MARY DANA ABBOTT

WHAT DREW YOU TO KATONAH YOGA?

A lot of my acquaintances, friends and students were going and raving about it. I also used to take the train to Katonah to visit my aunt and uncle, so my curiosity was piqued. 

HOW HAS KATONAH CHANGED YOUR PRACTICE & TEACHING?

It has made me more aware of structure, form, and flow. My eyes are attuned differently, seeing the possibility for sharper corners, and clearer shapes. This is where the magic happens, where we tap into the ability to embody reality and imagination, and more awareness of how we step into the world. The theory and the tools of this practice have revealed habits both physically and mentally that were blocking the path that I want to be on.  An example of this is that I used to use the practice to counter balance hours of exercise, which was counter-balancing over-eating, which was counter balancing not being fulfilled. And none of that adds up to any kind of "balance", or joy at all, it's just doing and un-doing.  It's been a revelation that I am so grateful for. You learn where you hide in Katonah Yoga, and what you hide from.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN KATONAH CHANGE STUDENTS?

Students feel a harmony in their bodies that becomes more accessible when you apply measure and repetition. Even my old methods were more about doing and undoing, stretching or strengthening muscles that were too tight or too lose; supporting a practice that was more about defining balance as fitting more things into life, rather than harmonizing with nature, both personally and universally. With measure and metaphor, there is a freedom in the practice to use imagination to release old habits and get out of your own way. I see more a-ha moments in class, things make sense physically, mentally and spiritually. I see more smiles.