Kirsten Warner
Kirsten has been a dedicated yoga practitioner for over 20 years and has been passionate about teaching since 1998. She is an Anusara Inspired instructor who continues to draw from her many years of training in several different styles of yoga. Her classes are inspiring, uplifting and full of heart. Kirsten’s commitment to the study of yoga philosophy and her devotion to her own practice add a freshness and depth to what she offers. Each class is a unique journey into greater openness of the body, mind and heart.
Get to know Kirsten
What brought you to the practice of yoga and eventually to teach yoga?
When I was young, I constantly struggled to find my place in the world. I often felt like I just didn’t belong here. By the time I found yoga, I felt terribly alone, confused and lost. From the moment I walked into my very first class, I felt like I had come home. The practice of yoga and the study of yoga philosophy inspired me to make different choices about the way I lived each moment that helped me to feel good about my life. Yoga has helped me to access a deep and unshakeable sense of peace within me, regardless of external circumstances. It has become undeniably clear to me that life is just better when I am practicing A LOT! Teaching gives me the chance to witness yoga work its magic on everyone who comes to class!
Describe the style of yoga you teach…
I teach Anusara Inspired Yoga, often with a dynamic vinyasa flow. I encourage students to push past their comfort zones, cultivate a deep sensitivity to subtle energetics and maintain awareness of their breath. I strongly believe that yoga is not as much about what we do as it is how we do it. With humor, heart centered themes and awesome alignment we can have fun, stay connected and transform our lives!
Who are your primary teachers?
My primary teachers are John Friend, Douglas Brooks and Sofia Diaz.
Who are your greatest life influences?
Yoga, my kids, my community, the mountains, the ocean and my breath.
What was your greatest “on the mat” AHA moment?
One of my biggest AHA moments in yoga happened about 10 years ago. My teacher was having us hold an extremely challenging pose for a ridiculously long period of time. Willful and stubborn I was using every ounce of muscular strength and jaw clenching determination to stay in the pose and to keep up with the class. For the life of me I could not understand why she kept repeating the phrase “Yoga begins at the point of failure.” Then there came a moment when it became glaringly obvious that “I” could not hold on any longer. Just when I thought for sure I was about to collapse in a heap of tears on the floor, something in me softened. I felt a profound relaxation into a bigger energy that was moving around me and through me. Suddenly I was able to stay with the intensity and actually feel uplifted and energized by it, rather than defeated and depleted. I finally began to understand what she was trying to teach us. The sacred union that is the essence of Yoga begins when we get out of our own way. When we lay down our exhausting attempts at controlling everything and come into alignment with something greater, then anything is possible!
Two of my favorite Quotes:
“I wish I could show you, When you are lonely or in darkness, the Astonishing Light of your own Being.” Hafiz
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing, Love tells me I am everything, Between the two my life flows. ” Nisargadatta Maharaj
