We were lucky to catch up with Shannon McGinn recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
When burnout threatened to overwhelm me, I turned to self-care and sought balance. Teaching yoga in Central Park became my sanctuary, a place where nature’s embrace and the energy of my students revitalized me. Grounded in this practice, I found resilience and overcame burnout by embracing yoga’s transformative power. It taught me to harmonize my work and personal life, showing me that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
I have also realized the power of community and how much stronger we are together. I began inviting guest practitioners from my community to share their healing modalities, like sound baths, in my Central Park yoga classes. These offerings, like ethereal melodies washing over me, bring a profound sense of rejuvenation and release.
Teaching yoga outdoors in NYC has been a unique and enriching experience. The hustle and bustle of the city fade away, replaced by the rustling leaves and the gentle breeze of Central Park. It’s a reminder of the beauty and peace that can be found amidst the chaos of urban life. My journey through burnout has taught me the importance of listening to my body and mind, and finding activities that recharge me. It’s a reminder that we all deserve to feel happy and fulfilled in all aspects of our lives.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
UrbanNomadYoga offers daily outdoor Yoga Classes in Manhattan’s Central Park, we have chosen a harmonious meeting point where the vibrant energy of the Upper East Side blends with the artistic spirit of the Upper West Side, allowing city dwellers to find stillness amidst the bustling metropolis, connecting with their breath, flow, and inner child.
Our practice focuses on the body, breath, and mind, fostering a deep connection with ourselves and the Earth. By practicing outdoors, we rekindle our relationship with nature, nourishing our senses and souls with the symphony of stimuli that ground us in the present moment. For most of our history, humans have been nomadic, co-evolving with nature; practicing yoga outdoors in Central Park allows us to reconnect with our original blueprint.
In the fast-paced city life, we often lose this essential connection. A simple walk in the park becomes a luxury, and escaping the city for a weekend feels like a distant dream. UrbanNomadYoga offers a sanctuary where you can dedicate an hour to yourself, rediscovering your inner nomad and finding inner peace amidst the urban jungle.
Our 2024 season, starting in March, promises exciting offerings, including sound baths, live music, and day-long wellness retreats in the heart of NYC.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize three qualities that have profoundly shaped me: my hyper-independence, my global exploration of yoga, and my adaptability. From the age of 20, I wandered the world, immersing myself in diverse yoga traditions and cultures, shedding layers of rigidity and judgment along the way. I also had the privilege of helping with and holding yoga retreats in each place I visited, deepening my understanding of yoga’s transformative power.
Traveling the globe has gifted me with a flexibility of spirit, where the trivialities that disturb others are mere ripples on my surface. Interacting with myriad cultures has been my greatest teacher, showing me that the concept of right and wrong is as individual as each soul I’ve encountered. It is through this kaleidoscope of experiences that I’ve learned to release judgment entirely, embracing the beauty of diversity in all its forms.
For those embarking on their journey, I offer this advice: cultivate your independence by stepping into the unknown, let curiosity be your guide as you explore new horizons. Dive deep into the sea of yoga’s rich tapestry, absorbing the wisdom of ancient traditions and modern interpretations alike. Allow every experience to mold you, for it is in the crucible of change that our true selves are forged.
Remain open, adaptable, and receptive to the lessons that come your way. Yoga is not just a physical practice; it is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Embrace each twist and turn, for they are the threads that weave the tapestry of your being.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
YES! We are infinitely stronger together, as community. Let’s co-create a village where every soul’s light shines brightly. I am deeply drawn to collaborate with kindred spirits—be they healers, artists, or fellow seekers of truth and beauty. Your unique magic is a precious gift, and I would be honored to weave it into the fabric of UrbanNomadYoga.
Together, let’s craft experiences that transcend the ordinary, touching hearts and inspiring spirits. I invite you to join me on this journey of creation and connection. Reach out through our website or social media channels, and let’s coalesce our energies to manifest something truly magical. Let’s not just collaborate; let’s co-create a world where love, light, and friendship reign supreme.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.UrbanNomadYoga.com
- Instagram: @yogaincentralpark
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/CentralParkYoga/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/urbannomad-yoga-in-central-park-new-york-2
