Kathleen was referred to TULA by Natalie. When I first met her, she seemed shy, but I could tell she loved her job and was very knowledgable. Her classes are on the more gentle side and she is always mindful of different body types and the different modifications that people may need. Whenever I take her class, I leave feeling like someone just wrapped my body in a warm, soft blanket and, to me, that's what yoga is suppose to feel like. :)
Here's a bit more about Kathleen!
Hometown: I split my youth between Lemont (a southwest suburb), and Evergreen Park (the southside of the city)
Favorite Color: Green
Photo: Ashley LeTourneau
Favorite Yoga Pose: Fish (Matsyasana), I love the heart opener/back bend combo.
Least Favorite: (Why) Hmm, maybe handstand. Because of an old shoulder injury, I have trouble getting into it (there’s definitely some fear there). It’s very humbling.
Sign: Gemini
Favorite Place: Ireland
Favorite Movie: Fried Green Tomatoes
Why do you teach Yoga? Because yoga has given me such an affirming, empowering, and healing relationship with my body, I hope to embolden my students on their journey too. I had many beautiful, grounded teachers who held space for me, and I hope to do that for my students in their practice.
How do you define Yoga? A healing, grounding practice of connecting the mind, body, and spirit.
What would your last meal be? There are these things called Rainbow Rolls where you put a bunch of delicious veggies in a rice spring roll wrap, and then dip into peanut sauce. That would 1000% be my last meal.
The band you can't live without? Perfume Genius
Most empowering moment? When I first realized that I didn’t need other people’s validation or approval to thrive. This is a continual practice, if I’m being honest.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and what would you do? Paris, visiting friends and drinking an espresso while people-watching.
When you aren't teaching yoga, what can you be found doing? Reading. I have always been a huge bookworm. There’s something so magical about reading other people’s worlds.
Three fun facts we don't know about you?
1. I love to write short stories and poetry
2. I have been with my partner since high school
3. I am a coffee addict that is always trying to switch to tea ;)
Kathleen teaches at TULA on Thursdays at 5pm (Gentle Yoga) and Fridays at 8:30am. You can also view her other offerings and full calendar here: http://www.kathleenkatsikeas.com
Photo: Ashley Letourneau