps others. Keith is currently completing his first book on Mindfulness to reveal his successful practices for life when combined allow others the freedom to successfully live a mindful life of purpose. Keith has worked extensively with Congressman Tim Ryan, author of a Mindful Nation to bring Yoga and Meditation to Capitol Hill. Together they created an event called Just Breathe to bring Mindfulness to Veterans and Congress. Keith also co-founded the Congressional Yoga Association with US Senate Representatives Charles Rangel (NY) and Beverly Johnson (CA). He works with corporations, NFL Veterans and Retirees, Young Athletes, and more to bring Mindful Living to the forefront of our evolutionary healing guiding us as a society to live a life of LOVE.
Today, he has again risen to the top of his game. He is a Master Certified Yoga Instructor with more than 12 years of experience, and an international teacher and speaker, presenting at such prestigious venues, groups and non-profits as: The Omega Institute, Deepak Chopra’s Homebase (NYC) at ABC Home & Carpet (NYC), Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Four Seasons Hotel, Wanderlust, LA Coliseum, Austin Capitol, Unify, the Los Angeles Police Department and many more. Keith has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Essence, Origin, Yoga Journal, The Huffington Post, and on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (Bravo ), TMZ Sports and in many more national media outlets. In 2013, Keith founded The Light It Up Foundation, a 501C3 non-profit organization.
Through his charity and altruistic endeavors, he initiated a wellness movement which is intentionally changing the lives of our youth, trauma survivors, first responders and war veterans. He volunteers with communities, schools and organizations to introduce mindfulness, meditation and movement through Yoga. His charity hosted the 1st Annual Mindful Living Health Expo & AltaMed 5K which drew over 5,000 children from the LA Metro area. Through encouraging consistent, self-empowerment practices, Keith is committed to his mission of inspiring major transformation in the lives of millions.
KEITH’S MISSION STATEMENT:
“When you participate in your own healing process you are no longer the victim.” ~KM59 “Through my teachings I demonstrate how the practice of Yoga can help us all embrace our true identity by leading us to a center of enlightenment and self-awareness. By implementing a daily Yoga practice accompanied with meditation, we are then able to confront our emotional doubts, breath life and positive energy into our thoughts, and simultaneously gain physical strength to be our very best at all times. This is the key to unlocking the mind, understanding the self, living a life of purpose, and also developing authentic relationships with others.” ~KM59
As a humanitarian Keith Mitchell is committed to helping those needing to overcome, heal, and find inner peace by providing guidance on various holistic techniques: Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, holistic nutrition, preventative wellness, fitness and more. He is dedicated to the upliftment of humanity. Through his inspirational transformation enables others to embrace his authentic wisdom for self-empowerment.
Has it been a smooth road?
To change or transition is always a challenge because familiarity creates a certain level of comfort. When we are forced to change it can be extremely complicated. So myself has been the biggest obstacle and residue of my past.
The decisions made create a price to pay. It’s not good or bad its just is. Back to the idea of transformation, I believe that change allows us to learn and evolve because there’s no middle ground your either growing or you’re dying the in-between state doesn’t exist.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Keith Mitchell 59 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Well, I have a few, the Light It Up Foundation, AmettaNutriton.com, KeithMitchell59.com, proud would be the word I’d use but I’m grateful that I know my purpose and that I’m acting on the opportunity that knowing your purpose can create.
Living your purpose requires a boldness in a world where the majority are a bit fearful to do. I’m known for in sports is the exact opposite of what I’m known for now. I was a footballer that was paid to hit people no I share vulnerability and love.
My background separates me a bit because the far reaches of masculinity I have been and that allows others living confined in the idea of a man without communication of feelings, vulnerability etc I am. In my opinion that creates an opportunity for others to try.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience, self-motivated and validated, openness, willingness to do the work and also have to live it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12775 Millenium Dr. Playa Vista CA 90094
- Website: KeithMitchell59.com
- Email: info@keithmitchell59.com
Image Credit:
Amy Goalen, Elizabeth Bensinger
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
