Finding balance in our fast-paced lives can be difficult and, at times, frustrating. Ko Im, is a yoga teacher, meditation guide, and deputy editor of NY Yoga + Life Magazine.
She talks with the A.Team about accepting fluidity to navigate the demands of modern living and finding balance.
WHY SHE IS FIT FOR PURPOSE
MINDSET SHIFTS
As we enter the new year, many of us will be tackling new challenges, designing new goals to reach, and looking at how to balance those pursuits with a healthy life. Finding balance can be a challenge, especially for those starting new endeavors.
Ko Im has dedicated herself to thoughtfully examining this journey, and in a way that is honest with the demands we place on ourselves in modern life as well as forgiving to the human emotions, we must navigate. It is at this intersection where she has found methods to reframe daily pressures, learning how to live a purposeful life that is rich with the joys of the human experience.
Her transparency on Instagram has allowed many of us lucky enough to have been introduced to her feed, the chance to learn and grow through her experiences and reflections.
“There are different ways to look at challenges,” she explained at A.Lynn’s Fit for Purpose photoshoot. “If you frame it in a positive mindset, you can think of them as ways to learn.”
To do this, she employs inspired tools. “I try to come up with creative ways to overcome challenges and obstacles instead of trying to bulldoze my way through.”
Ko says she “lets things happen for me instead of letting things happen to me," this way, she doesn't get down by the outcome and sees it as progress in the journey.
This may be one of the more difficult mindset shifts, as it is not a task, like practicing meditation. As entrepreneurs, trailblazers, and trendsetters, often we live by the To-Do list, but knowing that your thoughts influence your success is essential.
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A.LISTER STYLE GUIDE Q&A
Q: Since A.Lynn is all black/white (for now), what do you suggest to add for a pop of color in a fun outfit?
A: Pink or red lip!
Q: Where do you most often wear your A.Lynn? + What do you pair with the dress when you’re there?
A: My A.Lynn dress is really comfortable and versatile, so anywhere from relaxing at home, having a date, to enjoying brunch. B: I try to pair everything with a smile of ease and joy. I can wear anything from sneakers to heels, but I keep the look somewhat minimal as a vibe.
Q: What is your favorite fitting woven (non-stretch) dress brand for this summer?
A: I love flowy dresses, I have some from Zara.
Q: What are your go-to garments for hot summer days in NYC? Any favorite brands for those?
A: In the summer, I like things that are easy, breezy and wash well. A hat is great for summer, anything from a baseball to a straw one.
SELF CARE AND FINDING BALANCE
As we begin the year, many of us are setting resolutions or goals of self-care, but it is important to remember that wellbeing is not just running a marathon. “Self-care comes in many forms and you can pursue it in the form of journaling, moving, following your passion," all things, Ko says you can easily start today.
"As a lifestyle and mindful movement person, I would like to remind others of the beauty of the human experience." Ko knows there are natural ups and downs, and her goal is "to help others find balance in their modern lives.”
And now more than ever, finding sustainable balance is essential. “It’s really important because we're so inundated and overwhelmed every day by all the things that we have to do or feel that we have to do.”
Finding equilibrium can also be about setting boundaries, but communicating those can be tricky. Part of this self-discovery has been dealing with how to say ‘no’.
“My relationship with no has changed over the years, now I think of no in a good way,” she says. “I'm not afraid to say no and establish boundaries and also remember that no is a way to push ourselves in the direction of Yes, this is our path.”
To follow Ko's journey check out her Instagram or follow her on LinkedIn.
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