Where Life and Yoga Collapse into One

I sat down with 5EW yogini Kathy Peterson for a chat about life and yoga and where the two meet head-on.

If you could only do one pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably downward dog. It works the arms and legs, lengthens the spine and can be both invigorating and calming. When I’m in downward dog all is good and I feel balanced.

Is yoga gendered? Do men and women approach your class differently?

Yoga is definitely female dominated with both students and teachers. However, I’ve been teaching for about 10 years and there has definitely been a rise in men doing it, which is great. At the risk of stereotyping, women are generally more flexible while the men are stronger (I must admit, I’m pretty jealous of the arm balances that some guys can do!). However, I’m sure the reasons they come and continue to come is universal, which is the effect that yoga has on the mind.

How important is breath and patience in a yoga practice? Or is something like AcroYoga just as effective in de-stressing?

Breath is paramount to yoga. Without conscious breath the poses are just shapes made with the body. Patience is also super important. Yoga teaches us to be patient with our body, to let go of the ego and accept our own limitations. If you’re not patient then you’ll be sure to get injured! In terms of de-stressing, I believe any hobby can do that, be it yoga, AcroYoga or singing.

Where will yoga be in twenty years?

Yoga will be everywhere! Well I hope it will be anyway.

Have you ever come to any big realisations while practicing yoga?

Spirituality was a part of my life before I started doing yoga, but I guess doing yoga makes me feel connected to something bigger than myself – whatever that may be – but it encourages me to live by a set of values and ethics. Basically, yoga makes me want to be a better person.

Does strength training have a place in yoga? And vice versa.

I definitely think it helps to be strong, when balanced out by the flexibility aspect. Like most things, I think there should be a balance. People who solely do strength training should do some yoga and yogis should also hit the gym once in while. Doing both things together is complimentary.

Is eating well important to the practice?

Yes! As with all things a balanced healthy diet is the best. I used to be a vegetarian and tried to follow a Sattvic diet (which is the optimal yogic diet). However, in the past couple of years I’ve added meat back in, which feels better for me. But this is an individual’s choice and the practitioner needs to decide what they’re comfortable with ethically and nutritionally. I encourage basic clean eating and cutting out the crap.

Yoga is moving energy, accepting yourself, being mindful and finding pleasure in all things.

Do you meditate? Is this connected to your yoga practice?

Yes, I meditate (probably not as often as I should) but I do. It’s connected to my practice in that I started meditating through yoga. I also find now as a seasoned yogi that my yoga practice is often a movingmeditation. I get lost in breath and movement and nothing else is there.

What’s the most profound thing that’s ever happened in one of your yoga classes?

Hmmm, not sure – you might have to ask my students. But I’ve had many tears. Yoga has the ability to move energy. Sometimes in a class people experience this movement and it can show as a range of emotions. People often say to me after they’ve been coming for a while that the practice has changed their life or helped them through a difficult time. As a teacher you’re not always aware of what’s going on for your students, you’re just there to hold space and allow the practice to do its thing.

What three poses would you recommend for a beginner?

Adho Much Svanasana (Downward Dog), Virabadrasana II (Warrior II) and Pashimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend). These 3 poses are pretty standard and accessible for most people while being very effective.

Has yoga had any effect on your sex life?

Yeah, I think there’s a level of awareness that yogis have. You start to realise where energy is lacking and what parts of your life need attention. I’ve participated in different tantric yoga practices and women’s yoga practices which have been great for my sex life. Again, it’s moving energy, accepting yourself, being mindful and finding pleasure in all things.

Kathy has been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaching for over 10. She completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science and then slowly migrated into full time yoga teaching. In addition to her teaching, Kathy is studying Chinese Medicine at Southern School of Natural Therapies. She is also a mum to two young boys, Jackson and Felix.

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