ODDlight Teacher Feature: Kim Ritley

A self-proclaimed "birth nerd" and expert in yoga for all stages of pregnancy, motherhood, and family development, Kim leads Prenatal, Postnatal, and Baby & Me classes that her students claim are not just the best of those types – they're the best of literally any yoga class they've ever taken! Kim's yoga journey started as a means to stretch and destress through her early life as a trained dancer, then transformed into the backbone of her whole being, which you'll see pouring out of her in the way she supports families in their own yoga journeys. Forever inspired by her toddlers, she incorporates play as a way to self-regulate, spark joy, and get into your body. Experience it firsthand in her Partner Prenatal Yoga Workshop on Sunday, April 28 or in one of her weekly Prenatal, Postnatal, or Baby & Me classes. Is there anything she can't do? Well, just two things – whistle or burp! But we'll let it slide.

What are your "Big 3?" 

Aries sun  Scoprio moon  Scorpio rising

Five words to describe yourself?

(I asked my friends!) thoughtful, authentic, caring, adventurous, comforting

What's an ODD fact about you?

I am half Chilean and though I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish (definitely some Spanglish though) I have been spending a lot of time as an adult trying to get better. I am currently taking Spanish classes online with a Chilean teacher and it’s one of my favorite hours of my week.

One thing you're working on in your personal practice right now?

Establishing a more consistent meditation practice.

Where are you when you're not on the mat?

Mommin’ it up with my two kids River and Mylo.

Favorite food or restaurant?

I’m always delighted to eat fresh bread, doesn’t matter the kind, but the olive focaccia at Clark Street is definitely a fave.

Something that inspires you?

Birth. There is nothing like the experience witnessing new life enter this world.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

Going to my mat was one of the first tools I found as a younger person that helped me cope with anxiety and grounded me, especially during a time when my life was very transient and changing often, as I was figuring out who I was. The experience of landing in my body and tuning in to my breath has always felt like returning home.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

My kids are always reminding me to be in the moment, find more joy, and take myself less seriously. Physical play is super important to them especially for self regulating and I am learning that it is for me too.

If your students take home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Honor where you are today, and what your body needs at the moment. It’s always changing, and that’s ok.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

I can’t pick just one, so three songs I’ve been feeling at the moment are: Noise by Zsela, Petals by Bibio, and Low Sun by Hermanos Gutiérrez

One affirmation you always come back to?

I can do hard things

How are you feeling good these days?

Spending time outside in nature always feels good, I’m especially loving the spring flowers. .

Get to know Kim more by finding her on the class schedule!