Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Waitzkin
Hi Kate, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As native Austinite, I feel fortunate to have spent the first 18 years of my life in this exceptional city. After graduating from UT Austin, I moved to New York City with a vibrant dream of a writing career tucked into my pockets and dove headfirst into the magazine publishing world as an editorial assistant. Since grade school (thank you, Mrs. Sullivan!), writing has been an anchor, a tool for reflection, and a form of expression in my life and while it hasn’t been the primary focus of my career, until recently, it has remained a connecting thread through every phase of my work. After a few years in editorial, I spent six years at a boutique PR firm working with architects and designers and it was during this time that I was drawn (back) to the practices of yoga and meditation. Thanks to a handful of welcoming, wise teachers, these practices swiftly became a daily ritual and a welcome haven in which I began to know myself more deeply. After two years of study and certification, I began teaching in 2006. A few years later, I left the corporate world to teach yoga and meditation full time and never looked back. After fourteen years teaching public classes and teacher trainings in studios in NYC, San Francisco, and Austin, an unexpected move out of Austin with my husband and three boys gifted me the space to reflect and gain clarity on the next right steps for our family and my work. We returned to Austin a year later and in 2020 I opened The Shala, a private, in-home practice space for private and semi-private classes and The Shala Online, a virtual space where I offer online classes, workshops, and mindfulness programming.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve been blessed in myriad ways in my life, but it has certainly not been an entirely smooth journey and I’m grateful for this. The obstacles, roundabouts and unexpected turns have consistently continued to uncover generous growth, unlock new chapters, and, eventually, illuminate the road ahead.
The passing of my father in 2018 was one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Writing was one love we shared, and, in my grieving, I found that coming back to the written page helped me feel close to him. This felt connection as I processed his death led me back to a consistent writing practice – a ritual we shard together – and I can sense his wide smile when I say, I’ve just completed my first book.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When it comes to teaching yoga and meditation, and writing for that matter, the underlying belief and intention I hold is that each breath gives us an opportunity to return to presence and reawaken more fully to the life in front of us. Through the practice of presence, we create deeper connections with ourselves and the world around us. This belief guides and inspires what I teach, what I write, and how I navigate my days. While there are many things I’m proud of when it comes to my work, ultimately, I’m most proud of, and inspired by, my family – truly. Ushering my boys through this world alongside my husband brings me the greatest joy and contentment.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The piles of books blanketing my desk and floorboards (so many waiting to be read) is evidence of my gratitude for the wisdom shared on the page. My daily walks in nature are always accompanied by a podcast in my ears and I love reading friends’ and colleagues’ work on Substack…so much inspiration here! That said, the most potent resource I’ve found at this point in my life is a willingness to sit in stillness each day. The inspiration, insight, steadiness, and compassion that unfolds from this time of reflection and listening has the most potent impact on how I navigate my days, the choices I make, and how I show up for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katewaitzkin.com
- Instagram: @katewaitzkin
Image Credits
Seated from behind with arms spread – Neil Gandhi
Standing in pink pants + white top – Keelyn Costello
Sacred Space article (2 pages) – Kate feature in Magnolia Journal Magazine
Group Yoga taken from behind – Neil Gandhi
Kate in standing forward fold (separate image), Image of Kate behind The Shala Online text – Minta Maria
Family photo and image of Kate behind The Ritual Practice text – Whit McGuire
Kate on beach – Amelia Raun
Kate seated with large plant behind – Graeme Waitzkin
