Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Glover.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began back in 2003 after the birth of my first child. I was a fitness instructor, who had dabbled in yoga, and would try to incorporate as much yoga knowledge as I could get my hands on into my classes. Yoga was much less mainstream back then, and not so easy to find like it is now. I loved the dichotomy of working up a sweat and then slowing down enough to notice the subtleties of the communication between the body, the mind, and the breath. In 2006, when I was pregnant with my second child, my (also pregnant) friend suggested that we go to yoga to relieve some of the stress of living in these unfamiliar and ever-changing bodies. It was then that I realized the power of stillness and slowing down, in meeting the body where it’s at with gratitude and compassion. These skills became tools that felt almost like superpowers! While everyone else was at happy hour, we were getting our fix at yoga.
In 2015 I headed to Costa Rica for what would be the first of many yoga trainings. As soon as I returned home, I began teaching and have never looked back. I quickly went from teaching free classes (to anyone who would let me) on the shores of Lake Travis, to opening my own studio. I ran Soul Society for several years until the pandemic hit. During that time, I continued to learn and to teach wherever I could. In 2024, I opened RITUAL North Shore in Jonestown.
It’s clear to me now that my entire life has culminated in the creation of this space. From my absolute passion for design and creating beautiful spaces, to a lifetime of curiosity about all things considered “whoo whoo”, to the unrelenting years of working in retail and customer service, I know that everything from my past has led me to where I am today. Music, philosophy, literature, and Mother Nature are what inspire me most, and I love to incorporate these things into my classes and this space. I feel most at home outdoors and love bringing the practice of yoga out into nature whenever possible.
Some of my formal studies include Hatha Yoga, Buddhist Meditation, Kundalini Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Plant Medicine, Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, and I am currently studying to become a certified Ayurveda Practitioner. I have accrued countless hours in continuing education and will never stop being a student of this life-changing practice.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While this path has been hugely rewarding, it hasn’t always been easy. One of the the things that prompted me to become a yoga teacher was my (then) husband having a serious fall and suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury. Seeing how this affected him, woke me up to the fact that life is short and it’s crazy not to spend it doing something that feels meaningful. Then, when Covid hit, like so many other small business owners, I had to close down my studio. That time period really broke the momentum I had been gaining with my business, but I powered through and found places to teach outdoors and used the downtime to continue my education online and learn all that I could about the practice. When things went back to (somewhat) normal, I decided to give it another go with RITUAL. I was set to open with a couple of business partners, but that didn’t pan out, and I ended up with a lot more on my plate than I had originally signed up for. On top of that, my marriage of 20 years was coming to an end. As a stay-at-home mom who only worked part time jobs or for my own small business for the past 20 years, it was a bit terrifying to know that I would now be running this studio/shop/wellness space on my own. These past couple of years have been the most challenging time of my life, but they’ve only reminded me how strong I am and that I’m capable of anything I set my mind to. As humans, and as women, we are more resilient than we may know. Just as the practice of yoga teaches us, we must sit with the discomfort and make friends with it. If we can do that, what waits for us on the other side can be so beautiful!
We’ve been impressed with RITUAL North Shore, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
RITUAL North Shore is a wellness space and retail boutique located in a lake town. Our space is light and airy with a laid back, beach vibe ~ I like to describe it as Texas Chill Country. Our teachers are diverse and full of personality. We like to enjoy life, and also know the importance of taking care of our bodies and minds. We keep it light, and we go deep. Our aim is to find the balance in having fun and doing the work, spontaneity and discipline, whimsy and focus. None of us are perfect. We are human and beautifully flawed, and instead of resisting that, we embrace it and give ourselves a little grace. We know that to have a beneficial practice, we have to find what’s sustainable for each of us. Consistency – not perfection – is key when it comes to self care.
So often, we hear that people want to try a class, but they’re “not flexible enough” or “not coordinated” or “I’m going to start just as soon as I lose this weight”. We want people to know that yoga is a vast a practice that meets you wherever you’re at in life. It is not a performance, and there’s never going to be the perfect time to start. We know that balance + intention is key to living our best lives. However, one size does not fit all. By exploring our unique, individual lifestyles and needs, we can each carve a path that is sustainable. That’s why we offer something for everyone, at every stage of the journey. The resounding feedback that we receive is that everyone here is so kind and welcoming.
Our studio offers everything from beginner-friendly yoga classes to heated vinyasa (and everything in between). We host special events and workshops, and love leading private sessions for individuals and groups. Our space also offers sauna and cold plunge therapy, as well as assisted stretching and massage. We are home to a carefully curated boutique, which is stocked with yoga gear and apparel, everyday apparel, all natural, organic, earth-friendly and cruelty free skin + hair care, books, candles, cards, and so much more.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Located just NW of Austin on the North Shore of Lake Travis, RITUAL North Shore offers a chill reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. This area has been a well-kept secret forever, but the word is out! We’ve got some amazing holistic practitioners, locally owned boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, hiking spots, and businesses catering to those who want to embrace the unique dynamic of Austin’s nearby lake scene. Come out and spend the day! Take a yoga class, follow it up with a sauna + cold plunge sesh, buy yourself something sweet, hit the lake, and then try out some of our local night spots. It’s just a short, beautiful, hill country drive from the city we all know and love!
Pricing:
- Drop In Class: $25
- Happy Hour Sauna + Cold Plunge Session: $35
- Massage: $135-$145
- Private Yoga Instruction: Starting at $75
- Gift Cards: Starting at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ritualnorthshore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritualnorthshoreofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritualnorthshoreofficial
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ritual-north-shore-jonestown
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ritual.north.shore
Image Credits
Image Credits: Camille West
