Ogden Kruger https://ogdenkruger.com/
One early Sunday morning, many years ago, I walked into a gym and sat down in Ogden’s yoga class. All I can say is that in that moment and on that Sunday morning, I went to church in a way that I had never gone to church before. Ogden’s yoga class transported me and connected me with myself and something greater. I continue to find in Ogden a source of inspiration. I’m inspired by her authenticity, her genuine sweetness, her knowledge of yoga, joy in life, and her special brand of magic. Get to know her:
My favorite pose is flower pose. It is a moving asana as many Kundalini poses are. It begins in child’s pose. Hands clasped behind your back in Venus lock, stretched above your back. From Child’s Pose, you rise up on your knees and raise your arms, then continuously repeat. A good 6 to 10 times. To end you stretch your entwined arms up as high as you can, hold your breath and release. You can manage your entire day easily after this practice. It is sort of like a mini sun salutation!!
Should/can anyone do yoga? Oh my goodness! Yes, of course – on the floor, in a chair, on a plane, in a car, just anywhere and by anyone! Remember yoga is breath, movement, self-study, union of body, mind and spirit. Long before there was asana (postures) there was yoga! Raj, royal yoga, which was about sitting in a comfortable position and meditating. I believe the many forms of yoga are here just to help us to know ourselves better, become a little bit more flexible and breathe!
What is great about yoga?– Ha! The fact that anyone can do it. That there are so many variations and incarnations of yoga, it would take more than a lifetime to know it all. I could come up with an idea, movement, breath, meditation that is yoga, that anyone could enjoy…seriously, anyone!
When did you begin doing yoga? I first started doing yoga in the very early 70’s. I was still a teenager. Then in the early 80’s I learned about Kundalini yoga and just went crazy and never turned my back on yoga again!
When and why did you decide to make yoga a career? For many years, (many) I worked in education as a guidance counselor. This was a job where I helped students find out more about themselves, their direction and feeling comfortable in the world. Yoga could fill that definition completely. It was a natural extension when I started incorporating it in my work with students, and then a good place to be when I retired from the public school system.
What do you love about yoga? That I never get bored with the practice. That every time I start a yoga session, it is this delicious new practice that benefits me in so many ways. That no matter how much I practice, study and teach, there is always more to learn which creates an excitement about what may come next!
How does yoga impact your life? It is that beautiful bridge between my body and my spirit. It helps me in numerous ways…sometimes it is a practice that will help me fall asleep, which at times is difficult. It has introduced me to some amazing people, and given me lifelong friendships. In my very personal life, it has given a practice that my husband and I share every morning which is very healthy for a 38 plus year relationship! It gives me a bit of extra money which is a sweet gift. It helps me to be more flexible in my body, my thinking and with my breath!
Favorite book– That is a big question. There are quite a few! With your permission I will give a few that left a great impression on me.
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
The Haha by Dave King (it actually was his Masters dissertation)
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Favorite Quote (s)-” I will not let anyone walk through my mind, with their dirty feet.” Ghandi Morality is doing what is right no matter what you are told, religion is doing what you are told, no matter what is right. HL Mencken
Favorite Podcast– I really enjoy listening to all of the amazing interviews that Alec Baldwin does on Here’s The Thing.
Favorite Song– At the moment it is ” What the World needs Now is Love Sweet Love” Burt Bacharach
Favorite Musician– Hands down, my husband! Known mostly by me, but he makes my heart spin!!!!
Source of Inspiration- Oh My!!! Many! I am always on the path to learn more and have been inspired by many things and many people. This is constantly changing when I find new things. I am completely fascinated by the poet David Whyte and the artist Andy Goldsworthy
Morning or Evening Ritual– I do morning pages, journaling everyday, 1-3 pages and of course my meditation practice. Together my husband I do a mantra meditation every day for 1000 days, then we pick a new one. These two activities are an absolute must, daily!
What “gets you through the day?”– some damn good breathing!
Describe your perfect day– Waking up naturally, my morning practices, some physical activity, a good conversation with my husband and one of my girlfriends, some reading, study and a good flick, or a walk in nature and of course a delicious meal!!
Best Vacation you ever went on- in 2007 we headed of to Wales in the UK, my daughter and I were Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid in a special wedding (of a woman we met on our honeymoon in England in 1984) in a famous old castle (Ruthin Castle) dressed in period clothes. We then hung around the castle for a few days, followed by an amazing tour of Wales. We left there and flew to Italy, headed to the Amalfi coast, where there was a ceremony to honor my grandmother and name a small square in her honor. This was followed by a great fete with many of the local towns people…I considered it to be my fairytale holiday!!
Dream Vacation Spot- I will never tire of the Amalfi Coast, and I adore our spot in the Catskills, though there is still much to explore…oh and Barcelona was very cool!
What do you (in the words of Oprah) know for sure- I adore my family, I love my life, I feel blessed and I have the greatest gratitude for what the universe has provided.
Favorite Netflix or TV Series- Foyles War, any British Detective Series, and most recently “The Queen’s Gambit”
Favorite Movie– Schindler’s List, though many movies have made an impression on me.
Special Childhood Memory– My brother used to love to remind me that when I was about 4, I covered the kitchen table with baking soda and tried to go ice skating on it. I think that was a pretty creative idea!