I’m moving
Thanks for the great ride. Over the last twelve years we’ve come together here to share all things yoga. This blog was originally started at the prompting of my then college professor. After returning to college in my late 40’s I’m proud to say I graduated Magna Cum Laude at 50. Don’t let me fool you, re-inventing yourself at 50 is tough. But so are you. You’re stronger than you think.
After recalibrating my life, I dedicated myself to inspiring and empowering others. I achieved a lifelong dream of becoming a published author. My book, “Yoga Wisdom: Warrior Tales Inspiring You On And Off Your Mat” was born out of a 4,000 mile Yoga Road Trip I chronicled here on this blog; turning it into a video blog (vlog) for a short period of time.
As with all great goals, things evolve and grow. I’m now proud to say I’m moving this website to my new home: stephaniespence.com. It’s clear from the response of my book that I need to give you, my dear subscribers, more! I’ve been blown away at the response from my book. Thank You. I’m touched and honored by the outpouring of love and support. Following are a couple of the notes and reviews I’ve received as of today January 21, 2019:
‘Warrior Tales Inspiring You On and Off Your Mat’ is written on the hard cover and that’s exactly what it does. Stephanie Spence grabs your hand and takes you with her on her yoga road trip sharing her Warrior Tale. When I was reading her story it almost felt as if I was there with her in the background, a silent observer.
The book is split into 11 chapters. Each chapter begins with Stephanie sharing her story which then flows into short stories of other yoga teachers. Underneath the text of each teacher you will find a note from Stephanie. At the end of each chapter Stephanie shares her Warrior Wisdom with you, advice that helped her and is for you to take or leave. At the back of the book you can find information about each contributor.
Every story shares how the teacher started to follow yoga, what yoga taught them, their hardships, and sometimes their advice for you. If you think you are alone in the world going through an extremely hard time, think again. If you think or believe you can’t do anything about the situation you are in, think again. This book will show you you aren’t alone and shows how yoga has helped so many, the only thing you need to do is take action (wether that has to do with yoga or not is up to you) and if you bought this book, then that’s one step you took. Well done you!
I recommend this book because it’s a beautiful selection of stories from all kinds of people with Stephanie’s story as the main thread through the book. She has written down many yoga stories, you are bound to find one that resonates with you. Many made me laugh, many made me think, some didn’t resonate with me and others did, and a few stories made me shed some tears just because of what some of these shining lights have gone through in life and are now sharing their story, sharing who they have become through yoga, and are telling you that you can do the same. It’s not a book I’d pick up and read through in one go but a book I keep picking up now and again to read a few stories. Some of my favourite teachers in the book are Cindy Lusk, Jacoby Ballard, Melody Moore, Kelly Larson, Nikki Myers, Pete Guinosso, Tymi Howard, Eleonora Zampatti, and of course Stephanie Spence.
If I am nitpicking there are two changes I would make in the book. The first is that I would add in every teacher’s story (maybe underneath their name) their location, the country would be enough. At the back of the book you can sometimes find that information, sometimes not. I would have found it helpful to know straight away if that person is teaching closeby or not, especially if something inside me is telling me to contact this person. Of course, this might be me being absolutely lazy since there is information in the back and you can easily look for Google the person on the internet and hey this might have been done on purpose to get your ass into gear! The second thing that sometimes threw me was that Stephanie’s notes underneath the text of a teacher sometimes introduced the next teacher. This is just a visual thing, sometimes I thought I was reading about the person I just read about just because her note is underneath that text. Other than that it’s a gem in the world of yoga books.
It seems wrong not to share a few sentences so here you go. Stephanie writes: ‘Change is hard, but I was stronger than I knew. So are you. There’s an incredible moment when you realize that growth might be easier than you think’ (page 52). ‘The practice of yoga is not about adding anything. It’s about diminishing and perhaps removing obstacles, limiting thoughts, dis-ease, or behaviors that are a result of patterns that are holding you back from your authentic real self (page 177). Healthy, balanced, and positive things are in my life because of my relationship to yoga. I yearn for you to share in the wisdom and love. I trust and hope you will’ (page 204).
I trust and hope you will too.
Blessed Be Xx
Ingrid, New Zealand
“So much wisdom in this book! Whether you’re a yoga student, teacher or someone seeking to make a change in your life, this book is for you. It is captivating, drawing you in from the first chapter, and keeping you seeking more. Stephanie shares with you her yoga journey on and off the mat which includes traveling (a good majority of the time alone in a motor home!), going from rags to riches, being married with two kids to divorced and all the challenges in between including dating and meeting her life partner. She interviews guru teachers from her travels that she sought out and practiced with, those interviews give us all “nuggets” to contemplate and share as does she. As a long time yoga practitioner and teacher, I highly recommend reading this book. You’ll be earmarking pages and highlighting quotes to come back to just like I did.” – Heidi Borsch, Yoga Teacher
“This book definitely explores facets of wisdom gained from the practice of yoga. Yet it’s also a book about life at its core. It’s a very real and raw look at Stephanie’s journey towards healing and the power of the human spirit. Very touching and inspiring material.” – CEC
“I simply loved this book! Stephanie’s story is compelling. And I just loved meeting all the people she met along the way who helped her on her healing journey. I have been away from my own yoga practice since March 2017. After reading this book, I know it is time for me to get back on my mat and recommit myself to my practice. Even if you’ve never been to a yoga class (yet) this book is a must-read for anyone who is on a healing journey. Thank you, Stephanie, for your bravery and for telling your story so eloquently.
