#yoga interview

If you would like to listen to one hour interview I did for Yogi apprentice podcast you can listen to what I have to say here :

http://www.yogiapprentice.com

THIS IS THE LINK TO THE SPOTIFY PODCAST :

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7b700qaWODmJU3Y7gEZHbq

I hope you can listen to it all and enjoy my talk on various subjects. it was a fun Interview thank you Diana.

On this episode we’ll find out…

KINO SPEAKS ABOUT HER JOURNEY WITH YOGA, HER UPBRINGING AND FOUNDING OMSTARS.

 “Yoga is a spiritual path that promises to heal the body, open the heart and calm the mind. I discovered yoga out of a sincere desire to live a more peaceful life.” – Kino Macgregor

 YP: What has your yogic path been like? What practices did you start with and how did your practices evolve with time? How have you transformed as a person?

Kino: At the beginning I thought yoga was just the physical poses. I went through a period of asana-obsession where I lived, breathed and thought about asana all the time. I’m not there anymore. Lately my practice has evolved into more sitting meditation. I’m still getting on my mat and practicing asana—asana is an amazing tool to keep the body healthy and prepare the mind for deep states of consciousness. But I’m spending equal amounts of time in sitting meditation. I’ve noticed a shift towards the more subtle and spiritual, and less attachment to the results of practice. 

 YP: What would you do if you could go back in time and meet a younger version of yourself? What would you tell her?

Kino: I love you. I know how much you want to do everything right now, but there are some things that just can’t be rushed. You are here on this planet for a special reason. It’s not evident to you just yet, but one day it will all be crystal clear. Until then, my dear, keep practicing, keep the faith, believe in yourself, be strong, and never give up. 

 YP:  Did you have a religious upbringing? How did you feel when you discovered Yoga and Indian culture? Can you describe why yoga can be universal, irrespective of faith and religious upbringing?

Kino: I was raised with no formal religious upbringing, while sitting at the intersection of two major world religions in terms of culture. On my mother’s side, my Japanese grandfather was Buddhist and my father was Protestant, however, none of my family was affiliated with any church, temple or other religious institution. My parents made a conscious choice not to raise me as being affiliated with any particular faith. This set me up perfectly to embark upon the personal spiritual quest that is the essence of yoga. When I began my spiritual journey I was searching for the answers to life’s most basic questions—who am I? Where do I come from? Why am I here? There was no formal organized religion that resonated with me or offered sufficient answers to the questions I was asking. But when I first stepped onto the yoga mat a visceral truth that I felt in my body opened a door to the practice that has now defined my life. 

Yoga traces its roots to the great Rishis of India’s ancient past. Every yoga practitioner today owes a depth to the long line of yogis who maintained the practice in what was often solitude and obscurity. My studies in India are the foundation of my spiritual practice and yet I am not a Hindu. The practice of yoga has fulfilled its promise to open my heart and mind to the direct, personal and revelatory experience of God. It is this faith, born from experience, that now defines my practice and my life. The devotional heart-opening experience of meeting the Divine happened for me, I believe, due to my years of yoga and meditation practice and a good amount of pure grace. It was the practice that taught me how to surrender, how to let go of my ego and prepared me for the moment that I would meet what is called in yoga, my Istha-Devata, my Sadh Guru, who is the true light of my life. At some moment I hope to write about this and how a deeply personal relationship with God has changed my life. 

 YP: How has your journey with Omstars been? 

Kino: I founded Omstars to be a beacon of life in the online yoga space. I am building a company where everything is made by yogis for yogis. Our bottom line is the student’s happiness and success in yoga. For us, the spiritual journey always comes first. We bring the world’s best yoga and meditation teachers directly to students all over the world. Our goal is to create yoga videos that speak to the whole lifestyle of being a yogi in the world today. We have a library of over 2,000 yoga classes, daily live classes as well as a full body of content to enrich the yogi’s diet and mind, including plant-based recipes, life coaching, Sanskrit studies, and more. We are body positive and strive to bring yoga to people of all faiths, sizes, shapes, ethnicities and financial means. We have a scholarship that provides yoga to students who demonstrate financial need. At Omstars we are committed to authenticity in yoga, awakening of the heart and mind, excellence in service and embracing the true spiritual heart of the practice with love and joy. 

YP: What is the future of the yoga industry? What trends can we expect in practices in the near future?

