#ODDlight Teacher Feature: Ellina Kim

Each month we bring a teacher into the #ODDlight and illuminate their interests, practices, and who they are. There is a real person behind those teachers and it’s their knowledge filtered through their own experiences that make them that person that pulls you into class.

Name:  Ellina Kim

Nick Name:  Elle or E.K.

Hometown: Los Angeles

Favorite Place:  My bed with my dogs.Favorite color:  pink and gold

What’s your sign?  Cancer

Most embarrassing moment?  It was when I was demo-ing a peak pose and ended up almost falling on my face and a good student of mine commented, “So she is human."

Most empowering moment? When I opened up my own yoga store in Culver City, Maitri Yoga Store.

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you? I grew up in the Happy Days house.

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you? I was on a couple episodes of Full House.

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you? I own a cool yoga store in Culver City, Maitri Yoga Store. Maitri means “loving-kindness”in Sanskrit.

Share a story or anecdote with us – something magical, changing, funny, or adventurous. Something that you love to tell.

I like telling people how I manifested my now fiancé. I was ending a frustrating relationship when I decided to write down what I really wanted in my future partner and then began to chant in Sanskrit mantra that attracts your ultimate masculine partner. After chanting for a couple weeks and then stopping to take a break, I met Bryan after a transformative yoga teacher training in Guatemala and fell head over heels with him. I knew after our first chat after yoga class that he was the real deal. I had manifested my future husband. (Let me know if you want that mantra ;) )

When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)? If I’m not at the studio, I’m at Maitri Yoga Store. If I’m not at Maitri, I’m probably hanging with my dogs and fiancé. If I’m not doing any of those, I’m most definitely sleeping.

How do you define yoga? Yoga is defined as union with God and the self. I interpret this definition to be that yoga is the practice of aligning with your higher-self which the higher-self is an aspect/reflection of God. We would call this a state of bliss/excitement/love. So that being said, Yoga=the practice of following your bliss.

Why do you teach? I teach because it feels good to make others feel good. Not a super philosophical reason other than, I love it when I get to connect with others.

What brought you to become an instructor? I never intended to teach although I was open to it. I became an instructor through synchronicity. It was presented to me.

What is your favorite song to play in class? I don’t have one because my music always changes!

What is your favorite pose or flow? Why? Right now, my favorite pose is Yoganidrasana because I think it’s funny looking and makes me want to fall asleep.

Memorable yoga moment? A memorable moment was when I was taking a class with one of my favorite teachers and she told us to stand still in Tadasana and like magic, utter stillness was felt through the whole body. It was an amazing moment of internal and outer peace.

What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use? (favorite mala etc) My favorite is a block. Not only can you use it for restorative postures but it’s a great tool to strengthen the body and play with handstands. Very multipurpose.

What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart? Any animal non-profit is something I’m all about!

Are there any links, @names, and #hashtags, or happenings you would you like us to use in promoting you and your happenings? @ellinayoga #ellinayoga #growyourpractice @maitriyogastore

Come to my workshop! - Law Of Attraction - 3 Fridays starting 6/16. Let's manifest what matters to you!