Teacher Spotlight: Kim Emswiler
Our Teacher Spotlight Series continues with Kim Emswiler.
Why did you start practicing yoga?
I started practicing yoga seriously 11 years ago when a local yoga teacher offered classes twice a week at the office complex where I worked (shoutout to teacher Lawrence!!). It was a gentle 45-minute practice during lunch and it not only was a great way to break up the day, but I felt so good the rest of the day and slept so much better those nights. Before that, I'd taken classes here and there, but it was really then that it became a good habit that I couldn't quit.
Why do you keep practicing yoga?
The reason I keep practicing yoga is that it offers me something different every time I make it on my mat. I'm constantly learning something new about myself or about the practice itself depending on what I'm seeking that day. Yoga has been an incredible journey for me that has led me to new friendships, new lifestyles, new ways of thinking and of course new ways of moving. Plus, it just feels good!
How has yoga impacted your life off the mat?
The practice of yoga has taught me to think about what I want to allow in my life and how much space and time I want to give to the things that don't serve a purpose. Becoming a yoga teacher has impacted me greatly by giving me the confidence to stand in front of a room and not be afraid to speak. It's taught me that it's ok to not be perfect, that you will mess up (a lot), but we are all just humans trying to navigate this world the best way we can. It's taught me to not be so hard on myself and of course, it's taught me to sit down and just breathe!
Outside of practicing yoga, what other activities do you enjoy?
I love traveling, music and combining the two!! I met a man that was celebrating his 80th birthday in the 80th country he was visiting and I would love to be able to do the same when that time comes (or maybe I can visit my 90th country when I'm 90! )
What do you hope your students take away from your classes?
If students leave my class feeling a sense of peace or maybe a little lighter, then I'm so happy. The compliment that I love most is when someone says they were able to quiet their mind for a little bit...even if it is just for 10 minutes, that's a win. It's an added bonus if music I've chosen or a post class reading resonates with someone!
What do you find most rewarding about being a yoga teacher?
The most rewarding thing about being a yoga teacher is the fact that people show up for you over and over again, to hear what you have to say and want to be in the space that you've created for them. I do not take this for granted and am so honored when someone chooses to spend their time with me.
What’s something on your bucket list?
Something on my bucket list is sky-diving. I am not scared of heights, but the anticipation and the wait of the ride up to the jump is terrifying to me! One day I'm going to make it happen...maybe to celebrate that 90th country visited!
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
My age and that I LOVE horror movies!!
Any mantra or quote you live by?
What you do for yourself dies with you; what you do for others lives forever.
You can find Kim on the schedule Sunday mornings at 9:00 am Restore to Flow.
