Originally from Sydney Australia, Katie Brauer is an international yoga teacher, inspirational speaker and the Director of Yoga Programming and Teacher Trainings for Yoga Six. Known for her progressive approach and inspirational teaching style, Katie moves others to step into a life of choice, empowerment and conscious living. Katie works with an array of private clients from high profile Olympians, professional athletes, and celebrities to students in her weekly classes. Katie is devoted to sharing yoga as a gateway for optimal balance and deeper life enquiry.
We’re excited to have Katie at Yoga in the City Los Angeles this year. Join her and a few other hand-picked teachers for a day of yoga, music and fun in the sun on May 10 on the Santa Monica Pier. Registration is free.
Wanderlust: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Katie Brauer: I am doing it, living it, feeling it, sharing it!
WL: What did your child self want to be when you grew up?
KB: I remember when I was eight years old and was asked this question. I said, “I want to be the best that I can be.”
WL: Do you have a favorite funny video?
KB: This video is a must-see if you haven’t. Ogden in all his glory — spandex bike shorts, classic headband and the notorious off-key and inappropriately loud Aum. I couldn’t take a class or teach a class for some time with out laughing before Auming, after Auming or during Auming. Love that guy.
WL: How about an inspirational video?
KB: I am in awe of the dedication, practice, skillfulness and brilliance in this performance. It invokes and elicits so many emotions in two-and-a-half minutes. It’s astounding and inspirational. Get your tissue box.
WL: What is your personal theme song?
KB: Love these lyrics:
We are always running for the thrill of it thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it
On and on and on we are calling out and out again
Never looking down I’m just in awe of what’s in front of me
WL: What is your biggest fear?
KB: Hmmm, I would say jumping off cliffs, into water and landing into a rock. I am not afraid of the jump itself, as I tend to be the first one to make the leap without hesitation. This is a great trait to have, but one that can be dangerous at the same time.
WL: What is your favorite yoga pose?
KB: If I had only one pose to do for the rest of my life, it would be a low twisting lunge with a quad opener. I call it the Extravaganza because there is so much in this posture!
WL: What is your least favorite yoga pose?
KB: Prone Frog – I am totally traumatized by this posture. A long time ago, in a Vinyasa class in Sydney, Australia, a a teacher led a nine minute experience which took me to hell and back. Yes, I am a free being and I could have shifted out, but I chose to stay in it and watch the theatrical thought waves. What a trip.
WL: What is your most embarrassing moment as a yoga student?
KB: I opted out of doing an inversion during a workshop because of an upset stomach, and I was called out by the teacher in front of the group. The teacher said, “You paid for this workshop. Now, do what I say.” I smiled and laid back down.
WL: What is your most embarrassing moment as a yoga teacher?
KB: Haha! This is good. Teaching at Wanderlust Squaw Valley. It was the funniest moment, ever! I was all microphoned up for a full class and prior to class, I ran to the bathroom. I was carrying on a conversation about how tiny the toilets were (because we were in the pre-school) and, upon walking back, the audio guy came running up and said, “Your mic is on.” To which, I responded, ” Oh, fuck.” And he said, “Your mic is still on.” That was awesome.
WL: What do you love about what you do?
KB: Connecting with people, planting seeds of awareness and creating an environment for growth. Seeing people have aha moments, breakthroughs and thrive is the most amazing feeling in the world.
WL: What challenges you about what you do?
KB: A ridiculous, jam packed schedule (by choice). I counter that with time with my hubby, surf trips and long days of nothing but lounging and going with the flow.
Photo by Epic Photojournalism