Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristin Gore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristin, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

As a yoga teacher, I often hear people say “I can’t do yoga. I’m not flexible.” My response to this is “That is precisely why we come to the mat.”

The advice I give to anyone who is worried about not being “good enough” to do yoga is to remember that it is a practice, not a perfection. In fact, if we were perfect there would be no need to practice at all. Imperfection is innate in all human beings. You are a constant work in progress, just as your yoga practice is in constant evolution. It does not matter if you are a total newbie, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between. Yoga is for Every Body.

Instead of viewing yoga as something you have to already have a certain amount of skill to do, consider it an opportunity to learn something new about yourself. How are you feeling in your physical body? What thoughts are coming to the surface? What emotions are you clinging to? Where can you release tension? Can you use your breath to stay present?
Are you willing to let go of judgement, and with an overabundance of grace and compassion meet yourself where you are today?

Remember that flexibility is a byproduct of the practice, not a prerequisite. In the words of the famous quote by Jigar Gor, “Yoga is not about touching your toes; it’s about what you learn on the way down.”

Enjoy the journey!

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?

My name is Kristin Gore, and I am a Yoga Teacher, as well as a Reiki and Sound Healing Practitioner.

I grew up in Lake of the Ozarks, MO and am definitely happiest outside in nature…especially when a boat and sunshine are involved! My childhood consisted of all things dance and music, and I moved to Nashville, TN in 2002 to pursue a music business degree at Belmont University. After graduating, I got married, had babies, and began to lose myself in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Yoga was my way back.

I fell in love with yoga and its ability to transform the mind, body, and soul. Quickly realizing that I had to share this powerful practice with others, I became a 500 hour certified yoga instructor (RYT 500) through the esteemed Asheville Yoga Center in North Carolina. I have also taught over 1,000 hours to earn my E-RYT 200 certification.

Over the years, I’ve had extensive training in pre/post-natal yoga, yoga for seniors, and children’s yoga, as well as meditation and yoga nidra. While I teach a variety of styles, Gentle Vinyasa and Yin Yoga are my favorites. I have been a lead instructor at the Music City Yoga Festival as well as Nashville’s International Day of Yoga. In addition to in-person private and group classes, I have also created an online monthly membership platform called the KGY Studio, which houses an ever-expanding library of on-demand yoga classes and meditations.

Since 2020, I have expanded my business to include Reiki, Sound Healing/Sound Baths, and Wellness Retreats (both domestic and international). Although yoga will always be my number one, these newer offerings are perhaps my favorite part of the job currently. I have met so many wonderful people and have been able to pursue two of my other passions…music and travel.

I am so proud to have built a flexible, lucrative, and sustainable business doing what brings me so much joy. In fact, it rarely feels like work. Even more so than that, I get to pour into others and be of service to the greater good. In my opinion, it really doesn’t get much better than that!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

When I first decided to pursue Yoga Teacher Training, I was given two great pieces of advice from already established teachers. I took these to heart and still carry them close to this day, and they have been tremendously helpful in my success.

1) Do not abandon your own personal practice.

The busier I get with work, the more difficult this becomes. However, I always try to leave space for my own practice. In fact, this is how I keep my schedule in check. If I am too busy for my own practice, then I am too busy, period. Something has to give. Spending time on my mat helps me stay grounded and healthy, and it reminds me why I do what I do.

2) You will not be everyone’s cup of tea. Stay true to yourself and to your teaching style, and your people will find you.

I was told not to take it personally when I walk into sub and someone gets up to leave. And guess what? This has happened. Twice! I’m so grateful for the insight I already had that prepared me for these moments. Now I HAVE found my people, and they make me feel right at home. Not once have I had to neglect my own truth.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would absolutely choose the same profession again (although I believe it actually chose me), but I think it’s important to pause and appreciate the steps it took to get there. I didn’t stumble into yoga until I was already in my 30’s. I had already lived a whole life, with lots of ups and lots of downs. I was floundering and struggling to understand my purpose in this world, outside of being “Mom.” It took quite a bit of heartbreak, as well as growing pains and lessons learned to finally find what I was created to do. But by this point, I was fully ready to step into that role, full-speed ahead. I haven’t looked back, and it’s been an awesome ride.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristingoreyoga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristingoreyoga
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-WfRfR85heYq9ZE8YOeKhg
• Other: KGY Online Studio https://www.kristingoreyoga.com/kgy-studio