I am learning so much from my study about the bridge between form(things) and formless(spirit). In this interview, we have a new element to consider with the perspective of a yogi.
In this research, I am looking for connections between healing arts and the lightness of spirit, connection to that moment of space between inhale and exhale. Can we find that kind of peace from being surrounded by meaningful things in our homes and workplaces?
Eckhart Tolle consistently talks about being present. Focusing on the “being” aspect of life. When we are consciously living with three modalities he defines as awareness, enjoyment, or enthusiasm we can achieve presence in doing.
“Awakened doing is the alignment of your outer purpose—what you do—with your inner purpose—awakening and staying awake. Through awakened doing, you become one with the outgoing purpose of the universe. Consciousness flows through you into this world. It flows into your thoughts and inspires them.”
I thought it would be interesting to think about Awakened Doing in this case yoga, sound, and scent in relation to arranging beautiful objects and their inspiration on life. Kathleen Ames has been teaching yoga students for twenty years. She brings a joyful presence to the yoga studio and includes sound healing and a spritz of essential oil to round out the wonderful experience of coming back to your body. She may even have created custom earrings with a colorful fun vibe, she is truly a creative lady and I am happy to be able to share her insights and photos of her “Zen Den” here.
- Do you feel beautiful things in your home/office are beneficial? If so in what way? I almost feel that my home is an art installation. Beautiful things are interpreted. I like to find found objects and turn them into beauty. Why is this important or beneficial to me? I believe my home is an extension of my psyche and so when I see beautiful things that I created it makes me happy.
- Is there a color theme, shape, element of light that captivates you, making you aware of the present moment and how does your practice of yoga enhance this experience? That's a very good question... I find everything in my life to be very eclectic so I like all colors, shapes, and all the elements. I have an eclectic taste in everything including food dance and even my yoga practice. I've been teaching yoga for 20 years and perhaps the fact that I like this eclectic nature of everything I never get bored including with teaching my yoga classes.
- Please share a room or a loved thing that is something that makes me feel a sense of inner spaciousness. My home is one big "Zen Den" I will supply photos. I have an eclectic boho zen taste of decor.
- Over time we may not really see our beautiful things in daily life, what is in your experience keeps a space fresh and a place of peace and presence. I try to live in the present moment and in doing so I have gratitude every day! I look around my environment and think how lucky I am and all this is my creation!
“Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.” B.K.S Iyengar
I love this quote and may add that the appreciation of shapes, forms, colors, and beautiful things can help you access the spacious feeling of zen in daily life.
You can find Kat at Yoga Hood for Yoga Classes. Namaste!