Meet the Tribe is an ongoing blog series where you’ll meet women who are leaders in their community and here at YogaClub. Our ambassadors, or Tribe Leaders as we call them, are fitness instructors, wellness professionals and just plain awesome women.
This Tribe Leader is allll about yoga! You can catch her teaching group classes, leading private sessions, creating courses and workshops, and leading domestic and international yoga and adventure retreats! Not to mention, she juggles all of this while picking up a new job at Black Hills State University working to support students, staff and faculty. Busy is an understatement for this Tribe Leader, but she loves every minute that is she is teaching yoga and helping others live happy lives.
Meet Clarissa Thompson.
Q: Let’s talk overall wellness. How do you integrate healthy eating and mindfulness into your daily life?
A: You just have to do it. Instead of reaching for a sugary snack in the middle of your day, make some energy balls over the weekend or bring some crunchy veggies for an on-the-go snack. I also make it a priority to eat somewhere besides my office or desk, whether it’s outside or just in a different building so that I am consciously eating and aware of what I am putting in my body. Plus, I premake two - three days worth of smoothies so I don’t have to make them every morning!
Q: What does being a Tribe Leader mean to you?
A: Being a resource for people to ask questions, a leader in my community, online or in-person. Networking with others who have similar interests and passions and getting to collaborate with them. Supporting a brand I believe in and that is doing good work and also keeping us looking cute and fashionable. Being a Tribe Leader has been a great part of my own personal development, too as I work to share my teaching. It has given me some amazing opportunities!
Q: What advice can you give to someone looking to begin their fitness or wellness journey?
A: Don’t give up. Pick something and stick with it for a month before you make a decision to continue. Find a friend to go to classes with. And, book a private session or two with a teacher to get the basics and start to feel comfortable in a group class setting.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Helping people and seeing them make changes in their own lives to support themselves!
Q: What’s your favorite thing about YogaClub?
A: Well the clothes, but I love that they have a mission to help the next generation by providing yoga and mindfulness classes. I think that is a huge part of how we will help change our world!
Q: Alright, let’s mix it up with some fun, quick fire questions. Fave YogaClub brand?
A: Glyder Apparel (it always fits perfectly!) VIMMIA Active & Free People.
Q: Do you have a quote or mantra that inspires you?
A: Om Bhavam Namah - Pure Potentiality. This reminds me that in each moment there is endless potential. It keeps me present but also keeps me from spiraling when I’m feeling anxious or stressed. I am reminded each moment is a new opportunity.
Q: High waisted leggings: yes or no?
A: This is tricky, because yes sometimes, but sometimes, they are so tight I can’t breathe! But I’m more a fan of a slightly high waist than a full-on under the boob waist!
Q: Favorite yoga pose?
A: Dancer, I think it’s so elegant and beautiful!
Q: Current obsession?
A: Audiobooks! I LOVE Audible and listening to audiobooks. I am just listening to Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” and it’s AMAZING! I just finished “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant a few months back and the audiobook is great!
You can find out more about Clarissa Thompson by checking out her Instagram, Facebook, Youtube channel and her website.
Want to flow with Clarissa? You can catch her next month at Vegas Gone Yoga! Festival from October 5th - October 7th. It’s not too late to attend the festival; buy your tickets here and check it out on Instagram and Facebook!
