We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristin Rea a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kristin , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
I finished my 200 hr, year-long training to become a Certified Yoga Teacher and just as I was getting my footing and looking at places I might teach- COVID struck. Studios shut down, and the ones that did stay open were primarily virtual, which is a very different experience than teaching in real life. I saw a need in the community for in-person yoga classes that were both safe and accessible. Some teachers were beginning to move their classes outdoors and it got me thinking… if I could teach somewhere outside of a studio, where would I like to go? Was there a way to make the class fun and draw in students both experienced and brand new to the practice? I heard of goat yoga, but they’re known to be a bit feisty and high-energy. The idea didn’t really appeal to me but….then I thought about farms nearby and how adorable and calm the Alpaca is. On a whim, I googled ‘’Alpaca farm in KC’ and sent an email to the first farm that showed up on my search. I was giggling to myself, thinking how random but fun it would be. However, I didn’t expect anything to come of it. As if by fate, I got a personal reply within minutes! They had been already been considering having a yoga class at their farm, but didn’t know any teachers. So, my ‘Alpaca Yoga’ classes began!
Kristin , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Honestly, growing up I saw myself as clumsy, uncoordinated, and scatter-minded …the exact opposite of what I imagined a yoga teacher should be. If you’d told my younger self that someday I’d not only enjoy yoga but get up in front of a group of people and teach, I’d have laughed. I had a preconceived notion of what kind of natural qualities a yoga teacher “should” have.
It would be great to share an “ah ha!” Moment in my life in which this view was fundamentally upended, but the truth is that it’s been a slow and winding journey. I’d say the main thing is remembering to be open minded and open to a change in perspective. I still feel like a student in many ways. Every day I learn something new about the physical and philosophical practice of yoga, and I’m so happy to be able to share it when I lead a class.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One example of being open to change is when I allowed myself to make a MAJOR career pivot. As an undergrad I studied art, which led to an interest in Art History. After graduating with my BA in fine arts, I took additional graduate-level courses in Minneapolis and applied for grad school. I chose the program at KU and moved from Minnesota to Kansas. The next couple years were a blur as I studied, wrote, and researched non-stop. When I graduated with my Masters degree in Art History it seemed like a given that I’d work in the field. I did work as a curatorial assistant at Kemper and Charlotte Street Foundation. Eventually I managed a gallery in the Crossroads. Although everything was progressing the way it “should” in my career I found myself un-inspired and dreading the next decade, two decades.. constantly reaching for the next rung on a ladder. I wrestled with this feeling because I had dedicated so much time and effort into this career. It felt silly and shameful to give this up and move in a different direction but I knew in my gut that this wasn’t my life’s purpose. I checked my ego and let it go, along with the expectations others had for me. I took an office job and which required me to work less hours. I allowed myself time to discover what I was passionate about and what it could do professionally that would also be soul-fulfilling. It wasn’t a straight shot, but it eventually led me to yoga teaching. Every time I step into the studio I feel invigorated and I know I made the right choice.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
There are so many wonderful books, teachers and resources on the topic of yoga! A classic is the Gita, which I’m re-reading at the moment. Each sentence has so much impact and resonates differently if you come back to it after some time has passed. The Yoga Sutras are also a “must-read” and I find the book “Living the Sutras” to be a very approachable and modern way to study this text. Current teachers like Jason Crandell are adding a lot to the practice of yoga. His “Yogaland” podcast is full of intellect and humor.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kristinmarierea
- Facebook: Yoga with Kristin
