I don’t follow that many ‘famous’ yogis on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, unless I find that they share their message in a really authentic, heart centred and inspirational way. Kathryn Budig is one of the few that fall into that category. When I saw her interview on Lewis Howe’s School of Greatness podcast, I knew I had to take some notes.
Although I consider myself to be more of a kundalini yoga devotee because of how much stronger my nervous system is these days and because of how quickly I see the results of my daily practice, I can’t deny the physical benefits of a challenging hatha vinyasa practice.
Kathryn is someone who has been bullied on social media for not embodying a ‘typical yoga body’. At 5 foot 2, she stands tall with her self-proclaimed ‘short torso’, and refuses to shy away from posting fun pics of herself frolicking on the beach with her friends.
Please note the term ‘frolicking’. It’s important to me, because although I admire the bikini clad yogi who posts pics of themselves contorting into pretzels on Instagram – that’s not really what yoga is for me, especially because of how much I value an accessible meditation. (Hello http://40daychakrabalance.com)
Kathryn has written a book titled ‘Aim True’ (no, I am not an affiliate, I’m simply impressed with the sincerity of her story and thought you might also find it interesting.) She’s currently on a whirlwind book tour, and one of her interviews caught my attention on the weekend.
My hyper sensitivity to aura’s and specifically people’s energy field’s has meant that I have picked up on this being a time of profound transformation for her, especially in relation to her partner, but I thought you might be interested in a few key take aways that I found inspiring.
WHY LAUGHING EVERY DAY IS CRUCIAL
When I think of the 5 – 10 people that are closest to me, one thing they all have in common is their zany ability to make me guffaw. Do you notice this as well? People succeed so much faster when they’re laughing and open hearted.
Over the years, I’ve noticed how my interest in potential romantic suitors would fizzle if we didn’t share the same sense of humour and this is something that I’m passionate about injecting in my work life, much like Kathryn does.
She talks about how she makes an effort to crack a joke as soon as she walks into the class so that she and her students don’t take themselves so seriously during more complicated yoga postures, and this seems to work as the body is more open to transitioning effortlessly when it is relaxed and less rigid.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AROUND PEOPLE THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
Kathryn Budig mentions how hard living in LA was for her and as someone who contemplated moving my entire life to California a few years ago, I can personally relate to this.
We now live in a world where the external pressure to look good is more rife than ever. In fact, we’re given the power to contort our image because of the myriad of filters available that help us ‘edit’ our flaws in photos.
And if your ‘satsang’, your chosen spiritual community, makes you feel like shit about yourself, you either need to up level your tribe, or uproot yourself to a more conscious community. (Budig now lives in Charleston where she “loves that people love to eat!”
WHY SHOULD MEN AND WOMEN PRACTICE SELF LOVE?
As you know, this is one of my passion projects and quite possibly what I’ve built my life and my business around. Why? Because I believe that happiness is a daily effort. You have to WANT it to happen.
So why do most people choose NOT to be happy? Kathryn makes a good point by stating that for most people, it’s habitual, and I gotta say, for the most part, I agree.
If you’ve ever been to one of my courses or workshops, you would have heard me say that ‘our story’ is very much like a good book. According to a quote by well-known astrologer Jonathan Cainer, “It’s only ever going to be a good book, so long as it’s had a good edit.”
HOW DOES A YOGA CLASS COMPARE TO REAL LIFE?
The cycle of life is represented in a yoga class from the very beginning when we are in childs pose much like when we wake up, or when we are in the womb as an embryo.
We then move through the cycle of life or through the transitions of our day where we inevitably experience ups and downs, much like the flow of a yoga class where we find some postures more challenging than others.
This is so indicative to how you react in real life. Do you push through? Do you pace yourself? Do you get shitty and frustrated with yourself? Do you take your time and try to be strategic? This part is particularly useful for me when it comes to being in the present moment, and not comparing myself to what I could easily do last week versus what I’m struggling with in the present moment.
And what about savasana? Do you rush out without allowing your body the time to properly regenerate its energy and assimilate the lessons? Do you give yourself time for proper rest? Are you compromising your wellbeing with less sleep than what you really need in order to thrive? And when it comes to the end of our life, will we die in peace?
INTENTION INTENTION INTENTION
I’ve just realised how long this post is, so if you’re still reading – well done, and, thanks! When I heard Kathryn Budig talk about the power of intention, she spoke directly to my heart. Every time I sit on my mat, whether it’s for 10 minutes, 30 minutes or more, I ALWAYS set an intention because it sets the foundation for your success.
The clarity behind your intention means that you are much more likely to attract what you want, as well as manifest your desired outcomes. If you do not know where you are going, how do you do your best to get there, and just as importantly, how will you know when you have arrived?
Intentions provide a foundation for you to set priorities, use your time wisely, and align yourself with the resources you need to manifest your goals. The process of setting and working towards your intentions declares to yourself, others, and the universe that you are serious about your dreams and goals.
COMPARISITIS
Comparison is a beast. You get the over achievers and the type A personalities that thrive on competing in a yoga class, much like the thrill they get from competing in every day life. (Another reason I love kundalini yoga so much – we keep our eyes closed!)
The only time that I ever (unwittingly mind you) placed myself in a competitive environment was when I sold my soul to the devil in order to sell advertising for the yellow pages. ( I know, I KNOW) That detour in my career didn’t last all that long. By nature, I’m not competitive with other people, so it wasn’t an environment that I could thrive in.
But I think that this is also an effect of social media, as we live in a society where we’re encouraged to share our highlight reel. I don’t know about you, but I’ve unapologetically unsubscribed from many people who over share their daily highs and woes as I find it interrupts my own energy field.
On a final note, I was recently asked who my competitors in my industry were, and I honestly had to say ‘none’. Sure, I live in a time where the wellness market is saturated with yoga teachers and coaches and healers and ‘experts’, but I truly believe that my authentic approach has carved a niche for the way I work.
And you know what else? I truly believe that this is the case for every single person that crosses my path. From newly qualified yoga teacher looking to find their way, to budding entrepreneur building an empire to visionary carving their path to greatness, working 1:1 with me will help you clear those pesky blocks..