KYLE HENRY
WHAT DREW YOU TO KATONAH YOGA?
The theory of this method immediately piqued my interest. The metaphors, mythology, and measures taught in every Katonah Yoga class resonated so deeply with me that I began to question my relationship with what I knew as yoga. Sure, yoga made me feel good, but the theory illuminated the practice as a means to explore on and off the mat.
HOW HAS KATONAH CHANGED YOUR PRACTICE & TEACHING?
Before I found Katonah Yoga, I never thought I’d be teaching yoga. As a musician, performer, and teacher, I lived my life in service of other people and their needs. From a very young age, I unquestioningly assumed patterns of taking care of others, being humble and selfless. I lost sight of myself by constantly mediating the needs of others. The practice polished my mind’s mirror, and I began to see my own reflection again. The more I practiced, the more I could see myself clearly. I began to consciously recognize my strengths instead of limiting myself to my shortcomings. Any time class or life were rough, I knew the community of teachers and students would lift my spirits. Yoga ultimately became a means to fill myself up, restore and rejuvenate, and be radiant while living my life as an artist and teacher.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN KATONAH CHANGE STUDENTS?
There’s the extrinsic, physical changes, (we’ve unfrozen shoulders, helped heal hamstring injuries, eased lower back pain, etc.) but the intrinsic changes students undergo make teaching a real joy. It's like Katonah Yoga helps students "wake up" or turn on the lights in their life. It is so inspiring to hear of students growing professionally and personally outside class. Sometimes the changes are painful. But, the community of teachers and students supporting each other in every class makes the practice and The Studio exceptional.