We recently connected with Katya Seymour and have shared our conversation below.
Katya, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.
My first ever opportunity in the field of yoga came to me through Instagram! At the time I was in my late 20s and a stay at home mom looking to get fit. A newborn baby in my hands and all. Somehow I got into the world of Instagram yoga challenges circa 2012 and the rest was history!
Taking part of the challenges was something that kept me accountable at the time, all I had to do was snap a pic, share the journey, easy. Behind the scenes I was devoted and practicing every chance I got with online yoga offerings while taking care of my young children.
Next thing I knew, I won a training via a challenge, got certified and received an offer I could not refuse. Which started my entire career as a yoga/movement teacher and educator.
Katya, 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?
The name of my business is Vira Movement. Vira ( pronounced vee-ra ) means faith in my native Ukrainian, and it means hero/warrior in Sanskrit. The whole premise of my work is to move one closer to the truth within, closer to the warrior inside. Be it through travel, yoga or sound healing.
Having got into yoga and wellness simply due to wanting a better body, I was eventually challenged with chronic health issues that simply would not let me quit. A pursuit of better health, mentally and physically, led me to every avenue that eventually became my passion.
Yoga eluded me with its mysteries and seemingly impossible postures, yet beyond the physical, what kept me coming back was a sensation of internal peace. A touch on something beyond myself. I found myself traveling all over the US and beyond working for a prominent yoga brand as a trainer. Meeting amazing humans and feeling a sense of connection + empowerment through movement.
Eventually I stumbled upon sound therapy while hosting a yoga retreat in Mexico. My life was forever altered, I found myself coming back to source during a physical and mental health battle I dared not speak of. Since that moment I have been passionate about sound as a healing tool for all. Many trainings later I have put together a training course that compiles essential information together and teaches people how to help themselves & others with intentional sound application.
I firmly believe that community is an essential part of healing. I firmly believe that travel is an essential part of growth as a human being. I firmly believe that sound is THE medicine of the future. I firmly believe that physical movement is the pathway to higher realms of consciousness.
I offer public and private sound meditation experiences, I lead yoga classes, trainings and workshops, as well as host healing retreats worldwide, all in order to remind people that the healing power resides within.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have countless stories of resiliency. First of being an immigrant, with English my third language. I have encountered death, loss, tragedy and many moments of adversity. I know the taste of abuse, from family and chosen relationships. I know abandonment like the back of my hand. I have watched loved ones pass, choose alcohol over family, and I’ve been stuck between a rock and a hard place a time too many.
Yet my stories don’t define me, and they don’t dictate my life line.
I also know true love, companionship, healthy family and success. You can too.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Consistency.
Honesty and authenticity.
Building trust within my network and community has been key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://viramovement.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vira_movement?igsh=ZDhwOWh0cWxpc3Zp&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Tetyana McGowan