We welcome back Dr. Jodi Ashbrook, Owner of Open Doors Yoga Studios Hingham, for part 2 of our short series of executive interview posts that will help us all get better acquainted with our next Wellness Workshop sponsor. Our “Meditation Mixer” will take place on Friday, January 22nd from 7:30-9 PM at the Open Doors Hingham location, Register today as space is limited!
Meet Dr. Jodi Ashbrook!
Ashbrook is not only a studio owner, but also is the Founder and CEO of The Be Brand clothing line, and Chief Product Officer of Educators Serving Educators, an educational consulting firm based out of Albany, NY.
She is an inspirational author, blogger and speaker, creating experiences for people to grow, reflect, and inspire to believe in their dreams. Ashbrook herself is a certified Yoga Instructor, accomplished business leader and entrepreneur dedicated to leading projects and creating businesses that make a difference in the world.
Ashbrook believes we are all leaders, leaders of our own personal journey. As a leader in business and in life, she lives by the philosophy, “be the leader you would follow.” When she’s not working around the clock, she loves traveling to new and exciting destinations, or relaxes through reading.
I asked Dr. Jodi to share a little bit more with us, and here’s what she said…
What has been your biggest challenge in introducing Yoga to the community?
Helping people who have always wanted to try yoga (heated or unheated), to overcome their fears, and find the courage to come and take their first class. We offer a Free Week of yoga at our studios so that students can try out different classes and teachers. After the week, there are several options and types of classes for students to continue their practice.
I often hear people who are new to yoga say:
“I tried that once, I am not good at it.”
“I am not flexible, so I can’t do yoga.”
“I am afraid I will pass out in a hot class.”
“I will feel like I am doing it wrong.”
“I can’t do what the person next to me is doing, so I am not good enough.”
These engrained beliefs that are self-imposed by what we see on commercials or in society are self-created and untrue. The practice of yoga is just that…practice. It provides an opportunity to spend time with yourself on your mat to move and breathe. Connecting physical movements with breath while allowing all other life distractions to fall away.
I often say to the classes I teach, “if you do nothing else than show up to your mat and breathe, you are doing yoga.”
I have personally been practicing yoga for over 7 years. I began practicing yoga in 2008. I was close to 200 pounds and had all of the same fears I just mentioned most others have about being in a yoga class.
Over time, my yoga and meditation practice became the one thing I looked forward to every day, as it was a place of peace, hope and provided a sense of self-confidence because I was seeing progress in how I was able to move and, most importantly, how I felt physically, mentally and emotionally.
We all struggle with different things in life. My hope is that more students can experience yoga as a place of peace, serenity and self-discovery to release self-judgement and increase self-confidence.
What Makes You Move, Mama? 