ALICE KIM
WHAT DREW YOU TO KATONAH YOGA?
The fact that the practice is both utterly practical and delightfully magical. Practical in that we come together as a community on our yoga mats, to attempt to elevate our most fundamental experience of being in our own bodies. Magical in that we fit ourselves to the archetype of shapes and spins found in nature and the universe, using metaphor, esoteric dialogue and our imagination to make it come alive in our bodies. The beauty comes when you experience the intersection of both -- when the practical becomes magical and the magical becomes practical.
HOW HAS KATONAH CHANGED YOUR PRACTICE & TEACHING?
As a practitioner Katonah Yoga has given me very specific and tangible maps and techniques to embody myself more fully, instead of leaving it to luck or chance. As a teacher, Katonah Yoga has honed my vision, as I see the material prove itself again and again and again.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN KATONAH CHANGE STUDENTS?
There are the practical and immediate changes that happen within the span of class: a calmer nervous system, increased mobility and spaciousness, and more currency running through the entire body. Then, there are changes that you see week to week with repetition -- with regular "cleaning" of every room of the house, the body becomes noticeably organized and shapes become closer to the archetype. And finally, there is the ultimate and ongoing reason of why we do it all to begin with: more joy!
“The journey of embodiment is a life long one. How thrilling is it that there are places we have not yet gone? How empowering is it that we have the maps, the tools, the techniques, the teachers and a wonderful community to help us get there?”
“Just unbelievably good! I just got back to yoga after 6 months of chemotherapy and 6 months of not moving very much. The 1:1 attention I received made me feel so safe and comfortable during what was otherwise intimidating to move my muscles for the first time! Thank you Alice!!”