Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Feder.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
For those who have known me for many years, I am a very unlikely Yoga and meditation teacher. For those who only know me as a Yoga and meditation teacher, they can’t imagine that I would do anything else. In other words, it took me a while, but I found my way to the thing I couldn’t do. After years of corporate jobs with increasing responsibility, I began working independently as a marketing and strategic planning consultant. I worked with people I had met at the various companies I previously worked for, doing whatever they needed more time to do. At the same time, I was teaching group exercises and doing personal training at gyms. One of the gyms needed a Yoga teacher for a class, so I went to Yoga teacher training to add Yoga to the classes I taught. I knew it would become more of my life and work. When I teach, I bring all of my experience to the class. Every step has ultimately led me to this moment. I understand that most of my students are under some stress from all the demands of their jobs, families, and other obligations. Yoga is for everyone, and the practice doesn’t end when you roll up your mat after class. The lessons of paying attention, being present, letting go of judgment, opening to compassion, remembering to breathe, and much more are valuable for everything we do.
One day, I was observing a meeting with my marketing client and watching a conflict escalate. Neither side listened to the other, and no progress was made. I turned to my client and said, “Wow, these people could use some Yoga!” And that is how my business, Being Well Yoga, was born. We bring weekly Yoga classes and other mindful education on-site to companies or other groups. I have a small team of teachers to find the best fit for the corporate culture. My favorite offering is the Mindful Lunch and Learn, where we present topics like Mindful Stress Management or Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace. I compiled many of these sessions into a book published a few years ago called A Year of Mindful Wellness. I love my work! I get so much out of seeing people make positive changes. I also teach classes and workshops in studios and groups and lead international retreats where I can combine a love of travel and teaching.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The COVID-19 shutdowns challenged me, as it did for everyone. I had to re-envision how to deliver Yoga at a time when we could not gather together. So, like so many others, I went “virtual.” I was initially resistant because I know how important personal connection is for creating a safe space to practice. But I couldn’t impact the shutdown, so I went with the flow. Transitioning to streaming classes was a big learning curve. At first, it was about logistics–the right microphone, the best lighting, and all of that. Then, I recreated community in Zoom classes, with a big silver lining of being able to offer classes to students who had moved out of Austin. I could also work with companies that were not in Austin, so I expanded my business! Now that the shutdown is over, I am facing a new challenge. Employees are less eager to return to the office, even though the companies want them to. Even offering perks like Yoga don’t draw people out of the preferred WFH situations. With so few in the office, it only sometimes makes sense for an Employer to bring a Yoga teacher on-site. So, I am looking for new gatherings to offer these fantastic practices. I am also challenging myself to find new ways to build meditation and mindfulness into daily life. It can be a game-changer.
Do you have any big plans?
I have another book in me! This will be more about meditation to bring balance, resilience, presence, and strength into daily living. I will also continue to offer Yoga and meditation retreats in beautiful locations. And, of course, I will continue to teach classes and create community. I’d love to cultivate more mindful communities around the study of Yoga Nidra, the type of meditation I teach. I look forward to helping people develop their own practices and evolving them as their lives change and as we age. I am so fortunate to be doing work I love with many applications. Who knows where else I can take these teachings? I’d love to hear what people want and offer more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beingwellyoga.com
- Instagram: @beingwellyoga
- Facebook: @beingwellyoga
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lisakfeder/
- Youtube: Being Well Yoga
Suggest a Story: VoyageAustin is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
