ODDlight Teacher Feature: Katherine Bradshaw

If you prefer to wake with the roosters to play in crow pose, then Katherine Bradshaw is in East Hollywood on Friday and Saturday mornings to help you find your wings. If you prefer your wings dipped in social consciousness and altruism, then you'll love that Katherine's life off the mat includes working at a home-grown outreach program on Skid Row in support of individuals at high risk for HIV/STIs, finding inspiration from long-time mentor and director of Prison Yoga and Meditation, Nancy Deville, and encouraging self knowledge and progress wherever she goes. All mixed metaphors aside, get a dose of disco – Katherine's current musical obsession – and find whimsy, challenge, growth, and presence with ODD's ambidextrous arbiter of egg bánh mì (specifically from Be U, a community-minded small business after Katherine and ODD's own hearts)! Keep scrolling to learn more about your early AM ray of sunshine: 

Five words to describe yourself?

Generous, kind, organized, persistent, and peaceful.

What's an ODD fact about you?

"I am ambidextrous with everything except cursive handwriting! That I have to do leftie. "

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

Refreshing my drop backs (dropping backward from standing into wheel pose).

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

I work with the HARRP program on Skid Row working with individuals who are at high risk for HIV and STD/STI’s. Our program focuses on prevention education and behavioral change.

What's your fave food or restaurant?

Lately I have been a regular at Be U on Hoover. The egg bánh mì is delicious. Chef Le is an incredible example of how a small business owner can have a tremendously positive impact on her community. Go eat there!

Something or someone that inspires you?

I draw inspiration from tons of people. Ones close to me and ones I've never met before.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

As a kid I liked the way yoga shut off my brain chatter and tuned me into my body. I took my teacher training at 17. It offered me peace and healing and I think I wanted to ensure that peace and healing was available to others.

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

Arm balances offer a chance to be whimsical and playful! A little crow pose here and there keeps me playful.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

I hope my students take from my class the reminder that our yoga practice is an opportunity for self-knowledge. Through practicing consistently we get to know ourselves — how we deal with challenges, how we meet successes, and how we strategize our energy. To know yourself — habits, strengths, weaknesses and everything in between — is to be able to set yourself up for more sustained growth and success.

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

A break from my usual pan flute and wind chimes —-I’m on a disco streak so far this year! When the mood strikes I’m listening to Diana Ross, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, etc.

One affirmation you always come back to?

I am here now.

How are you feeling good these days?

I feel good when I remember to stay present and take each moment as it comes!

How does your yoga practice inspire your altruism / service off the mat?

My practice reminds me that change takes time— we are all works in progress.

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