Finding Clarity in the Moment with Nike Yoga Teacher, Jonah Kest

Interview by Ty Johnson

In a world often dominated by the fastpaced demands and concerns of modern life, we can sometimes forget to appreciate the present moment. As our minds constantly race, juggling countless thoughts and responsibilities, the ability to tap into our inner intuition can feel increasingly challenging. Yet, for thousands of years, humanity has held knowledge of the perfect tool for navigating the chaos of existence— yoga.

Rooted in ancient traditions, yoga emerged as a powerful practice for cultivating mindfulness, stillness, and self-awareness. The origins of yoga can be traced back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization in ancient India. Initially, yoga served as a comprehensive system for harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. As we quiet the mind through yoga, we create space for our intuition to rise to the surface. Intuition, often referred to as our “sixth sense”, is the ability to tap into a deep wellspring of knowledge that resides within us, beyond the realms of logic and analysis. It is through the practice of yoga that we learn to trust and listen to this intuitive voice, allowing the present moment to guide us.

Today, the benefits of yoga captivate millions across the globe, as scientific studies continue to shed light on the transformative power of the practice. Researchers have shown that regular yoga can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, increase emotional resilience, and enhance cognitive function. In an effort to learn more about the path and practice, we’ve connected with Nike Yoga Teacher and multi-generational yogi, Jonah Kest.

You were born into a yoga legacy. How has your upbringing developed your practice and guided your path?

Being brought up in a yoga family really gave me a strong foundation to carry the practice into my life to help overcome any doubt along the way. I learned that yoga was not just about asana.

Gratitude and meditation were two of the strongest and most consistent practices we did daily as a family. My father would always remind me, “Mind matters most!” This means that a strong mind, through meditation, must be paramount.

Finally, the glue that holds together any consistent spiritual practice is humility. I learned through example that the hard work never ends and we are not promised another day or a bout of luck. Treat others the same way you would like to be treated, do your practice, and be of service. I work toward living this way daily.

What are some of the greatest benefits you’ve experienced and/ or witnessed from partaking in daily yoga and meditation?

Clarity and greater presence.

Meditation prepares you for anything that may arise. Meditation doesn’t mean to be in a state that’s free of adversity, but rather to be in that state and remain calm and balanced.

Equanimity is the greatest gift one can give themselves.

How important is your diet when it comes to maintaining your lifestyle and practice? Can you shed light on any home gardening experiences, or maybe an amazing agritourism experience you may have had?

You are what you eat! If we have learned anything these last few years it is how important self-sustainability is. Growing your own food is real wealth. I remember living with my grandparents in Australia and working on their farm—something about putting your hands in the soil and seeing where your food comes from gives you greater appreciation.

My travels have taught me to be gracious with local communities and their families. Food-sharing is a spiritual practice. Gathering together and breaking bread—or whatever the land has provided—is one of the greatest gifts. I recognize how much love is translated through food and it is never lost on me when someone cooks and shares their family and feast in my presence; a true blessing. Your early interests included basketball, boxing, and track. What major similarities and differences have you found to exist between yoga and other sports/physical activities?

I love this question because yoga was never meant to take over your life and limit you from other physical forms of fitness.

My early interests, I see now, were just teaching me the power of moving your body every day. As long as you’re breathing, you can call it yoga! It’s all around us.

My travels have taught me to be gracious with local communities and their families. Food-sharing is a spiritual practice. Gathering together and breaking bread—or whatever the land has provided—is one of the greatest gifts. I recognize how much love is translated through food and it is never lost on me when someone cooks and shares their family and feast in my presence; a true blessing.

The more you practice, it just makes everything else in your life easier. Since 2020, you have released a wide-spread selection of inspirational music, including some of my personal favorites:“Give Thanks”, “Peaceful Man”, and “Hey Mama”. How has your own evolution led you to use music as an outlet to practice and share your truth?

Growing up in Detroit and surrounded by hip hop culture, I’ve always had a love for music. In 2020, I had my little brother, Nate Kest, move in with me and he set up his music studio in the basement. One night we decided to experiment putting some mantras over hip hop beats. They were super catchy and fun! It sparked a passion in me and

I saw it as an opportunity to create elevating conscious hip hop. I never looked back and since then have released tons of high-vibe tunes that are used in yoga spaces around the world. I’m grateful to the musicians who have shared their expertise with me!

As a Nike Yoga Teacher, what does “Just do it” mean to

you?

For me, “Just do it” means “don’t think, just do”. Your intuition never lies and you should learn to trust it more often.

Taking action is the hardest step. Yoga is not just a passive practice, it’s about self-discovery and building your own reality. In order to do so, you must create the world you want to live in!

Trust yourself. You’re the most intelligent teacher you’ll ever meet. Your yoga classes are available on Netflix and through your website (jonahkestyoga.com). ou also provide a plethora of in-person yoga teacher training and retreats. Do you have a preference of modalities, and what are some of the differences you’ve noticed between inperson and virtual teachings/ practices?

The online platform over the last few years presented an incredible tool to bring more people together when we couldn’t physically be next to one another. It taught me that connection is unlimited and I believe we will continue to see otherworldly relationships unfold by way of technology. The platforms I have been invited on to to share my craft are incredible!

I very much prefer the intimacy that is felt with in-person retreats and trainings. Nothing can beat looking into another’s eyes. I am able to bring so much more passion and emotion to the practice face-to-face.

You teach that “the path is the practice”. What is your best advice for anyone who might be facing resistance in accepting and seeing beauty in the present moment?

My best advice is to keep going. It is hard to constantly see the beauty around us. Unwavering acceptance is the inner-working of a master.

Life will present you with different people and circumstances to reveal where you’re not free. Life itself is the practice and we always have the ability to begin again. Keep going! You’re bound to be successful. ymore info: www.jonahkestyoga.com

You speak of children as the future, the omnipresence of love and of the power of peace. What are some of the most important actions which you envision humanity can collectively take in order to shape a brighter future for all?

I think about this a lot. Overwhelmingly, the answer is generosity. Generosity is incredibly reliable. When we give our time and resources to others, the ripple effect is always moving in a positive direction. In order for humanity to move some of these huge obstacles in front of us, we must realize that we can only make a dent together. Give as much as you can all of the time.

IG: @kestyoga