Kino: What I’m interested in for the future of yoga is inspiring people to do the deep inner work of the practice, to use asana as a tool for total life transformation. I strive to create a space in class where students of all levels feel welcome, a space that calls up a feeling of the sacred and the eternal. Whether you’re a total beginner – of any age, size or shape – or an advanced practitioner looking to refine technique, I welcome everyone. My motto is that each student should find the way to work their bodies and minds safely. We show up on the mat to do the work and that work is defined by the inner experience. The physical is a powerful doorway that leads to the deeper realms of the spiritual within.

GET THE SCOOP On Liz and Kristen’s Daily Food and Yoga Routines! 

Here we go ...

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY OF FOOD FOR YOU?

Kristen: I've been starting my day lately with Sarah Britton's Green Galaxy Smoothie Bowl from her My New Roots cookbook and a cup of organic Proud Mama coffee. For lunch, I typically have some kind of grain or legume and fresh vegetable mezze platter. For dinner at home, I usually have some kind of seasonal dish that includes nuts or tofu. When I eat out, I often splurge on something that sounds totally decadent and well prepared. Liz:  I begin my day with French press organic coffee. Always. After that there is no typical day. With no children living at home, and needing to “wear many hats” in the workplace, I tend to eat several smaller meals/snacks during the day. I am always committed to eating natural, unprocessed, and organic food whenever possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE “YOGA OF THE KITCHEN” PRACTICES?

Kristen: I always start by setting the mood, which includes pouring myself a glass of wine and turning on a music playlist (I love an eclectic range of music, including Eartha Kitt, Lana del Ray, Brazilian samba music, and Eva Cassidy). I've been really enjoying cooking with my daughter, Grace, lately. She seems to love peeling garlic and stemming vegetables. And, I'm happy to pass those tasks to her! Liz:  When cooking for friends I love to play music, sip on a glass of wine, and converse. I love fresh cut flowers around me. And, I love having someone else clean up!!!

WHAT EATING/COOKING PRACTICES COULD YOU IMPROVE?

Kristen: I'm pretty anal about cleaning up dishes and messes immediately even when company is around. I know people who will not let a pile of dishes bother them and will just sit and enjoy the moment with friends. I could be open to a little more of a balance on that point. Liz:  I’m not good at mindful eating when time is of the essence. I will grab a piece of fruit (good choice) and begin to change the laundry, empty and fill the dishwasher, or fold laundry while eating – eating without the use of my hands, not to mention eating without sitting down to savor my snack. If I have trouble sleeping at night, I occasionally find myself foraging in the kitchen (dill pickle or toast?), but not because I’m hungry.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE CHILDHOOD MEAL?

Kristen: Growing up, my family and I ate out at restaurants a lot. In my late teens and in college I really learned to appreciate this opportunity. When you go to a great restaurant, there's so much inspiration to take in: the ambiance, the decor, the service and greetings, the food preparation and presentation, the explanation of specials, the celebration of the meal, the pace of courses, etc. When I cook at home, I typically plate my food as I might have it served to me at a restaurant, which is more like art. I feel very lucky to have experienced true artists creating and presenting their food. Liz:  Eating on the floor in the living room (instead of at the kitchen table) around a big pot of cheese fondue with my family. My dad always seemed to lose his bread in the cheese! This was a bi-yearly event so it was very special to me. We would also melt crayon shavings in the fireplace and watch the rainbow of colors in the fire while we ate.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE FROM FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD AND YOGA?

Kristen: It's like picking a favorite child. I don't know if I can (or should). I definitely have go-to dishes, including the Yum, Yum, Yum salad and dressing, which was the first recipe we created and included for the book, the Buddha Brussels, the Liberating Lentil soup, the Conscious Chicks, the Coconut Cream Dreams, and the Coconut Camel Lemonade (sometimes with vodka in the summer). Liz: I never have a favorite. My moods for food change frequently. In the winter I crave hearty soups (like Scorpion Sweet Potato) and in the spring I begin to crave fresh, bitter greens with a light dressing (Yum, Yum, Yum!).

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO WEEKNIGHT DISH AND WHAT DISH DO YOU PREPARE TO IMPRESS A DINNER CROWD?

