An Inspired Chat with Kar in Motion of Philippines

We recently had the chance to connect with Kar in Motion and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kar in Motion, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
One of the ways that I am able to get into a flow state and lose track of time is by finding my rhythm when I make music and also move my body through yoga and dance. Through my music-movement explorations, there is a lot of room for self-expression and reflection, to be playful like a kid, and to trust the beauty and the unfolding of the unknown.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kar, the founder of Kar in Motion, where I weave together movement, music, and mindfulness as pathways for deeper connection. I’ve been teaching for over eight years as a certified yoga teacher and Animal Flow Instructor, offering a range of classes including Ashtanga-Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Enhanced Hatha, Yoga Therapy, Wheel Yoga, Chair Yoga, and Sound Baths.

One of the things I love most is blending yoga and music — I often bring instruments like crystal singing bowls, the handpan, and kalimba into my classes, creating experiences that are not just about physical practice but also about sound, rhythm, and presence. For a more active approach, I also incorporate music into my choreographed flows, which I call Vinyasa on Beat.

Beyond classes, I’ve had the privilege of leading workshops for both local and international groups, appearing on television shows, and participating in festivals, as well as collaborating with wellness studios, hotels, and organizations. My current focus is on expanding the conversation around wellness in the Philippines through retreats, corporate wellness programs, and community events that highlight multiple modalities — movement, sound, and art — as part of a transformative experience.

I also run Shala Studio, my home studio, and Namaskar, a merchandise brand offering limited-edition designs such as yoga wheels, bags, balms, candles, stickers, and more.

At the heart of Kar in Motion is a vision: to help people reconnect with themselves and each other through intentional movement, sound, and the kind of spaces where healing and joy can be shared.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In my own practice and in the stories I hear from students, I’ve noticed that bonds don’t always break from big explosions. Sometimes they unravel quietly. They weaken when trust is shaken, when words are left unsaid, or when we stop showing up fully for each other. They break when ego or pride makes us choose being right over being kind, or when hurt is left unattended until it hardens into distance. I admit, it can still be challenging for me, but we’re all constantly a work in progress.

But just as bonds can be broken, they can also be restored. What brings us back to each other is honesty — the courage to be transparent, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s in the simple act of listening, of offering presence without rushing to fix. It’s in forgiveness, which doesn’t erase the wound but creates space for something new to grow. Bonds are mended in shared rituals — a practice together, a meal, a check-in — and in the humility of saying, “I was wrong” or “I need you.”

At the heart of it all, connection is restored when we remember our shared humanity. When we move, breathe, and hold space together, we are reminded: you are not alone, and neither am I.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
There was a time when I almost gave up. I poured my heart and soul into telling this story through one of my songs, “Find Your Rhythm” — a piece about how I lifted myself out of one of the darkest periods of my life. Back then, I felt consumed by anger, betrayal, and shame. I no longer saw the good in myself, and because of that, I couldn’t see a reason or purpose to keep going.

It was a shadowed season, but holding on through it led me to unexpected blessings. Staying on the path turned out to be deeply rewarding.

I healed by surrendering to God, by learning to find gratitude and beauty in the things around me, and by softening the way I treated myself. I turned to music as an outlet to process my emotions, and to movement as a way to rebuild my confidence and freedom. I nurtured my relationships — both with myself and with others. I chose to do more of what I love rather than what I dread. I became more mindful of my actions and intentional with the people I surrounded myself with. I learned to set strong boundaries while still keeping my heart open. And through it all, I committed to doing these things with grace.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The wellness industry is beautiful, but like any industry, it has shadows too. Over the years, I’ve noticed some of the biggest lies we tell ourselves — and sometimes even sell to others:

✨ That wellness is one-size-fits-all.
Wellness is personal, contextual, and ever-changing. What works for me may not work for you.

✨ That more certifications mean more wisdom.
I love learning new modalities, but constant training can be expensive and overwhelming. These days, I focus on mastering what I’ve already studied and refining my skills through practice, experience, and integration — not just stacking certificates.

✨ That healing is linear and always looks “light.”
Healing isn’t just about cute outfits and matcha lattes. It’s deep work: sitting with ourselves, facing shadows, and moving through progress, setbacks, and returns. It’s not a 30-day quick fix, but an ongoing journey.

✨ That wellness is only for those who can afford it.
True well-being comes back to the basics: breath, movement, community, and connection — things that aren’t exclusive or material.

✨ That hustle equals worthiness.
Even in wellness spaces, I see teachers and practitioners burning out from the pressure to perform, grow followers, or pack schedules. But wellness without rest is just burnout.

✨ That “good vibes only” is enough.
Authentic wellness asks us to face pain, trauma, and uncomfortable truths — not bypass them with positivity.

✨ That wellness is a finish line.
It’s often marketed as something to “achieve” — the body, the calm, the lifestyle. But in reality, wellness is a practice: ongoing, imperfect, and alive.

The truth I’ve come to live by: wellness is not a commodity — it’s a birthright. It isn’t something to buy, earn, or perfect. It’s something to live, in all its messiness and humanity.

When we strip away the glossy packaging, what remains is simple: movement, breath, sound, community, compassion, and presence. These are the spaces where real wellness begins — and the spaces I hope to keep creating.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had 10 years left, the first thing I’d stop doing is overthinking what other people think of me — whether I’m doing things perfectly or trying too hard to please everyone. I’ve learned that no matter what you do, not everyone will like you. You could give your best and still be misunderstood, and that’s okay. People have their own perspectives, and you can’t control them.

Instead, I’d focus on living with good intentions, having fun, and going after the things I truly want with courage and commitment. I’d let go of past betrayals and hurts, and spend the time I have left being with people I love, doing good where I can, and savoring life fully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karinmotion.co