This week’s yogi highlight (our 21st!) is Lisa Martin. Lisa is the kind of person you just can’t WAIT to talk to — she is optimism, joy, and effervescence all rolled into one tiny little package. She is a talented artist, a passionate lover of nature, and a person dedicated to sharing the wonders and beauty of her surroundings. One look at her artwork and you will be transported — her artwork is cathartic in the best sense of the word. Getting to know her better through our collaboration has been a wonderful gift — it is my pleasure to shine a little light on this wonderful yogi!
And not only is Lisa this week’s Yogi Highlight, but her two Guest Artist designs are also the focus of this week’s Design Highlight: Capitol Peak and Kindness!
― Joleen
QTell us a little bit about yourself…
AI am a plein air artist, engineer and mountain lover. I love the calm of yoga before a busy day =D
QWhat kind of asanas do you practice?
AI love bikram yoga.
QHow long have you been a yogi?
AI started doing yoga 10 years ago!
QWhat role does yoga play in your life?
AIn the mornings I like to do the “Power Hour”, or 20 minutes of reading (or listening), 20 minutes of praying, and 20 minutes of yoga.
QDo you have a favorite pose?
AIs it bad to say that I lean toward every floor pose (since I am normally waking)?
QIs there a pose that used to be a “pillar pose” ― one that you were working toward ― that is now accessible to you?
AI snapped my femur a year ago. Once I had mobility doing modified yoga really helped my muscles re-grow and gain flexibility. Every new move I could do was a milestone!
QHow do you perceive the benefits of yoga? Do you think practicing yoga leads to greater happiness in life?
AWe live in a LOUD world. Everything is loud. We have constant voices from technology, advertisements and other peoples opinions covered on everthing we view. Getting away from that is key to happiness. Actually getting silent is one of the most important and rare things anyone can do. I believe getting silent is the best way to hear from God, and to stop listening to the loud voices that in uence and pulll at us constantly.
QWhen you placed your order with Big Raven Yoga, what made you first choose this design? (Note: Lisa created both Capitol Peak AND Kindness.)
AI made the designs I wanted after being unhappy with my other brand of mats. I couldn't be more excited!! (Funny… that’s the exact same reason I created this business in the first place: I couldn’t find a design I liked! — Joleen)
QDo people ask you about your mat?
AOnce I start using it out in public I bet they will!
Thank you SO much, Lisa ― I treasure your friendship AND I love ya!
(You can follow Lisa on Instagram and Facebook. Also check out her website, paintthemountain.art!)