Kait Hurley’s Zen-nest Things
Kait Hurley is a Movement and Meditation Coach based in Portland. As a lifelong athlete with over a decade of experience in the health and wellness industry, Kait is an educator whose mission is to help others move, meditate, and feel amazing. She is the creator of KaitHurley.com, an online training program that focuses on dynamic exercises to help students step into higher consciousness through mindfulness and motion. She is dedicated to helping people feel strong and focused through their practice. We caught up with the coach to ask her to share the seven things she’s loving most right now. This is what she said:
1 | My Spotify playlist --
Music is so motivating, and for me, can make or break my workout. Needless to say, I put a lot of time and thought behind the playlists for my online workout and meditation classes. Lately, I keep coming back to this playlist again and again. I hope you love it as much as I do!
2 | What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan --
I read this book last summer, and it’s probably the most important book I’ve ever read. What Made Maddy Run is about a young woman who died by suicide a few days before her second semester freshman year at Penn. It's so much more than just a book about suicide though. Fagan unpacks the destructive nature of perfectionism and shows that sometimes what we want isn't actually healthy or right for us, and how we must start using social media in a healthier way. My close friend, Robyn Downs, interviewed the author on her podcast, and it's one of the most powerful episodes I've ever heard.
3 | Matcha from Tea Bar --
I recently started making my own matcha drinks at home, but this matcha from Tea Bar in Portland is just so good! The next time you’re in town, you need to stop by and order a drink. The aesthetic is gorgeous, and the people who work there are super friendly.
4 | Yoga nidra --
Lately life has been crazy, and I’ve been relying on my yoga nidra practice to help slow down and unwind. Grab some pillows and a few blankets, and try this incredibly relaxing practice for yourself!
5 | The desert --
I’m deeply inspired by the desert and the color palette for my brand comes from my travel experiences in Palm Springs and the sand dunes outside of Marrakech. The desert feels like a sacred place, and spending time there helps me feel calm and more connected to myself.
6 | Dear Sugars podcast --
I love Portland author and podcaster, Cheryl Strayed. My favorite book of hers is called Tiny Beautiful Things, and ever since I found her podcast Dear Sugars — which is the same concept as her book — I’ve been a loyal listener. Strayed and her co-host, Steve Almond read letters from listeners, and then dish out radically empathic and smart advice. It’s fun to get a window into other people’s lives, while simultaneously being reminded how beautifully messy it is to be human.
7 | Everytown for Gun Safety --
There are a lot of great organizations out there doing meaningful work to end gun violence and make communities safer, but I’m drawn to Everytown for Gun Safety’s approach. They advocate for better laws, background checks, and they’re rallying voters to throw out leaders in our government who are beholden to the NRA. Learn how you can get involved and make a difference here.
