I am amazed at the level of engagement the “ice water bucket challenge” has produced in people through out the Facebook community. Although I personally don’t have any interest in documenting myself getting drenched in cold water and I fail to see the connection with donating time or money to a charity close to my heart, I can appreciate people who have fun with it! Most of all, I am thrilled that the ALS foundation has reported a huge increase in donations and many more people are participating and giving to causes they believe in thanks to the “ice water bucket challenge.” A one-time highly visible and fun event of giving can turn into a practice and I believe there are many people who make volunteering and giving a natural part of their every day life (as a good friend of mine, Pamela Hawley, says.)
One of the people we know and love, who make giving and volunteering a natural part of their life is Lisa Gaillant. We interviewed Lisa for this edition of The Faces of Hiking Yoga and we hope you enjoy getting to know her a little bit more. Maybe you will even feel inspired to contribute to Lisa’s cause or to any cause you feel a strong connection to. Every little bit we can do helps!
Lisa joined Hiking Yoga leading classes in our Los Gatos and Woodside locations. She is a really fun and dynamic person with many fun and diverse interests. She impressed me with her level of support of Cancer CAREpoint through the Pose 4 a Purpose event scheduled for September 13th in Vasona Park in Los Gatos, CA. Not only will she be donating her time in teaching a Hiking Yoga class, but she will also donate her time in leading a Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Yoga class! Get to know this fabulous person that we are fortunate to count as part of our Hiking Yoga Family and attend one of her classes while supporting a good cause!
What styles of yoga influence your teaching?
Definitely Power Yoga and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Yoga. I actually had visions of teaching yoga on the water instead of in a studio. Like all things, it was a process. Before I attained my SUP Yoga certification (this past June) I had to get my 200-hour yoga TT and I continue to learn and grow my practice each and every day.
Share with us when Hiking Yoga made it’s way into your heart?
I was asked if I was interested in taking over the Hiking Yoga schedule for my fellow friend/yoga teacher, Emily Galvin in Woodside. Since I love hiking among the trees, I thought it would be fun to meet new people and introduce them to yoga in an outdoor setting instead of in a yoga studio. Teaching Hiking Yoga seemed like a natural fit!
How has becoming a part of the Hiking Yoga Family impacted your yoga career?
My involvement with Hiking Yoga has allowed me to have more fun and be relaxed in my teaching. I bring more lightness and fun to the practice. It has broadened my reach and my ability to bring yoga to other mediums besides the studio. I have fun in the outdoors teaching yoga in the forest as well on the water. Through Hiking Yoga I learned of the Pose 4 a Purpose and connected with the organizers to support this worthy cause.
Do you have any particular service organizations or non-profit affiliations you care to share with us?
As I mentioned, I am looking forward to volunteering my time to Pose 4 a Purpose: An Outdoor Yoga Festival benefiting Cancer CAREpoint on September 13, 2014 in Los Gatos, CA. There are many ways to participate and I hope to have lots of people come out and have some fun supporting a great cause.
Cancer CAREpoint is an organization dedicated to transforming support for cancer patients, families and caregivers in Silicon Valley through personalized, one-on-one Counseling, Assistance, Resources and Education.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet people in the holistic community and give the gift of love, yoga and fun back to people who need more support and compassion during their time of healing.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I love watching all the video clips of my yoga friends on Instagram. Elephant journal also has great articles and my favorite inspiration of all is The Daily Love by Mastin Kipp.
Share something fun or silly about yourself that your community might not be aware of?
My other passions are massage along with aromatherapy with the help of doTerra oils.
For ideas on how to contribute your resources (either time and energy or money) you might enjoy checking out Universal Giving. 100% of your donations go towards previously vetted causes.
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