Meet Kathy and Fran

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Meet Kathy

I am grateful for this precious life and the practices of yoga asana, pranayama and meditation. They have opened me to experience my body as it is and to recognize the goodness that is always right here. My life has been a journey of healing and transforming pain into love, joy, equanimity and compassion. I have enjoyed a daily practice for over 30 years and have been teaching for over 25 years.

I aim to share my love for the practice with students through both guided classes and guided self practice but hope that each student will find a daily self practice so they can fly.

I have been studying Evolutionary Astrology for over 10 years and have earned my level 2 certificate. At the same time I have run the South East Apprenticeship Program for Steven Forrest the last several years. Astrology can reveal strong patterns in life but also show the path into the mystery. It has given me insight into the lessons I am here to learn and the gifts I have to share.

My biggest accomplishment thus far is my marriage and family. Fran is my best friend and the love of my life. I am proud of giving birth to 3 gorgeous human beings. Motherhood and being a homemaker has been rewarding and demanding. Laundry, cooking, cleaning, caretaking, grocery shopping, soccer practices have all become my informal practice. So my daily self practice of asana, pranayama and meditation are a necessity to restore into the space of Being. You can find me outside most days digging in my garden, walking the dogs, gazing at the sky and soaking in the sun.

My cosmic job description is to teach and bring people together. The community is a support and a refuge that holds great warmth when there is trust and commitment. We are better together. The world needs us to wake up and we cannot do it alone. Come join me on this path of discovering your true nature.

Kathy and Fran at Durham train station

Meet Fran

I simply love to practice. Self-discipline and consistency come relatively easily to me; and it’s a good thing, because my life would be chaotic and crazy without a daily dose of Body-Mind methods. I’ve spent over 3 decades practicing and teaching various forms; including Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Chi Kung, and Tai Chi), Yoga Asana (Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Krama, and my own sequences), Meditation (Indo-Tibetan, and nonsecular methods), Pranayama (Indo-Tibetan traditions), and Astrology (Western Tradition). I can’t imagine skillfully navigating this wondrous mystery of living without them.

I also cherish the opportunity to share what I learn with others because we’re all in this together.

I believe the “We” is way more powerful and interesting than the “Me”; and “We” have got to fully and intimately embrace this reality, with all of its ups and downs. These practices are not meant to be an escape from the stresses of day-to-day living. On the contrary, they help us become strong spiritual warriors; agents for positive transformation during a time when the world surely needs it. In short, the time for all of us to Wake Up is NOW.

On the personal front, I have a professional “day job”, and have traveled a long career path (and much of the world) as a professional sales leader and consultant; and I began my career as an officer in the US Air Force. I have somehow managed to find my “soul mate” and raise a beautiful family together, while sharing this intimate journey of Awakening. Life is truly magical and wonderful if we know how and where to look.

My martial arts days are long past, but Yoga Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, and Astrology remain core practices guiding and informing my life. They are all important to me, but consistent and skillful Meditation Practice has been completely Life Changing in all ways positive. Being has no boundaries, and We Are That. Let’s discover and explore together.

“The shala is rich with sacred energy and has a peaceful, accepting vibe. The deep knowledge of the teachers encourages the natural fire of the practice and the dedication of the student to come together, on the mat and in the heart."

— Dara Fort

What is your intention?