come practice with me
My signature combination of Yin and breath-led Viniyoga, inspired by Qigong, and set to music I love, with reflections I can’t wait to share. Come as you are. I'll save you a spot.
Thanks for years of keeping me mobile and curious.
I appreciate your gentle style and flexibility with poses. We perennials have to remain flexible in mind, body, and spirit!
- gail
Yoga Samadhi has a new name, but I haven’t gone anywhere. You can still find me at Columbia Gorge Yoga in White Salmon, teaching in the same time slot I have for eighteen years. It’s worth driving across the bridge. I promise.
(formerly Yoga Samadhi)
columbia gorge yoga
the lens i teach through
You are the only one having your experience.
I teach through the lens of our uniqueness, right down to the shape of our bones. It doesn’t matter whether there is one person in the room or one hundred. No one else can know what you are feeling.
My job is to share the intention and offer some ways to explore it. From there, you listen, feel, and decide what is useful for your body.
You have autonomy here.
..when I reflect on the years I’ve spent training with you, the task—though a pleasure—of capturing your extraordinary energy, dedication, knowledge, and generosity to the yoga community feels overwhelming. To put it simply, you are the driving force and heart of Yoga Samadhi. You have welcomed, trained, mentored, and befriended so many of the students I still practice with every week. Your classes flow seamlessly, from yin to yang, music to silence, breath by breath. There's always a sweet sadness when each session ends.
Your joy in teaching, your love of yoga, and your passion for breathwork have touched all of us lucky enough to be in your classes.
-deborah
Kathy’s emphasis on the breath, combined with her guidance in yin, has given me permission to listen deeply to the wisdom of my body. I love that she teaches the asana with a target area rather than a "look like this" pose, allowing for a more personal practice. I’ve learned so much over the years, both from the practice and the wisdom teachings she shares. The experience is life-changing Sometimes in her class, she will bring tears to your heart and soul, and other times she has us rocking out with her music playlist.
Mostly, she offers her authentic self, radiating love and joy just by being there with us.
-julia
I could talk at length about what she's done for me and the community. Kathy has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the practice and teachings of yoga. She inspires and guides students, teachers, friends, and community members to be their best selves and discover “what lights them up.” Her expertly planned classes touch every part of your mind, body, and spirit through beautiful, well-informed, accessible sequencing, relevant readings, and the occasional dance party!
Knowing Kathy has been one of the most wonderful, life-enhancing experiences. Trying to put it into words is nearly impossible.
-CAROLYN
Kathy’s emphasis on the breath, combined with her guidance in yin, has given me permission to listen deeply to the wisdom of my body. I love that she teaches the asana with a target area rather than a "look like this" pose, allowing for a more personal practice. I’ve learned so much over the years, both from the practice and the wisdom teachings she shares. The experience is life-changing!
I’ve learned so much over the years, both from the practice and the wisdom teachings she shares.
-sandi
Kathy's warm and inviting welcome to yoga, along with her bright spirit (and Arkansan lilt!), have made me a regular in her class. Her specific guidance has been instrumental in helping me recover from an injury and increase my mobility over time. She is truly a community treasure! Thank you so much for the important role you've played in my journey through the back injury and subsequent re-injuries and hiccups. Your class has been huge for me.
The reflections Kathy shares during class often seem to hit home for me, arriving at just the right moment.
-BENGT
Kathy has been my guide into deeper yoga practice for many years. As she continues her own deepening and discoveries, she shares these insights with other practitioners, allowing us to explore alongside her and on our own. Kathy offers many ways to explore the physical, emotional, and spiritual paths that make up this way of living. Yoga Samadhi Studio has become a "home base" for me.
As she emphasizes again and again, yoga is our individual practice.
-suzanne
It may sound cliché, but Kathy was born to teach yoga. It is her true calling, and it's completely evident in the joy she gets from teaching! Kathy is remarkably 'present' when teaching yoga—she's always speaking from the heart with a voice that is clear and calm, never that 'yoga-esque' wispy voice that so many feel the need to adopt during yoga...
Kathy is remarkably 'present' when teaching yoga— she's always speaking from the heart with a voice that is clear and calm
-brady
I had never practiced Yin/Yang yoga until attending Kathy's class and soon became a regular student. Her understanding of Chinese Meridian Theory adds a dimension to yoga that resonates with me. Kathy incorporates many different elements into the class (including qigong, with an emphasis on breath-centric yoga), making it both fun and challenging. Kathy is a truly gifted teacher. I leave each class feeling completely renewed and fortunate to have participated!
Kathy's emphasis on embodying the poses—experiencing them from the inside out—truly speaks to me.
-claire
I have been a student of Kathy’s for over 18 years. During that time, I have learned how to deeply listen to my body, respond to its needs, and grow spiritually. Kathy’s depth of knowledge of the body and its energy pathways encourages a complete yoga practice. Kathy’s classes are amazing—from the readings and music selections to the introduction and sequencing of asanas (with helpful ideas about variations and modifications), each class is a true learning experience.
Kathy’s classes are amazing—from the readings and music selections to the introduction and sequencing of asanas,..
-joni
In the era of instagram, yoga can feel intimidating--that you have to look a certain way and have a certain body. Kathy's approach to teaching has always been about the inner experience. Her gentle and disarming approach to teaching yoga, meditation and breath work has given me skills that have helped me navigate several very challenging chapters in life. I love how she weaves in inspirational readings and reflections with joy, humor, and humility. She's become a mentor and friend to me over the 15+ years I've known her. "
I love how she weaves in inspirational readings and reflections with joy, humor, and humility.
-hannah
Warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable about yoga—these are the words that come to mind when I think of the time I've been fortunate enough to share with Kathy Kacena. I've been a student in Kathy's Yin Yoga classes for several years, where she consistently offers a mind/breath/body connection in a peaceful environment. Kathy is fully present for all students, providing clear cues and multiple pose options depending on your body type and how you feel that day.
Kathy is a unique gem that has somehow landed in my life, and I am deeply grateful to practice yoga under her guidance
-stacey
From my very first yoga pose, Kathy Kacena changed my life. She has guided me down a wisdom path, so fresh and full of inspiration. It’s a blessing to call her my first teacher and the seed that led me to teach as well.
She has guided me down a wisdom path, so fresh and full of inspiration.
-ms michael
Kathy’s yoga classes are unique in that she brings so much knowledge into each practice. She includes Chinese Meridian Theory, postural teachings, various styles of yoga, yoga philosophy, and Qi Gong influences. The result for me is that my body moves more easily, and my mind is more settled after her classes. Kathy’s welcoming nature and emphasis on listening to our own bodies keep me coming back for more!
The result for me is that my body moves more easily, and my mind is more settled after her classes.
-ginny
Somehow, I always hear just what I need at that moment, on that day. Her breath-centric movement, the carefully chosen readings, information about elements of Chinese medicine, and Kathy’s patient, knowledgeable, good-natured essence all make her classes the best yoga ever!
Kathy’s yoga classes have been the single most transformative teachings I have ever experienced.
-becky
