

AS AN INTERNATIONALLY CELEBRATED YOGINI, SPEAKER, AND AUTHOR, KATHRYN BUDIG HAS BEEN ABLE TO EMPOWER A MULTITUDE OF FOLLOWERS THROUGH HER MESSAGE, “AIM TRUE.” SHE’S A HUGE ADVOCATE OF SELF-ACCEPTANCE, HONESTY, AND FINDING SELF-PURPOSE. BUDIG HAS BEEN A YOGA CONTRIBUTOR TO WOMEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE AND WRITES WEEKLY FOR YOGA JOURNAL AND YAHOO! MORE RECENTLY, SHE RELEASED A SECOND BOOK ENTITLED, AIM TRUE: A 21-DAY JOURNEY TO FIND YOUR PURPOSE, IGNITE YOUR PASSION, AND LOVE YOURSELF. IF THAT’S NOT ENOUGH, SHE IS THE CREATOR OF THE AIM TRUE YOGA DVD PRODUCED BY GAIAM. SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS CAN FIND HER PRACTICING AROUND THE WORLD AT WORKSHOPS, FESTIVALS, AND CONFERENCES BY CHECKING INTO YOGAGLO.COM

POSHSEVEN: Did you ever think that your gift as a yoga teacher would help you evolve into an author, inspirational speaker, and celebrity?

KB: I’ve always been a big dreamer with several career paths in mind as backups if I ever needed them. It doesn’t surprise me that my teaching has evolved into new platforms, and if it keeps going at this pace—I’d like it to—I only plan on expanding from here. But my teaching is at the core of everything I do, and I will always be eternally grateful for that.

POSHSEVEN: What do you think it is about yourself that makes people relate to you?

KB: Yoga doesn’t always seem accessible to everyone, and I value accessibility above all. I’m not afraid to say what I think, be who I am, and teach what I feel. I don’t need to stand above others; I’d rather see eye-to-eye with my students.

POSHSEVEN: You encourage people to step outside their comfort zones. What makes Kathryn Budig come alive?

KB: I have a voracious appetite for fiction and myth, and I have a deep desire to write and create. I love to see others around me light up. My heart swells at the sight of any dog, and I love people in my life who make me feel like an army of supportive souls have my back.

POSHSEVEN: Your book Aim True came out in March of this year, and the book tour has taken you all over. What do you consider the biggest driver of the book’s success so far?

KB: I’d have to say my father’s natural PR skills! He’s had everyone he knows (and even strangers, I’m sure) buy my book. He’s the best promoter around.

POSHSEVEN: A good portion of the book focuses on food and healthy eating, including 85 delicious recipes. Do you have a favorite?

KB: Picking one favorite is impossible! I make the hummus weekly, the Kick- Ass Kale Salad is on constant rotation, and the Fish Tacos are always a hit when I have company over.

POSHSEVEN: There is an amusing story in the book about your first experience skydiving and the effect it had on your life. Why did that particular activity make such an impact?

KB: It doesn’t get much more extreme than flinging your body from a moving airplane. It certainly takes you out of your regular mindset and makes you reassess things. It was the first time in my life where I looked the unknown in the face and realized it wasn’t a horrible monster looming under my bed at night but more a trusted friend inviting me on my next amazing adventure.

POSHSEVEN: You talk a lot about self-acceptance, and your message is a beautiful one. Why is self-acceptance so important to you, and how have you benefited from it?

KB: Self-acceptance is crucial, because it’s the struggle of every single human. We all battle unfair comparison and wondering if we’re good enough, strong enough, brave enough, tall enough, skinny enough, socially accepted enough, and the list goes on. I wanted to share accessible tools that people can put into use daily to help combat the common worries that bog us down.

POSHSEVEN: You encourage people to acknowledge their gifts. What are your gifts, and how do you share them with others?

KB: I’m an excellent teacher with an open heart, a sponge-like brain, and a sense of humor without a filter. I share them through my travels, teaching, talks, and writing. And I’m just getting started.

POSHSEVEN: Can you tell us a little about your charity, Poses for Paws?

KB: It’s a project I created to help benefit animals through yoga. My passion is dogs, so I partner primarily with shelters or organizations that I believe are sharing an important message. I raise money through yoga events or products and then donate to whatever group I’m currently sponsoring.

INTERVIEW BY: COLLEEN MCHALE

PHOTO COURTESY: UNDER ARMOUR