Robin Samples – Yoga Studio Owner Explores New Frontiers in Chicago and Beyond

Posted on January 12, 2024 by nativeyoga

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Robin Samples is the vibrant owner of Bare Feet Power Yoga located in Chicago. With a rich history of travel and residency across various states in the U.S., Robin eventually found her home in the Midwest.
Starting her journey in yoga through a Bikram class and later branching into power yoga, she founded her studio in 2012. Her business has thrived for over a decade, evolving with the community and the changing yoga scene.
Beyond her role as a studio owner, Robin passionately leads retreats, emphasizing integration with culture and ceremony, and continues to expand her offerings in wellness and spirituality.

Robin’s website: https://www.barefeetpoweryoga.com/
Follow Robin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/BAREFEETPOWERYOGA/

Key Takeaways:

Robin Samples details her evolution from teaching 17 classes a week to focusing on special workshops and retreats that emphasize heart-centered experiences.
She stresses the importance of maintaining a sense of community and human connection within her studio, valuing the simple joys of interaction and mutual growth.
Robin candidly discusses the double-edged sword of competition and collaboration within the yoga community.
The conversation highlights the importance of simplicity, returning to elemental and traditional practices for grounding.
Robin reveals her participation in a corporate wellness app initiative, bringing yoga and wellness to wider audiences.

Embracing Simplicity and Expansion in the Yoga Community: Insights from Robin Samples

In the bustling city of Chicago, amongst the towering skyscrapers and the expansive waters of Lake Michigan, lies a small yoga studio that’s a sanctuary of peace and empowerment. Bare Feet Power Yoga, led by the vibrant owner, Robin Samples, is not just a place for physical practice, but a conduit for personal and communal growth. In an insightful conversation, Robin shares her experiences and visions, revealing the essence of her journey as a yoga teacher and studio owner.

Key Takeaways:

Simplicity in Practice: Embracing simple pleasures like watching birds or moving to the rhythm of a song can offer profound mental shifts and enhance well-being.
Expansion and Collaboration: Pursuing expansion through community-based workshops, retreats, and embracing innovative opportunities like wellness apps can foster growth and connection.
Navigating Competitiveness: Adopting a mindset of collaboration over competition in the yoga industry enriches both personal fulfillment and community development.

The Pursuit of Simplicity amidst Complexity

The modern world, with its unceasing demand for attention and action, can often lead us away from the fundamental experiences that ground us. Robin Samples highlights the importance of returning to simplicity, whether through observing nature, engaging in dance, or sharing moments of connection. These acts serve as a reminder that at the core of our bustling lives, serenity can be found in the elemental and the everyday.

Yes, simple living. Are my basic needs met? And is the sun shining? – Robin Samples

To delve deeper, the conversation between Robin and her interviewer illustrates that despite the myriad changes introduced by technological advancements, some aspects of human existence remain timeless and unaltered. Emotions like love and joy, experiences of togetherness, and even the consistent nature of the elements like fire, continue to anchor us in a world that is ever-evolving.

Expanding Horizons through Collaboration and New Ventures

Robin’s journey from teaching an array of weekly yoga classes to focusing on specialty workshops and immersive retreats is a testament to her philosophy of expansion. By branching out to global retreat locations such as Oaxaca and embracing collaborative platforms like wellness apps, she’s extending her reach and inviting others to explore diverse aspects of wellness and personal growth.

Continuing on this path of doing more workshops less often, reaching bigger groups of people, collaborating with other fantastic teachers here in Chicago… – Robin Samples

The implications of such expansions are vast, hinting at a world where the wellness industry can transcend borders and cultural limitations. The sharing of knowledge through retreats and digital means not only democratizes wellness practices but also infuses them with the rich tapestry of global traditions and perspectives.

The Delicate Dance of Competition and Community

In the discussion, a critical theme that surfaces is the dichotomy between competition and collaboration. Robin admits to the personal struggle of oscillating between the two, ultimately finding solace in the belief that elevating others serves the greater good and fosters a sense of unity within the yoga community.

…we’re all part of the human race. We all want to see one another succeed because when we do, then it only expands from there. – Robin Samples

The broader implications of this philosophy are particularly relevant in an age where individual success is often lauded above collective achievements. By shifting the focus to mutual support and cross-pollination of ideas, there’s a potential for a more cohesive and compassionate community that thrives on shared success.

The dialogue between Robin and her interviewer transcends the specifics of yoga and touches upon universal questions about the essence of simplicity, the nature of expansion, and the power of collective upliftment. Each quote and reflection serves as a beacon, guiding us toward a future where mindfulness, gratitude, and unity take precedence over solitary achievement and competition. Through her experiences and insights, Robin Samples not only shapes the fabric of the yoga community in Chicago but also adds her voice to the global conversation on wellness and interconnectedness.

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Rebecca Reagan – The Power of Presence: How Mindfulness Can Transform Your Life

Posted on January 5, 2024 by nativeyoga

Listen to Toddcast with Rebecca for Free Here

Rebecca Reagan, founder of Bunnyhawk, shares her journey into meditation and mindfulness. She discusses her early experiences with meditation and how it became a natural instinct for her. Rebecca also talks about her formal training in mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. She highlights the importance of daily practice and the benefits of meditation in navigating challenging life events. Rebecca also touches on her passion for tea and her involvement in regenerative agriculture and environmental activism.

