Kim Haga

Expertsise:

Encouraging self-love and acceptance. Hands-on assists. Alignment-based cueing.
Experience:

2018-200 Hour RYT2019- started my teaching journey2011- went to my first yoga class2016-went to my first power class, and practiced pretty consistently2013-became a Licensed Massage TherapistAugust 2021- began a 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training called Adaptation

Why Yoga?

I enjoy every aspect of yoga, and what it can do for your mind, body, and spirit. I fell absolutely in love with yoga, after taking my first power yoga classes. I love yoga’s ability to keep you in the present moment, on your mat. In power yoga, the experience that I fell in love with, was the ability to work through especially challenging poses, simply through your breath, and the encouraging words of an inspiring teacher, telling you “you CAN do this, just BREATHE.”.

What inspires you about the HOY community?

The fact that we are making yoga accessible to any and all who would like to practice with us. Walking through the doors you feel welcome, as though you are home. The feeling of knowing you can be exactly who you are, as you are, without judgment. And with that, feeling a sense of acceptance and peace. Knowing that we are all working together for a common cause, finding the best versions of ourselves through awareness, breath, yoga and meditation, ultimately making the world a better place to live in. The mantra **Give what you can, take what you need**

Why do you Teach?

Having the awareness of what my breath and the words of an encouraging teacher could do, I found that I was then able to carry these words into my everyday life, to get through stressful or challenging times. With this realization, I decided I wanted to be able to share this gift with others. I got the courage to sign up for the Open Heart Yoga Teacher Training through Ignite, and so far this journey has been a blessing. I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner. My overall goal is to help guide people toward living happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives, assisting them towards this through massage and yoga. The way I guide my students/patients towards this goal, is by teaching them tools that they can use on and off the mat, such as breathwork, movement, and meditation.

What fires me up off the mat?

Love and being loved. Helping others. Experiencing new places, meeting new people, and learning new things. Time spent with my family and friends, especially my husband Alex, daughter Lucy, and our sweet fur babies. Spending time outdoors kayaking, at the beach, and hiking.