Kristen: We often have soups and salads found in For the Love of Food and Yoga for dinner. I often top my salads with ginger-marinated baked tofu (like in our Bandha Bake). When I cook for company, my ultimate goal is for our friends or family to love their experiences. I want them to leave smiling and I love it when they call the next day and say that they had a great time and can't wait to do it again (at their house). So, I make sure that I have whatever they drink on hand and that they are generally into the flavors of the dishes I'm creating. Liz: My go-to dish (especially when time is an issue) is sautéed kale (or collards), and white beans (or garbanzos) with a little rice wine vinegar. I sometimes add onion, garlic, cayenne, or toasted pepitas. In all, it takes about 15 minutes. When I’m cooking for a group, I never prepare to impress. I do, however, love to surprise! Salads are often covered with bright edible flowers. I often serve the Liz-agna, because it is wholesome, filling, and is a meal that carnivores can’t believe they love. And of course the Karma Kale Caesar. Liz-agna and Caesar salads have been served up for many a Thanksgiving meal!

HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRACTICE YOGA?

Kristen: I have gotten into a habit of getting on my mat every day. This doesn't mean that I'm doing a 60 minute vinyasa flow every time. My days and relationships are better when I take even 10 minutes to connect with my breath and also connect my breath with movement. I try and get to at least three instructed classes a week and do a home practice the rest of the time. I have missed days here and there and I try not to feel guilty about it. Liz:  I practice daily, but it is never the same. Often my practice will consist of meditation and gentle, tender movement, deriving its focus from the first and often simple inspirations of the day (bird song, dappled light through the drapery, the smell of fresh ground coffee, the feeling of warm water washing over my skin, or a reading or quote).

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHINGS FROM YOUR MAT?

Kristen: It's a practice. Everything is a practice. It's great to have goals, ideals, and to be self-aware. It's not great to feel we need to be perfect all of the time or to feel guilty when we slip and stumble. Knowing that everything is a practice helps me to be more compassionate toward myself and toward others. Liz: Always gratitude - for everything (for getting to my mat, for all those people who support me on this amazing journey, and for nature, especially this River I call home).

WHAT ARE THE HARDEST PARTS OF YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?

Kristen: I think it's staying present on my mat and in life. Practice, practice, practice. Liz: Taking the time to practice has been an ongoing challenge. But as I often say, yoga doesn’t take time - it gives time. This is my practice.

WHAT IS SURPRISING ABOUT YOU?

Kristen: My husband says my sneezes. And, I might agree. When I sneeze, it would seem like the sound should be coming from a 500 pound gorilla. I have obnoxiously loud and bizarre sneezes. There you go! Liz:  I might have a sweet tooth. And, I go through several mental processes when I eat sweets: I sometimes play the martyr by eating all the leftover cookies or cake knowing that I am saving the health of my family by not sharing. Sometimes I'm a non-procrastinator, eating all the leftover cookies or cake so I don’t eat them later! And, sometimes, I play the semi-intelligent role, freezing those cookies or cake, which often does nothing at all. I very rarely bake sweets for my family to combat this bit of psychology. And, I never purchase store bought cookies or candy for that reason.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR LIVE YUM ENDEAVORS?

Kristen: For a couple of years, I was really unsure about my professional direction. I tried to dive into a bunch of different things that I didn't necessarily love. When I started working on our first Live Yum book, even before we got a publishing deal, I felt so creatively inspired and rewarded. I didn't fully grasp until I experienced it first hand that when you really love what you do, and focus your intention and attention on it, the rewards are incredible. Sometimes seeing or embracing your path just takes time.  Liz:  I am truly grateful and cherish the contacts and relationships I have made over the years on this spiritual journey. This community of support has been invaluable to me, giving me guidance, inspiration, and enthusiasm for this passionate and heartfelt project.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR KIDS TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR LIVE YUM ENDEAVORS?

Kristen: Be kind to yourselves. Be patient. Choose actions and words that create health and happiness. Liz: That intention and effort (and some tenacity) are paramount in manifesting your deepest desires.

ANY LAST PIECES OF WISDOM?

Marisol González Ficachi, a lovely mexican girl with her own inner beauty, chats with us while Greg Klein captures her inner rockstar.

Ana: Tell me about yourself and career up to know.