Visit her on her site for life coaching and meditation teaching: https://bunnyhawk.life/
Visit her bio site: https://rayonthebae.com/
Co-founder, new foundation in Ecuador helping farmers & forests https://amazonhealing.love/
Co-founder, recently nominated for a grammy: https://www.thebirdsongproject.com/ Guided meditations here: https://insighttimer.com/bunnyhawk
The Ecology Center: https://theecologycenter.org/

Key Takeaways:

Meditation is a natural instinct that can be cultivated through formal training and daily practice.
Mindfulness meditation helps cultivate awareness in the present moment and brings a sense of calm and non-judgment.
Transcendental meditation uses a mantra to anchor the mind and create a deeper sense of peace.
Meditation can be a valuable tool in navigating challenging life events and finding inner peace.
Tea and meditation are complementary practices that promote mindfulness and connection with nature.
Beyond organic farming practices, such as permaculture, prioritize biodiversity and healthy soil.
The yin and yang of nature, where predators and prey coexist, reflect the interconnectedness of all beings.

Exploring the Intersection of Meditation, Permaculture, and Sustainable Living

Note: This article is based on a conversation with Rebecca Reagan, founder of Bunnyhawk and an executive producer, creative consultant, integrated life coach, and meditation teacher. The article delves into the main themes discussed in the conversation, highlighting the significance of meditation, permaculture, and sustainable living. All quotes are verbatim from the transcript.

Introduction

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, many individuals are seeking ways to find inner peace and create a more sustainable future. This quest has led to the exploration of practices such as meditation and permaculture, which offer unique perspectives on personal well-being and environmental stewardship. In a recent conversation with Rebecca Reagan, we delved into the intersection of these practices and their potential impact on our lives and the planet.

The Power of Meditation

Rebecca Reagan, a certified meditation teacher, shared her personal journey with meditation and its profound impact on her life. She described how meditation has always been a natural instinct for her, even from a young age. Through formal training and certification, she has deepened her practice and now shares her knowledge with others.

“Meditation is a way of bringing our awareness into the present moment with the breath. It is a secular tradition rooted in Buddhism, but it can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs,” Rebecca explained.

She emphasized the importance of daily meditation practice in cultivating inner peace and finding balance in a fast-paced, hyper-connected world. Rebecca believes that meditation helps us navigate life’s challenges with more compassion and understanding.

“When we can create space for daily practice and cultivate our own inner peace, we can bring more joy and connection to our lives and the world around us,” she said.

Permaculture and Sustainable Living

Rebecca also shared her passion for permaculture, a holistic approach to agriculture and land management that aims to create sustainable and regenerative systems. She highlighted the work of organizations like the Ecology Center, which demonstrates permaculture principles and promotes sustainable living practices.

“Permaculture is about working in harmony with nature and creating healthy ecosystems. It emphasizes biodiversity, healthy soil, and regenerative practices,” Rebecca explained.

She emphasized the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all living beings and the need to cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the Earth. Rebecca believes that permaculture offers a practical and achievable solution for feeding communities while minimizing the negative impact on the environment.

The Intersection of Meditation and Permaculture

Rebecca drew parallels between meditation and permaculture, highlighting their shared focus on mindfulness, presence, and balance. She explained how both practices encourage us to observe and understand the natural world, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and the environment.

“Just as permaculture requires us to observe and work in harmony with nature, meditation invites us to observe and cultivate inner peace. Both practices teach us to be present and embrace the interconnectedness of all things,” Rebecca said.

She emphasized the importance of finding balance in our lives and aligning our actions with our values. By integrating meditation and permaculture principles, we can create a more sustainable and harmonious existence.

Implications and Future Outlook

The implications of combining meditation and permaculture are far-reaching. By cultivating inner peace and mindfulness, individuals can develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for the natural world. This, in turn, can inspire them to take action and make conscious choices that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Rebecca believes that as more people embrace meditation and permaculture, a shift in consciousness will occur. This shift will lead to a greater understanding of our interconnectedness and a collective commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

“By integrating meditation and permaculture into our lives, we can become agents of positive change. We can contribute to the well-being of the planet and foster a more harmonious relationship with nature,” Rebecca said.

As we move forward, it is essential to continue exploring the intersection of meditation, permaculture, and sustainable living. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond ourselves and into the world.

Conclusion

The conversation with Rebecca Reagan shed light on the transformative power of meditation and permaculture. By cultivating inner peace and mindfulness, individuals can develop a deeper connection with themselves and the natural world. Through the principles of permaculture, we can create sustainable and regenerative systems that promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, it is crucial to embrace practices that foster balance, compassion, and sustainability. By integrating meditation and permaculture into our lives, we can contribute to a more harmonious existence and create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.

In the words of Rebecca Reagan, “We are here to love and learn to love. By embracing meditation and permaculture, we can cultivate inner peace and create a more sustainable and compassionate world.”

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com ➡️ Click Here to Join.

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Native Yoga Teacher Training 2024– In Studio and Livestream – for info delivered to your email click this link here: ➡️ https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com Support the show