Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine “Kitty” Harris.
Sports and being active have been a huge part of my family and my lifestyle. My main sports were basketball and volleyball, through middle school and high school. I was fortunate enough to receive a volleyball athletic scholarship to Trinidad State Junior College. I played there for two years and received my A.A. degree.
When that was over, I still wanted to stay active, I tried my hand at coaching and of course, would do my workouts. As time passed, I realized how much I enjoyed coaching and being able to share my love of fitness with those around me, so I began a deeper dive into yoga and my continued love of fitness and movement. I began brainstorming and researching how could I make this a reality.
Thus, in 2017, “Secret Stash Yoga” was born. I was not certified yet but I knew other instructors that were and I was able to connect with them and share the vision I had for “Secret Stash Yoga” and they decided to join me. The vision was to cultivate a safe place for those to come together to explore and combine plant medicine with the practice of yoga. Cannabis was one of the main herbs that were incorporated into our yoga practices but was not limited to just that. I wanted to bring awareness to the benefits of the plant, body, and mind connection.
I began my 200-hour yoga teacher training through an extended format offered by Cambio Yoga in Colorado Springs. I became 200hr certified in 2019. While studying for my 200-hour YTT, I connected with Dee Dussault, the author of the world-renowned book “Ganja Yoga” and internationally recognized leader in the cannabis-enhanced movement. I was thankful Dee allowed me to become her virtual assistant, where I started gaining more experience and insight into the yoga (and plant medicine) industry. In 2019, I was able to attend Dee’s 50-hour Ganja Yoga (Yoga Alliance Approved) teacher training in California.
I became a Ganja Yoga Certified Teacher which gave me the knowledge and confidence to safely guide those wanting to combine cannabis into a yoga practice. In 2019, I was able to start teaching my classes along with the 2 to 3 instructors who joined Secret Stash Yoga.
With the rise of the pandemic in 2020, I, unfortunately, had to put things on hold, but during that time, like so many others, I went on to become a certified personal trainer through ACE (American Council on Exercise 2020) and continued to add to my wellness toolbox over the next few years with other courses and certifications such as; 20hr Yin yoga, 100hr Meditation training, and 150hr herbalism course. I am currently enrolled in 300-hour teacher training and 85-hour prenatal yoga training as well. I am now considered an E-RYT 200hr and am a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP).
Just as I have continued to evolve, so has the vision and mission of Secret Stash Yoga, which I look forward to continuing to share with the community, not just in Colorado but everywhere.
The way I look at it, there will always be peaks and valleys. Obstacles or challenges will arise no matter which industry or path you choose to take.
I feel like the biggest struggle that has come along was the 2020 pandemic. I know that was a major game changer for a lot of people and businesses, and I was no different. Secret Stash Yoga was on the rise from 2017 to the beginning of 2020 before everything was put to a halt. Going from holding in-person classes at different venues every week in Denver and Colorado Springs, to now having to shift to an online platform, along with so many others. I felt like it was so saturated and overwhelming with so many online options. I felt like this called for me to take a step back to re-evaluate and rework how I wanted to share Secret Stash Yoga and strengthen my “why” and “who” I was trying to reach.
Although things were essentially put to a halt and slowed way down, that didn’t stop me from wanting to expand my own wellness and fitness knowledge. As mentioned, I went on to become a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in 2020 and as the years went on I continued to take courses, continuing education, and certifications that are beneficial to be able to share my passion for fitness on a new level. When things started to open back up, I was able to gain work at a local gym, where I was able to get back on the horse of teaching yoga in person and procure experience as a personal trainer. Implementing all of the new achievements into action, so I can come back to Secret Stash Yoga with more focus and as a stronger teacher.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Secret Stash Yoga is rooted in nature, grounded on the mat – where plants and yoga unite for holistic health and wellness. As we merge the benefits of plants and the practice of yoga, we invite those to join us on this transformative journey toward self-growth. Forging a path to holistic well-being, self-discovery, personal growth, and community connection.
What I feel has set Secret Stash Yoga apart from other yoga studios or teachers in our city, is that we emphasize the connection between nature and human consciousness, demonstrating how the natural world can complement and enhance the spiritual and mental aspects of yoga practice. Incorporating plant medicine into the practice, not only acknowledges the therapeutic properties of these natural substances but also brings attention to their potential to assist in deepening one’s understanding of the ‘Self’, the universe, and others.
I’m proud to say this approach has ignited and contributed to a powerful conversation within the yoga community and beyond, shedding light on the profound interconnectedness between humans and nature, and how this synergy can facilitate a more profound and transformative yoga experience.
I love that I have helped cultivate a safe space for students to ask questions, explore, and share their journey, all while connecting to like-minded individuals who share a common interest or similar belief that nature is beneficial to us all.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or stepping onto the mat for the first time, are well-versed in plant culture, or are just beginning to explore that avenue, you are welcome here.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned so much on my journey of sharing my passion through Secret Stash Yoga and in turn, I am constantly adapting and evolving. But, having taught and connected with so many amazing students, I’ve noticed as they come to their mats and work on that connection to “Self” that many are fighting silent battles we may never know.
I’ve realized we can’t do it alone, but no one can do it for us. So I have nothing but gratitude for these students choosing me to hold that space for their own personal growth, connection, and healing. Imposter syndrome is a real feeling and something I have grappled with while building Secret Stash Yoga.
At moments I have questioned why would these students allow me to be their teacher, yes I have professional achievements, experience, and skills, but self-doubt can deceive you into thinking you are less than others. To help overcome this feeling I remind myself I am doing/sharing something I love and that love is valuable. But for every class, workshop, video, and speaking event, I may not reach millions, but I know I have reached one. Quality first, then the quantity will follow.
It comes down to, just as much as I have held space for students, my students have held space for me as a teacher and have helped me in my growth and overcoming that imposter feeling. As I guide them on how to connect to that power and value inside, they do the same for me. A beautiful lesson and exchange.
We can’t do it alone, but no one can do it for us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/secretstashyoga
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretstashyoga
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretstashyoga
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/secret-stash-yoga/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/secretstashyoga
Image Credits
The Boston Globe
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