I recently asked the teachers for a few descriptive words to describe their teaching/classes and Kristie said: Intentional, Precise, Sequential and Introspective and I couldn’t more! Although she’s only been here a few months, she has already made a big impression on our students and on me! Her classes are very deliberate, quiet, but with many challenges to strength and concentration with a welcome sprinkling of yoga philosophy and story-telling. I have a feeling, in her classes, that there is a lot of yoga wisdom beyond what she is cuing and much more that she has to share with us all. I am so grateful that Kristie is a part of our community and I cannot wait to get to know her better and learn more about yoga from her.
For now, here’s a bit more about Kristie:
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Favorite Color: green
Favorite Yoga Pose:
Least Favorite: (Why)
I don’t like to label postures in this way, but I do particularly love Utthita Parsvakonasana. no practice feels complete without it.
Sign: Virgo
Favorite Place: Plaza Blanca, New Mexico
Favorite Movie: Book? (I hardly watch movies!) Recently finished reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. Totally great book. His book This is How You Lose Her is one of my favorite books.
How do you define Yoga?
A roadmap for navigating one’s inner life. More specifically, yoga is a set of practices meant to create a healthy body and mind, provide guidance for mental and emotional well-being, and ultimately reveal a clearer version of oneself and one’s purpose. And the rich traditions and history of the practice of yoga provides more than enough to stay curious about this path of life we are all on.
Why do you teach Yoga?
I truly enjoy sharing the benefits and intricacies of the asana practice that have kept me engaged and inspired for so many years. Part of the yoga practice is the transference of knowledge, and I am humbled by the opportunity to share what I’ve learned through my own practice and study. It offers a chance to build community in a really unique and empowering way.
What would your last meal be?
Ethiopian food
The band you can't live without?
super tough question. I’m a music lover, and listen to so much music. but an all-time favorite is The Roots.
Most empowering moment?
When the photo book that I self-published (a photo essay of the Ashtanga Primary Series) was featured in Yoga Journal in Australia, Japan, and the US. That was a very proud moment.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and what would you do? I’d travel to Cusco, Peru and spend time exploring the Sacred Valley of Peru, including Machu Picchu.
When you aren't teaching yoga, what can you be found doing? Photographing! I work as a freelance photographer, and I also teach photography for After School Matters. Besides that, I go out to a lot of music shows.
Three fun facts we don't know about you? :)
I’m a really big basketball fan.
I studied dance when I was younger, and wanted to be a professional ballet dancer.
I trained capoeira for several years with Gingarte Capoeira Chicago, but injuries led me to yoga.
You can find Kristie at TULA on Mondays at 9am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 5:15pm and Sundays at 5pm. You can also connect with her at https://www.kristiekahns.com