Marisol: My first work was as a model, as a way to start having my own money, discovering the world and having fun. I was very close to media, as a result it gave me the tools to study Communication Bachelor at UIA, Mexico city. I also did 500 hours yoga teacher training at Ubud, Bali. First 200 hours in 2007 and the rest in 2011. I was trained by Louisa Sear and her nice team of yoguis of Yoga Arts, Australia. Yoga opened myself to discover my real passion. It was what my heart was looking for so long.

A: How/why did you first come to yoga?

M: I´ve heard that yoga choose you and that´s what happened to me. I used to be a very active girl and teenager. I used to train artistic gymnastics until my 14ths. I really dream to be Nadia Comanecci & my passion was all around beautiful gymnastics. Then I tried other sports but it was never the same. I grew up and start having different interests but my body and mind were used to long hours of training and having the discipline of sports my body was still asking for it. I did diving, volley ball, gym training, spinning, but never get so interested. I stopped doing exercise for some months until I felt urge to find something I could enjoy that would keep me healthy, flexible and thin. I saw an announcement at my parents neighborhood that said: YOGA and went with a friend to my first class. At the end I was so excited and happy, I felt like flying in my own feet; something happened to me. My body was light and my smile so big. I remember I had a nice sleep after many days of insomnia and stress. I didn´t think much more to come back. For a year I practiced twice a week without knowing anything deeper about yoga but exercising.

A: How would you describe your style of teaching?

M: Teaching is a way of healing and a permanent form to keep learning. I teach based in my own experience trying to share what helps me and what changed my life. My classes are human, dynamic, eclectic and in the present moment, always trying to contact with the highest energies of love, service and gratitude.

Talking about styles I prefer to teach vinyasa using tools of many other styles and traditions. It´s an integration or union of my ten years of journey into yoga.

A: How was your practice evolved?

M: My practice has changed so much from the beginning until now. Of course the physical focus turned mental and emotional getting stronger in my spiritual path. It´s evident that yoga comprehension came after many years of practice, many mats, books, teachers, trips or guru encounters. I have no doubt that there´s not an end or a goal. I goes on & on & on. We are here to learn and create our own evolution. Life is the real yoga. Us in our mat, the analogy of our life.

A: If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

M: I hadn´t find any better mentor than my heart. I´m grateful with every teacher and guru such as Sigmund Freud, Jung, my parents, my sister, the whole family, friends, boy friends, Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Louisa Sear, Rose Baudin, Snatam Kaur, to name some. All of them are my teachers; they share their experience but I think the real mentor is inside yourself.

And to answer your question directly, I dream to be guided by Paramanhansa Yogananda.

A: Best advice anyone has given you?

M: Life is about enjoying it. Measure your success by noticing how many good moments you have in your day.

A: What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?

M: Ong Namo Gurudev Namo by Snatam Kaur. Album Grace.

A: Any tips for begginers?

M: There´s no rush for anything. There´s nothing to reach. Enjoy your practice and make your most important practice to be present as much as possible. Practice abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (non-desire and non-attachment).

A: What does yoga mean to you?

M: The best present I had received from life. My friend. My best companion. What makes me move. Hope. Service. Love. Consciousness. Light. Darkness. And so on.

A: What are you working on?

M: I am the editor of a publicity project named Vida en Balance. (www.vidaenbalance.com). The goal is to share tools and information to the public so they can have a better and healthier lifestyle in order to improve their quality of life. Providing a day to day program based on nutrition, fitness, medical, phsycology, yoga and gastronomical information to improve their lives.

I teach yoga wherever I can.

A: Do you have any advice for busy mothers, over-worked fathers, and busy professionals on how to incorporate yoga into their life?

M: Get a space for yourself. Be the best mother you can be with yourself. Feel good and share with others. Yoga can give you what you wish every night.

A: What's next for you?

M: I´m so happy to get the chance –for first time- to have in my hands an empty notebook. I´m living much more in the present moment. I think what will come are surprises and adventures I can´t imagine.

A: What would you name the autobiography of your life?

M: Beautiful and imperfect.

A: Upcoming workshops or retreats that you will be giving?

M: The Essence of yoga and Yoga through the elements at Flow Yoga www.flowyogamexico.com in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.

A: Anything else you want to share?

M: Thanks for the opportunity to share yoga and a bit of my life. In the name of gratitude, service and love may all beings be in peace and free. 

A: Thank you so much for sharing your time, its always nice to be part of your world and to have friends like you in my life.

M: It's my pleasure Ana to be your friend. I'm happy for this encounter. Thanks for everything.