As a studio owner, one of the coolest aspects of my job is that I can literally come up with any idea, and implement it immediately. In corporate America and my time teaching, that was what I was itching to do. Carry out all these amazing ideas I had in order to find some semblance of creativity and fun in my job! I finally get to express myself freely and most of the time these ideas work. They turn into fun things I do as my “job” every single day.
This is where it started. I decided during my entrepreneurial book club meeting one day that I wanted ambassadors for the studio. In my mind, I thought it would be great fun to have some of my favorite students write reviews on Barefoot Yoga Shala and also honor them in a super fun way!! It worked and my very first victims were OMazing (of course).
Today we are speaking with Samantha Bishop, who is a beautiful soul inside and out. She’s a fitness addict, a nature lover and all things sweet. Let’s meet Sam!!!
1) How long have you been practicing yoga?
I have been practicing yoga consistently since March 2015, but have taken some beginner courses prior at my local YMCA.
2) What drew you to the mat?
I knew I needed to do something positive for myself that would be physically and emotionally rewarding. I was not feeling my best and knew I needed a change in my routine. Also, being in nursing school I wanted something where I could get away, clear my head and have some me time.
3) If you could tell your pre-yoga self anything, what would it be?
You should have picked this up sooner! Everything happens for a reason though, so I am glad I had to experience certain things to get me to this point. It has definitely made me a stronger and healthier person.
4) What do the words SOUL WARRIOR or SPIRIT JUNKIE mean to you?
To me, soul warrior means strength and wisdom. Having physical power and energy to get through a workout or a yoga session makes me feel untouchable and fierce; especially when I’m in warrior II. Laying in savasana or sitting and grounding myself through my intentions also makes me feel strong and focused. Being able to quietly sit on my mat, just breathing, allows me to have a moment for myself to process, accept and clear my thoughts. I have become more open and positive in my attitudes towards myself and others, and this is quite enriching for my soul.
5) Why did you choose to practice at Barefoot Yoga Shala?
A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to join her for a class and after that I was hooked! I purchased a month unlimited living social deal, and went every single day. I try to keep that up as it has become a great routine for me.
6) What’s your favorite pose?
I like to do with the flow and enjoy challenging myself, but I do enjoy a relaxing puppy pose. It is so relaxing to stay in the pose for a long time, it gives me a great stretch and I love the name!
7) Tell us a fun fact about you that we wouldn’t expect!!
Almost 10 years ago I opted to get weight loss surgery and have lost and kept off 120 lbs since then. I completely changed my lifestyle, and keeping active is a major part of my new life. Yoga has been very beneficial and a rewarding part of my life.
This past weekend, Sam joined me on my very first yoga retreat up in Stowe, Vermont. It was so beautiful to get to know her and learn more about her journey. Not only is she studying to be a nurse, but she is a true inspiration in health and wellness. She speaks at the hospital in order to educate others on weight loss surgery and why it’s right for her. She has a wonderful fiancé who will walk with her hand and hand down the aisle sometime in the next few years, has the biggest laugh and sense of humor and one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever had the honor of teaching.
Thank you Sam for being one of our first ambassadors this month!!! We love you!!
Namaste
Jenny