This book is a beautifully written tale of healing and perseverance. Not to be missed!” Tamerie
“A Cornucopia of yogic wisdom.I will be incorporating these vignettes of wisdom in my teachings
” – Mary Yuter, Yoga Teacher
“I found the wisdom and experiences related in this book to be among the most encouraging and hopeful influences I’ve ever had on my practice. Anyone who has tried yoga knows the importance of developing a community of trust and sharing in which you can experience both teachers’ and students’ love of this way of life, giving and gaining wisdom through them. And if you haven’t tried yoga, this book is a wonderful way to see what a yoga community can accomplish. Stephanie, through her desire to learn and enrich her and others’ practices—and with the help of a trusty RV—managed to expand her yoga community to the size of a continent and beyond. The combined wisdom of that wonderfully diverse group of people is offered here in beautiful detail. Over a hundred yoga teachers, each having learned something unique and beautiful from their yoga journey, share their thoughts on what yoga has meant to them and offer wisdom for all those seeking new inspiration; the advice ranges from the broadly spiritual to the practical and physical. You can use it to examine the big questions, like asking what kind of person you want to become, or small ones, like just how to get through the next five minutes. Stephanie ties them all together with her own experiences, explaining how she’s been able to apply each bit of wisdom to her own life. If anyone ever questioned the healing power of yoga, they have but to read Stephanie’s journey—its terrible lows boggled my mind and its new highs reinforced my hope—to see all the multifaceted good that yoga can do for a person. It also makes for a great once-a-day read; just five or ten minutes gets you through a new teacher’s wonderful contribution, something to carry with you through the day and keep you inspired, ready to live your practice in novel ways that will enrich your life and those around you. Can’t recommend enough.” – Walker McKnight, Writer and Screenwriter
“Awesome even if you don’t do yoga. This is a gorgeous book filled with wisdom and guidance and most importantly, support. No matter what you’re going through in life, you’ll find at least one yogi who’s been there, done that, and can speak to your challenge. Most importantly, you get the sense that you don’t have to be alone–go to a yoga studio and find your tribe. Stephanie’s story, that weaves throughout, is so inspiring. I suggest getting the hardcover–it’s really a great coffee table book!” – Tina
“A terrific tapestry of tales…this book offers new insights into the power of yoga—actually defining yoga in many relevant ways through the stories shared. It’s clearly not all about athletic poses and yoga pants. Yoga Wisdom is a must-read — whether you are new at yoga, an experienced veteran or someone simply traveling through life in search of healing, wholeness and peace. And who isn’t searching for that kind of bliss?” Jane Brust
“This book drew me in and I didn’t want to leave! Life can throw some curve balls but I love the journey she took to healing and all the wisdom learned along the way!I am so inspired by Stephanie’s story” Nicole Roland
“Brave and inspiring! Stephanie was brave in her personal journey and even more so to share it with the world. She is an amazing teacher of resilience while also being a great student of yoga. The interlacing of other yoga warrior insights brings the reader to understand that life happens, yet there is refuge to be sought if you are willing to go within, on and off the mat. Definitely inspired me to return to my mat! Thank you Stephanie!” – Charlee
–
“I love your book…………has taught me so much, afforded me more self-love as I am at a cross roads and it was so timely and offered me hope and inspiration!!!! From Facebook
“Up at 3:33am this morning in Orlando, Florida after being away for almost 6 weeks. Between teaching in China & Christmas in Seattle, my body clock is a bit confused. Although it seems that no matter where I am in the world for me, 3:30am is my magical waking hour. I love these quiet hours before anyone gets up, (even the sun) to pray, meditate, read, roll on the lacrosse ball, stretch, and get busy work done so I can be present with my husband. On this magical morning I was excited (and nervous) to find that Stephanie Spence had sent a hard copy of her book, “Yoga Wisdom, Warrior Tales Inspiring You On and Off Your Mat”… Why was I nervous? When Stephanie asked me to be included I honestly thought, “Why me? Who am I?” As I flipped through the pages reading her own heroic story interwoven among the stories of so many teachers, peers, friends and mentors, I cried. It began with the internal tremble, wave of heat, and like a perfect storm of sorts, it erupted with tears of humility, gratitude, love, joy and inspiration!! Sh*t I’m crying now, writing this post! I actually began the heavy reflecting on 2018 back in October while in Bali, and Stephanie’s book came at the perfect time. I am currently at the crossroads of some major life decisions. (Hell, aren’t we all) and because of certain personality traits that I am fully aware of these decisions become even more challenging. I am my own worst critic. I am extremely competitive & demanding with mySelf and my body. I hold the weight of people’s happiness on my shoulders, even though I know it’s NOT my JOB. I choose silence over confrontation, even when it’s malicious and shrouded in darkness and ignorance. Unfortunately this withheld energy usually manifests in my body. I am fully aware and witness to all of it. I am currently sitting in that moment of pause between inhalation and exhalation where my humanness resides… that moment of choice. Thank you Stephanie, for providing this gift in the perfect moment.”- Tymi Howard
–
I wish to extend the same heartfelt gratitude to you for reaching out and asking me to participate in the project. I ordered the book with no expectations and was blown away, humbled, and honored to have my story included alongside those of such luminaries as my teachers and my teachers’ teachers. Wow! Personally though, the most profound insights came from teachers I had never heard of before and am now touched by. I showed my mother the book with the hopes of opening an honest dialogue about my past, but it served to be too painful for her. At least the seeds are planted and maybe we can talk somewhere down the road.
