A graduate of Naropa University’s M.A. Contemplative Psychology program, Kim Roberts has been a devoted student of Ashtanga yoga and Dharma since 1992. She spent 15 years living in South Asia and now makes her home in Crestone, Colorado, where she is finishing her second book, Toward A Secret Sky: A Guide To The Art Of Modern Pilgrimage, to be released in Spring 2019. She also makes encaustic art. Learn more at KimRoberts.co or KimRobertsArt.com
As more people explore the option to alter their biology, gender issues have surfaced in so many ways it’s hard to recognize certain facets of culture we used to take for granted. There is no longer a ladies room or a men’s room for that matter in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is an intense practice, and it tends to attract people who are somewhat driven. You have to have a certain amount of passion to get on your mat each morning and sweat through a self-directed hour and a half of postures and actually enjoy the practice. But I’d like to clarify a few points, because Ashtanga sometimes takes a bad rap where it’s not deserved. Here are a few of the more common ones you may have heard.
According to Tibetan Buddhists, when a great master reincarnates, though he still retains the level of realization he attained in his previous life, he needs to go through the process of remembering it through formal instruction in this life so as better at teaching others.
Crestone has received a fair amount of press in the past few years as news of our tiny Colorado community leaks out into the world. With so many spiritual centers in our midst, 23 at last count, this comes as no surprise. Many of us choose to live here because of access to those most precious of commodities: peace and quiet.
I don’t recommend yoga teacher trainings. Before you dismiss me, hear me out. I’m not saying don’t ever do one. I’m saying don’t go looking for one just for the sake of doing a teacher training or to get a certificate that says you can teach.
To understand Bhutan, you must know Padmasambhava, affectionately known as Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism here in the eighth century. He is the backbone of Bhutanese culture.
What I love about teaching beginners is the complete absence of preconception. Being a beginner means opening to something new. Openness is the most important tool we have when learning. Openness is not just about flexible hips or shoulder joints. Openness means acceptance, curiosity and humility.