State of Maine folks are stereotyped as crunchy hippies, perhaps even granola-eating MAINiacs. There’s nothing offensive about this stereotype. In fact, when you get down to it, it’s part of why the Maine state slogan is: Maine, the way life should be. Why, you may ask, the crunchy-hippy stereotype? There are the big mountains and Acadia National Park for hikers, bikers, and outdoorsy folk. But there is another large presence that has added to this not-too-far-off generalization: yoga. Sure, yoga has infiltrated the whole Western world and is pretty darn popular in most of the fifty states. But it has swept into the hearts and minds of the people of Maine, namely Portland, in a BIG way. Don’t believe me? Consider the number of booming yoga studios that exist and continue to pop up in Portland. Recently, I’ve had the good fortune to go to several Portland yoga classes (and yes, my downward dog is looking good) and interview some of these studio owners and yoga teachers.
Here are there stories (cue Law & Order music):
Name: Kara Seymour
Age: 33
Lives: Portland, Maine
Practicing Yoga for how long: 11 years
Teaching Yoga for how long: 8 years
Where to find her: Bhakti In Motion at 155 Brackett Street in Portland
Why she’s a yoga rock star: Kara is one of those people who you can’t help smiling around. I immediately feel comfortable around her (which is perhaps why I thought it was okay to ask her such personal questions). Her inner beauty matches her outer beauty. She’s bendy, strong (not Hulk-esq, more like Michele Obama’s arms-kind-of strong), and incredibly humble. Plus, she wears the coolest yoga clothes. Not just Lululemon style chic but original flowy pants, shirts, and scarves that she, herself, designed. She’s the Mick Jagger of the yoga world.
I struggle or resist different poses at different times in my life….they are usually the poses that I need to be doing the most.
And without any further ado, here are our questions for Kara…
First of all, what brought you to yoga?
At 23 years old I was looking for a new and softer approach to physical activity, as I had moved away from the competitive sports that I grew up playing. A Bikram studio opened up next to where I worked and I was offered a free one month pass. Little did I know this was a major turning point in my life and that yoga would set me on my Life’s Path and connect me to my higher truth!
How did you create Bhakti In Motion? Has the studio always been your dream?
Bhakti in Motion is the manifestation of over 10 years of dreaming, put into creation. The studio space itself, has been used for dance and yoga since the 1970′s and it was time for some fresh energy to come in, give it more life and expand it’s potential. After 8 years of teaching at many different locations, opening two other yoga studios, Bhakti in Motion is the studio that is most resonant with my heart and soul purpose of bringing people together and helping to raise consciousness on the planet.
What’s your favorite thing about owning a yoga studio?
Having a space that I can create anything I want in! A space where teachers can share what they’re passionate about and where the community can come together and explore different ways to connect to their bodies, to heal and to return to the Truth within their hearts.
What’s your favorite thing about being a yoga teacher?
Helping people locate and fine tune the alignment of body, mind & soul.
What’s the most challenging aspect about being a yoga teacher?
Having patience while a class is in the process of growing in numbers. New classes often take time to grow and since I’ve moved around a lot and started new studios and new classes many times, I am very familiar with the practice of being patient as classes build.
Do you have a favorite yoga pose?
Pigeon….it’s my greatest teacher. Pigeon has taught me the true sense of surrender and learning to accept what is
A most hateful (pain inducing/strenuous-you get the idea) pose:
I struggle or resist different poses at different times in my life….they are usually the poses that I need to be doing the most.
Have you seen the video “Yoga Girl” by the guy who wrote “The Whole Foods Song”?
Yup
What is your response to the video?
I absolutely love it, I think it’s hysterical…I laugh the whole way through everytime! I find humor in the fact that so much of the video reveals the inner dialogue of so many people. (And “The Whole Foods Parking Lot” video is one of my all time favorite Youtube videos!)
Most insightful yogi advice/quote to leave people with?
Yoga is a healing spiritual practice that will always lead you back to your heart and guide you in the direction of your brightest light and your greatest Yes in every moment. This journey is about accepting and loving yourself completely and seeing the divine nature in all beings!
Yoga Rock Star 411:
Bhakti In Motion, 155 Brackett Street Portland, ME
http://bhaktiinmotion.com/
Class prices vary from teacher to teacher
Drop some knowledge.