Thank you. I wish you continued self-care, love, ease, and success!
Best,
Ananda Tinio
“While reading “Yoga Wisdom” by @stephanieyogini, there is a section from Seane Corn where she is processing the morphing of creative expression in yoga and how it expands and contracts, only to then ask herself if the role of yoga in the modern world is going to get diluted and become a parody of itself in the future. She reminds herself that yoga “has been around for thousands of years, and I’m only a small part of its pathway.” My thought as reading this was of being in the ocean and my hands up, fingers spreadm, pressing into each small wave as it passes, as if I somehow could stop such a powerful force while the water rushes by, pressing my entire body backward.
Yoga is that oceanic force. Spiritual readings are that force. I’m not talking about religion, I’m talking about lessons of the soul. The words that connect you to the earth, to the universe, to the stardust that we are. If we want to have conversations about how yoga pants are a never ending trend that are going to bring down a 3,500+ year old philosophy, we are greatly underestimating this message or greatly overly self-aggrandizing. Likely we are doing both. When your mind goes there, and we all do, return to being in awe. It is time for us to sit with this massive responsibility to laugh from the belly, to smile with our eyes and to feel each heartbeat in each breath – and witness it in everyone and everything around us. This is the responsibility – to be alive – to act the part. – posted by @unionyogamonterey
“Couldn’t put it down. Readers will find universal insights, comforting stories, and spiritually practical tips throughout Yoga Wisdom.” Sharon, Chicago Yoga Magazine
.
“It’s not your typical how-to-do-yoga book–it’s about how yoga helped the author to escape an abusive relationship and find herself, and mostly it’s packed with pieces from yogis giving advice on overcoming all of the everyday challenges we face.” Tina, The Seymour Agency
.
“Takeaway: Stephanie Spence, a.k.a. Yoga Road Trip Girl, is here to inspire you to be a “warrior” yogi, full of love and light.” – YOGAPEDIA
.
“Stephanie Spence is a woman living her yoga; she is asking questions, receiving lessons, finding her voice and learning how to share it. This book is a compilation of ways and whys to stay open, to choose love, and to dream big. I’m proud to add some thoughts to this very empowering collection of teachers who’ve helped grow the conversation and shift consciousness across the globe.” —Elena Brower, mama, yoga teacher, and author of Art of Attention: A Yoga Practice Workbook for Movement as Meditation
.”It’s a truly amazing and inspirational story and incredibly brave of you to put it out there. and the sheer number of contributions from all these great teachers you got is mind blowing! This is a movie” W. McK, Screenwriter
Dallas Yoga Magazine – “Many of you know Stephanie Spence, The Traveling Yogini and beloved yoga teacher, not only as a yogi but as a social media and blogging guru. She has one of the most followed and popular yoga blogs and social media platforms in the country. Stephanie not only talks the talk, but she walks the walk.
Laura Plumb“I am so excited for you and your beautiful book! It is such an impressive collection of stories and wisdom from so many amazing people. I love the way you wove your own voice through it, including personal anecdotes and insights. it really is a terrific accomplishment. congratulations!”
“Stephanie is not only an incredible author but also a person of the utmost integrity. She shows up in life in true SUPPORT of others. Her dharma is partly to be a loving Steward of the wisdom shared in community.
So many often give lip service to community but she actually stands behind this in the work she offers the world. Her abundance mentality stands apart because she truly believes that by shining the light on the wisdom others have to share, we elevate the world.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to her future books as well.”
Well, you’ve found one of the top-ranked yoga books this year! Yoga Wisdom: Warrior Tales Inspiring You On and Off Your Mat is an excellent work by Stephanie Spence that will lift your spirit and motivate your practice well beyond the asanas.” – ALBERTO G. GÜITRÓN
“Stephanie is not only an incredible author but also a person of the utmost integrity. She shows up in life in true SUPPORT of others. Her dharma is partly to be a loving Steward of the wisdom shared in community.
So many often give lip service to community but she actually stands behind this in the work she offers the world. Her abundance mentality stands apart because she truly believes that by shining the light on the wisdom others have to share, we elevate the world.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to her future books as well.”
Tweet
The post I’m moving appeared first on Stephanie Spence .
