EMILY KASMAN

What's your superpower? / What do you want it to be?

I have the superpower that freakishly makes me remember names. There’s no hiding in the back of my classes. :) I would like to be able to teleport from one location to another. So much time is spent in transit, especially as a yoga instructor in the city, so if I could get to each studio in a blink of an eye, more time would be spent in face-to-face interactions. And that would make me smile!

How do you express gratitude?

I love to smile. I love to send a quick text message to those that I’m thinking about. I also love to share food that’s made with love as a way of expressing gratitude. Food can be so nourishing for the body, mind and soul when it’s experienced with friends and family. Spending time in the kitchen is something that brings me peace. And to be able to share the outcome is delicious for everyone!

Why do you share yoga?

Simply, because of the way yoga makes me feel. The movement connects me to something bigger, something that feels universal, that I tap into an infinite amount of knowledge each and every time I practice. The pure fact that I have an opportunity to share even a minute amount of this knowledge with students is such a pleasure.

What's your favorite pose? Why?

I have two...is that allowed?! Standing forward fold (uttanasana) is the first. Every morning I wake up, and tip myself over. I feel any stagnation leave my body, my expectations for the day release, and when I stand up, a sense of renewal enters. The second is butterfly pose (baddha konasana). I love the sense of surrender, quietude, and patience that butterfly connects me to.

When was the last time you laughed out loud?

Multiple times today! In the yoga studio, while the class was fluttering their lips and doing so with a grandiose effort. When my fiance unexpectedly created a smiley face with a couple oranges and bananas. And while riding my bike and miraculously hit every green light.

What always makes you smile?

An intentional conversation. A hot bath. Seeing an old friend after too long. Dancing to a really good beat. Riding my bike on a sunny afternoon. A delicious glass of wine or a pint of a local hard cider.

What does flow mean to you?

Being IN IT. Allowing the movement to not only be something that you do, but something that you are. Getting lost in the moving meditation that vinyasa is and learning so much about yourself in the process.

What can our TGY friends expect from your class?

A grounded, intentional flow, that is often inspired by the elements. You’ll feel your own strength, brilliance, and authenticity shine bright at the end. One where we will explore the depth of poses not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. The music I’m drawn to for classes won’t have too many lyrics, but will have some awesome beats, so that you can begin to witness what “lyrics” are going on in your own mind.

Emily is a RYT-200 that has created yoga retreats worldwide to combine her love of travel, being outdoors, and yoga. She also owns her own business, Infinite Health, that guides clients to integrate what they learn on the mat into their relationship with food.