Celebrating 70 Years of Love & Service!

Dear YogiSmile Family,

Last week, I celebrated my 70th birthday — a milestone that fills me with deep gratitude. This journey has been one of breath, resilience, community, and love. From healing through yoga to creating this beautiful space at YogiSmile, my heart overflows with appreciation for each of you.

As part of my reflection, my son, Sina, interviewed me about my life journey, the studio, and my learning. I’d like to share the part of the interview that reflects on yoga, meditation, and the YogiSmile community.

Sina: As I sit down to interview my mother on her 70th birthday, an overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over me. This milestone is not just a mark of her years; it symbolizes a journey full of love, resilience, and service. Kay has created a life filled with meaning — as a mother, yoga teacher, and founder of YogiSmile Yoga & Wellness Center. Our conversation captures her unique spirit, teachings, and the deep connections she has nurtured within the community.

Sina: Mom, how does it feel to reach this milestone birthday?

Kay: Turning 70 brings a sense of peace and presence I couldn’t have imagined in earlier decades. I feel less drawn into the past or rushed by the future. These days, a single breath, a kind smile, or the changing colors of a tree bring me joy. I am grateful — for my health, my amazingly kind and thoughtful family, friends, and the YogiSmile community that feels like an extension of home.

Sina: What’s the most powerful lesson yoga has taught you?

Kay: That we can start again. Every breath is a new beginning. Yoga reminds me that nothing is ever truly stuck — we can soften, shift, and return to ourselves again and again.

Sina: How did you first come to yoga?

Kay: A knee injury led me to the mat. I came for physical healing, but yoga gave me so much more — clarity, peace, and presence. What began as exercise became a way of living, especially after facing personal challenges.

Sina: At what point did yoga shift from something you “did” to something you lived?Kay: When I faced a major emotional breakdown, yoga and meditation became my lifeline and helped me survive with grace. Breath by breath, I rebuilt. That’s when yoga truly moved into my soul. Through meditation — and the power of prayer — I came closer than ever to the divine source and to my inner peace.

Sina: What styles of yoga have shaped your teaching most?

Kay: I began with the grounding strength of Hatha, then found flow and vitality in Vinyasa and Power Yoga. Each style gave me something — structure, grace, energy, and relaxation. I remain a student of all, guided by the needs of the moment.

Sina: Who were your most influential teachers?

Kay: Many teachers have left their mark, but it wasn’t just about their technique — it was their humility, their presence, and the way they lived their practice with integrity off the mat. I never tried to imitate them; I listen, learn, and follow my own truth.

Sina: Why did you create YogiSmile?

Kay: I felt called to share what yoga had given me: health, balance, and joy. Teaching was the first step, but opening a studio felt like building a home for others to heal and grow. I wanted people to feel seen and supported — not just as students, but as humans.

Sina: What was your original vision for YogiSmile?

Kay: A sanctuary. A space where kindness flourishes and strangers become friends. A place where movement, breath, and stillness come together — and where people feel better walking out than when they walked in.

Sina: What does the community mean to you today?

Kay: Everything. You are my family. Every class, every shared breath, every smile exchanged in silence — they’ve all woven a tapestry of resilience and love. That energy fuels me more than anything else.

Sina: What teaching moments still make you smile?

Kay: The early days of livestreaming during the pandemic were full of hilarious mishaps. Once, I noticed at the end of the practice that I had inadvertently flipped the camera, so everyone stared at the opposite wall! But no one complained during the practice — they stayed, breathed, and flowed. It was yoga in action — presence, patience, and humor.

Sina: How would you describe your teaching style?

Kay: Energetic but grounded. I encourage mindful movement, rooted in breath and heart. I want our members to feel challenged but safe, seen, and supported. I aim to teach with compassion and joy.

Sina: Do you have favorite types of classes to lead right now?

Kay: I love teaching Power Vinyasa for its strength and flow — but I also cherish the softness of Restorative and Yoga Nidra. Teaching beginners always warms my heart — watching them step into something new, something sacred — a beautiful journey of love.

Sina: What surprised you most about creating this community?

Kay: The love. The way people show up — not just for class, but for one another. The grace in quiet moments, the kindness in small gestures. I never expected this much heart.

Sina: How has your perspective changed in your 60s and 70s?

Kay: I’ve learned to trust life’s timing. Meditation taught me patience — and that sometimes the most important work is simply being still and listening. I wish I’d embraced that earlier, but I’m grateful it came when it did.

Sina: What do you hope students take away from class?

Kay: A moment of peace. A feeling of connection — to breath, to body, to heart. If they leave class feeling even slightly more grounded, joyful, or at ease, then my purpose has been fulfilled.

Sina: Is there a quote you return to often?

Kay: Yes — a few:

On mindfulness and being present:“Look past your thoughts, so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment.” — Rumi

To me this captures everything yoga is about — returning to the now, again and again.•

On the Yin and Yang of life:“Without darkness, we would never see the stars. Joy and sorrow are inseparable!”

On compassion: “Each person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” — Robin Williams

On Boundaries: "Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.” – Brené Brown

Sina: What keeps you inspired at this stage in life?

Kay: The practice and the community. Yoga is infinite. Each day offers a new lesson, a new layer of growth. And the love I receive from this community fills me with energy to keep learning and serving.

Sina: What are you most excited about for the year ahead?

Kay: Welcoming new students, deepening connections, and exploring how yoga can continue to meet us in every season of life. Personally, I want to keep refining my practice and maybe start writing down “70 reflections” from my journey to share over time.

Sina: And finally — what message would you like to share with the YogiSmile family?Kay: I love you. I thank you. Your trust and kindness have enriched my life beyond words. I feel truly blessed to walk this path beside you. Let’s keep growing together — breathing, stretching, smiling.

Sending you love and gratitude,

Kay