This week Kathryn Budig is our featured Monday Muse. She is a yoga teacher, author, podcaster and foodie!
1). You have a substantial yoga career, how has your teaching style changed/morphed over the years?
It’s always in flux. I started out obsessed with asana, particularly arm balances, because I came from a regimented ashtanga background. And then I fell in love with backbends and the challenging surrender they evoked. I eventually started teaching more concepts — my aim true philosophy — and now blend my love of storytelling, food, personal philosophies and asana into my teaching.
2). In your personal practice what if anything has resulted in you having an “ah-ha” moment that you still carry with you onto the mat?
That there is always room to change. It’s easy to get stuck and feel like there’s only one way to success or happiness, and I’ve learned that simply isn’t true. Even though change and stepping outside of the norm can be exhausting and terrifying—it’s worth it.
3). Who inspires you to be your best self?
My wife always challenges me to be better. Seane Corn pushes me to be the best teacher possible, and I find constant inspiration and joy in my dog, Ashi.
4). What is the best purchase you have made in recent memory?
A trip to Santorini. All of my best purchases have been traveling to places because it gives me amazing memories.
5). When you feel your creativity is stalled what do you do?
I try to turn off my phone. I’ve noticed my creativity is dulled by too much scrolling and absent-minded time on my phone/computer. I start seeing more detail and get small patches of inspiration when I do this.
6). How has failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?
I’ve come to trust that if something doesn’t happen for me, it wasn’t mine to start with. It’s a terrible tonic to swallow, but it’s absolute truth. I always do my best, and know that if I keep true to the intention behind my projects as opposed to the specific results, I’ll always find the right home and audience for my creations.
7). If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say and why?
Focus On What’s Working — because it’s too easy to waste time fixating on the things that hold us back.
8). In the last five years, what new belief, behavior or habit has most improved your life?
Allowing myself to exist in a land without answers. I always needed to know things were going to be okay and on schedule, and letting go of that grip has allowed me to find solutions and alternate paths when things don’t pan out the way I want.
9). What is your biggest problem, issue or stumbling block in your daily life?
Allowing myself to exist in a land without answers. Yup, the exact same thing that I’ve most benefited from. Ain’t that always the case?
10). What three things are foremost on your mind right now?
Getting married, the future of our podcast, Free Cookies, and what I’m making for dinner.
11). When does your curiosity create difficulty?
My curiosity only gets me in trouble when it leads to comparison.
Kathryn, thank you so much for your honesty. I love your billboard message, I am going to have to write that one down. Since this interview happened, Kathryn did get married and Seane Corn officiated the ceremony. Congratulations Kathryn and Kate!! Stay tuned, we are working on getting a time together to record a podcast interview soon!
Ciao
Titanium