The Aligned Living Podcast with Kathleen Gellatly

30: Yoga Asana is just the tip of the Iceberg

Kathleen Gellatly

In this episode of the Aligned Living Podcast, Kathleen explores the transformative power of yoga in her life. She begins by sharing her background as a producer in the film and stills industry, a career marked by relentless burnout and a severe anxiety attack. This pivotal moment led her to reconsider her path, with encouragement from her mother, ultimately deciding to become a yoga teacher. Her initial experiences with yoga in Cape Town were challenging as she felt isolated and self-conscious. However, she found a supportive community at a local yoga school, where she completed her teacher training and eventually managed the school for five years.

Kathleen emphasizes that yoga extends beyond physical postures (asanas) and is deeply rooted in holistic practices that integrate mind, body, and spirit. Through yoga, she was able to explore and shift her core beliefs, leading to significant personal growth. She recounts a particularly challenging experience during her teacher training, where she struggled with physical weakness and emotional turmoil. This struggle highlighted the importance of presence and self-awareness, which yoga cultivates.

Beyond the mat, yoga influences all aspects of life, helping practitioners develop self-discipline, mental strength, and emotional resilience. Kathleen discusses the importance of consistency, discipline, and devotion in reaping the true benefits of yoga. She credits yoga with giving her the ability to be with herself through all emotions and experiences, leading to profound self-discovery and healing. Supportive communities, particularly women’s circles and retreats, have also played a crucial role in her healing journey.

Kathleen shares her current experience with voice training, which is helping her unlock deeper levels of self-expression and emotional release. She discusses the physical and emotional challenges of voice training and its connection to her broader yoga practice. In closing, Kathleen encourages listeners to practice yoga regularly, seek support if needed, and utilize various resources she offers, including her YouTube channel and On Demand library. She expresses gratitude for the transformative experiences yoga has brought into her life and her desire to share these benefits with others.

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