Talking All Things Yoga With International Yoga Teacher Kino MacGregor

Kino MacGregor is an international yoga teacher, author of four books and an influential yoga instructor and a teacher of Ashtanga Yoga. Named 1 of the 10 influential teachers who have shaped yoga in America, Kino is one of a select group of people to receive the Certification to teach Ashtanga yoga by its founder Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. 

MacGregor graduated from New York University’s John W. Draper Master’s Program for Interdisciplinary Studies with an MA in 2002. At 22 years old she decided to go to India to study yoga and at 25 years old she set off on an around-the-world trip through which she found herself reborn. She has often spent more time out of her native country than in it.

In 2006, Kino MacGregor and her husband, Tim Feldman, founded the Miami Life Center, a community built around yoga, where they are based. Her mission is to inspire people to practice, to become true spiritual seekers along the inner journey and see that they have the power to change their world to a more peaceful place through the power of yoga by recognizing their own strength and power and then using the practice to experience it.

Most recently Kino created The Yogi Assignment, an inspirational 30-day yoga and lifestyle program that will challenge your mind, body. This guide and Amazon’s #1 Best Selling Yoga Book is an introduction to these life-affirming and simple, yet revolutionary, principles. On this journey, you will challenge and uplift your body, mind, and spirit. Each day offers a practice and meditation that will help you confront your emotional, physical, and mental limitations and inspire real change in your life. MacGregor is a fierce, loving guide who encourages you to look deeply within to find your wellspring of inner strength and courage.

In anticipation of the release of The Yogi Assignment, we spoke with Kino about all things yoga and her journey of self discovery.

What does yoga mean to you?

Yoga is a way of life. Yoga is an education in the human spirit. Yoga is path to knowing the truth. Yoga is a way to experience the eternal Divine presence. Yoga is a personal practice and a spiritual journey. Yoga is a promise of peace. 

How did you first get into practicing yoga?

I jumped into my first yoga class when I was 19 at a gym and the did it mostly on my own sporadically at home by following books. Then when I was 22 I started practicing Ashtanga Yoga and I’ve done it six days away for the last 18 years. I decided to devote myself to Ashtanga yoga because I wanted to live a more peaceful life and I wanted a way out of my own misery. I was living a lifestyle of parties and loneliness and I wanted something deep and real. When I went to India to meet my teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, I was only 23. I’ve traveled to Jndia every year since then and having my roots in the ancient tradition of yoga has changed my life. 

What advice would you give someone to convince them to incorporate practice into their life?

You don’t need to be young or flexible or any shape, size or age to practice. All you need is an open heart. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start where you are, start today. With as little as five minutes a day your life can start to change. 

How has your life changed while practicing yoga?

Every time I get off my mat I am a little bit nicer, kinder and happier. It’s like each practice peels off a layer of my outer shell and leaves me more transparent, more clear and then the light that’s in my heart shines through. I’m more myself and more true and honest. I’m more peaceful, less reactive. I’m more patient and loving, towards myself and my whole world.

What are you looking forward to most in the next year?

The next year is a big year!!! My new Yogi Assignment book comes out and I’m so excited to share this with the world. This book is like a price of my soul. It’s like a crystal nugget of the distilled essence of the yoga path.

My online yoga channel OmStars has big plans for the next year. We will be it introducing lots of new content, including a new yoga talk show called Seek Up that ends with a yogi assignment! 

I’m also going to Fiji which has been a lifelong dream

Tell us what the goal of your book is:

The Yogi Assignment gives you the tools you need to take the lessons learned from yoga into your everyday life. Whether or not you have a disciplined practice or you’re just interested in yoga this book will evoke a shift in your consciousness and spark a light of true in your soul. 

If you could give yourself advice 5 years ago what would it be?

You are the one you’ve been waiting for. Don’t wait for anyone approval. Dream big, shine bright and never give up! 

What advice would you give to someone new to practicing yoga?

When doubt, boredom, soreness or laziness arise take these as signs that you’re on the right path. Work on the mind as much as the body. Learn how to speak kindly to yourself, accept yourself and one day love yourself. Faith is as much a decision and a practice as anything else. The journey of 1,000 steps begins and ends with just one. Breath by breath you will experience more peace than you can imagine, and all you have to do is keep practicing. 

You can find her online teaching classes and workshops all over the world and on social media with over 2 million followers across all her channels.

Book launch information:

Kino will be launching The Yogi Assignment on Tuesday, September 26th at The Miami Life Center from 5-6pm.

Kino will also be hosting a meet and greet at the Strand Bookstore on 10/2 in New York City.