Kat Johnston

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Manchester, NH but it’s cold there so I had to find somewhere with more sunshine and beaches.

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
I started practicing yoga in 2013 when a yoga teacher offered me free classes for building her a website. I remember after my first class asking her how I get better, thinking she would have the secret to my immediate success. She laughed a bit and said something along the lines of, just practice. I started practicing regularly after that and have been hooked ever since.

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I’ve been teaching Vinyasa flow classes in the parks for Grassroots Yoga (formerly Ventura Grassroots Yoga) since I graduated from teacher training in 2016. It has been such an honor to offer the Ventura community donation based park classes. I am thrilled to continue to build relationships with the yoga community at our new home.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
Urdhva Dhanurasana. Wheel is a pose that came naturally to me even in my first class. It’s been interesting watching its transition as my practice grows and changes over time.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Five or six years ago I zipped through this book enjoying the story, but not understanding the message. I re-read it recently, taking my time to really absorb the message. It’s such a beautiful story about how our paths in life can be winding, and challenging, but following your heart and listening to your intuition has great rewards.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
Find a teacher you love. When I found my teacher my practice ignited. I felt so inspired to show up, and learn, and let go. My teacher changed my life.

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community means home. I love living in a place where I recognize faces everywhere I go, and instead of trying not to make eye contact we engage in the head nod or a brief hello. Community means caring about your family and friends, but also your neighbors. It’s about love, support, and kindness.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
The community and the beaches. I used to live in Vermont where there was no ocean, and too much snow. I moved to San Diego and fell in love with the west coast. When I had to move to Ventura I was so sad to be leaving San Diego which had become home. I always thought I would move back south eventually, but now that I have become a part of this community I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s a city with a small town vibe. I love that I walk around town and see friendly faces everywhere.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
RakLife. I hadn’t worked with any non-profits before meeting Matt. I love the story behind this company, and the work they do.