Yoga with Kate = Balance
The yoga practiced with Kate is a gentle vinyasa based practice that has foundational elements drawing from a variety of traditions. Kate is not a strict devotee of a particular lineage; rather, she is focused on the process of awaking that disciplined practice of yoga offers and is open to beneficial elements of all styles.
Kate's sequences strive for balance, and generally provide a warm-up, some intensive work in the middle, and then a generous cool down sequence to ease practitioners into the final posture - savasana (corpse pose). Kate works to incorporate seasonal awareness into the sequences (e.g., twisting for detox in the spring, cooling postures in the summer, etc.), and teaches to all ranges of abilities.
Kate's sequences strive for balance, and generally provide a warm-up, some intensive work in the middle, and then a generous cool down sequence to ease practitioners into the final posture - savasana (corpse pose). Kate works to incorporate seasonal awareness into the sequences (e.g., twisting for detox in the spring, cooling postures in the summer, etc.), and teaches to all ranges of abilities.
Yoga in a Nutshell
Yoga is an ever-evolving discipline that is based upon thousands of years of philosophical and meditation traditions passed down from teacher to teacher, originating in India. The physical yoga (asana) we know today is a small part of a larger life philosophy - just one limb of the Eight Limb Path. Asana was most likely practiced by the ancient ascetics to assist in meditation as they worked towards achieving samadhi (a state of enlightenment).
The postures we most often practice today are quite different from the earliest forms, having been developed around the turn of the 20th century. Yoga continues to evolve as it moves into and around different cultures.
But just as the ancient yogis experienced, the practice of yoga asana provides your body with the space it needs to be comfortable, connecting to your breath, opening your mind and your heart, creating an opportunity to embody your experiences and your feelings, and perhaps eventually leading you to meditative states and enlightenment. To engage fully in the yoga discipline is to engage in a lifestyle where one works along the "eightfold path" as described by Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga are:
Yama: Ethical practices, and how we behave
Niyama: Self-discipline and spiritual observance
Asana: physical postures (what we know yoga to be)
Pranayama: breath work
Pratyahara: withdrawal from sensory input
Dharana: concentration
Dhyana: state of meditation
Samadhi: enlightenment
The postures we most often practice today are quite different from the earliest forms, having been developed around the turn of the 20th century. Yoga continues to evolve as it moves into and around different cultures.
But just as the ancient yogis experienced, the practice of yoga asana provides your body with the space it needs to be comfortable, connecting to your breath, opening your mind and your heart, creating an opportunity to embody your experiences and your feelings, and perhaps eventually leading you to meditative states and enlightenment. To engage fully in the yoga discipline is to engage in a lifestyle where one works along the "eightfold path" as described by Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga are:
Yama: Ethical practices, and how we behave
Niyama: Self-discipline and spiritual observance
Asana: physical postures (what we know yoga to be)
Pranayama: breath work
Pratyahara: withdrawal from sensory input
Dharana: concentration
Dhyana: state of meditation
Samadhi: enlightenment
Yoga Styles Kate Practices and Teaches
Some more information on the yoga being offered by Kate:
Restorative Yoga: lots of props, and gentle postures. This takes place almost entirely on the floor and is a very quiet and "soft" yoga, which will leave you feeling very relaxed and meditative. This stretches your body, but in a more subtle way.
Vinyasa: this is a "flow" style yoga where we move and get the body warmed up, stretched out, and maybe worked out, too. Kate leads a smooth class that is open to all levels. Whether you are a beginner, or well into your practice, you will have a rewarding session.
Restorative Yoga: lots of props, and gentle postures. This takes place almost entirely on the floor and is a very quiet and "soft" yoga, which will leave you feeling very relaxed and meditative. This stretches your body, but in a more subtle way.
Vinyasa: this is a "flow" style yoga where we move and get the body warmed up, stretched out, and maybe worked out, too. Kate leads a smooth class that is open to all levels. Whether you are a beginner, or well into your practice, you will have a rewarding session.
What do you need to practice?
Wear comfortable, somewhat fitted clothing and bring a mat. If you do not have a yoga mat with you, the studios where Kate teaches do supply mats and props (blocks, blankets, bolsters and straps). Bring a water bottle, and a small towel if you need one.
Where can I take a class?
Lokah samastah sukino bhavantu | May all beings be happy and free
