International yogi, author, inspirational speaker and beach enthusiast, Kino MacGregor is due to arrive in Auckland in April to teach a three-day yoga immersion weekend.
Owner of a golden CV with achievements such as co-founder of the world’s first TV network, Omstars, co-founder of Miami Life Centre, producer of six Ashtanga yoga dvds and with over 1 million Instagram followers, Kino MacGregor is an internationally celebrated yogi beloved by budding students.Â
MacGregor is due to come to Auckland in April to teach Ashtanga yoga, a practise that synchronizes breathing and movement to develop and sustain a strong flexible body and focused mind. Ahead of her series of yoga workshops, we caught up with Kino to discuss her roots and what it’s like going from student to teacher.Â
What drew you to yoga?
I came to the practice of yoga out of a desire to live a more peaceful life. It was the promise of peace that drew me to the discipline of yoga.
Why Ashtanga yoga and what’s different about the practice?
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional disciplined style of yoga that uses the physical poses as a foundation for a spiritual experience.
Tell me about your decision to travel to India to meet your teacher, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois?
When I heard that anyone who was devoted to the practice could meet the then-living masters of the tradition, I just felt it in my heart that I had to go. I traveled to India for the first time when I was 23 and I’ve been going every year since then.
How did that meeting impact your journey so far?
My first trip to India changed the course of my life. It was that initial meeting that instilled a devotion for the practice.
How does it feel to now be the teacher and travelling, teaching Ashtanga internationally?
I am blessed to share the teaching of Ashtanga Yoga with so many people all over the world.
What’s been your favourite place to visit?
I love every place that I visit. It’s the heart of the students that makes me fall in love with each city. It’s more about the connection to the local yogis that makes travel so meaningful for me.
Tell me about your decision to co-fund the Miami Life Centre.
My husband and I had been traveling and teaching around the world and we wanted to create a space dedicated to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Our vision was for a spiritual center and we chose Miami honestly because I am from there and love the beach!
You’ve also launched the world’s first yoga TV network, Omstars. In a digital age, there are always so many moving parts. How does social media influence and perhaps, alter the way you teach?
The mission of Omstars is to bring the tools of traditional practice to people all over the world. We provide access to classes and courses that support the seeker’s journey. There are thousands of people all over the world now who uses Omstars as their guide to the sincere practice of yoga. I love making videos that tell the real story of what it means to be a yogi. Our message is one of both empowerment and inclusivity, that anyone who loves the practice can join!
The impact of social media upon mental health is also huge. How does Ashtanga help?
Ashtanga Yoga encourages you to get offline and stay honest and true to yourself. It can be intoxicating to spend hours online scrolling. But if you practice, at least you have a few hours each day to turn inward.
What would you say to budding yogis?
Believe in yourself and never give up.
Book your tickets to Kino MacGregor’s yoga immersion weekend, organised by Ewa Biogo Yoga.
Dates: 5 – 7 April 2019
Prices:Â Single workshop $91.53 or $399.70 for full weekend pass (5 x workshops) prices inclusive of booking fees
Venue: Quality Hotel Parnell, 10-20 Gladstone Rd, Parnell
Organiser: Ewa Bigio YogaÂ
