We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shawn Marie Walker . Check out our conversation below.
Shawn Marie , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
The thing that most comes to mind on this question is the aftermath of surviving breast cancer. I feel so grateful to be cancer free, but my life has changed drastically since being diagnosed. There are some things that are challenging, and it’s hard to express that sometimes because I am thankful to still be here and cancer free. There are also some changes that I needed to make that turned out to be wonderful and helpful for me. Surviving breast cancer has helped me live life fully, and say yes to things that are out of my comfort zone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a yoga teacher, and I strive to make yoga accessible to everyBODY. Yoga has brought me better physical & mental health. It has taught me to be more mindful and stay in the moment.
I especially love working with others who have been affected by cancer. There is a huge need to bring accessible yoga to the cancer community., and I am finding ways to do that through classes and workshops.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Mark, my husband, has always encouraged me to do what feels right for me. He is supportive and loving. He is my soft place to land when the world is hard. When I feel weak, he reminds me I am strong. When I am sad or even angry, he doesn’t judge me or tell me I am too much. He truly loves me just as I am. That is truly everything.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up when I was going through chemotherapy. It made me terribly sick and weak. I remember laying on the bathroom floor toward the end of my treatments, just ready to completely let go of life. I didn’t want to continue treatments. I didn’t want to feel pain and sickness. I was unable to eat or keep anything down, and that made me very weak. Mark and our kids kept me going. Mark literally picked me up off the floor and reminded me I could do this.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think there is a misconception that you have to be flexible to do yoga. The only thing required is showing up on your mat. There is also a misconception that yoga is woowoo or against religion. This is absolutely false. Our bodies are made to move, and yoga makes that easier.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand the after effects of having cancer. There can be so many side effects that last long term or permanently. One huge side effect we don’t discuss enough is the way cancer & treatments bring about intimacy issues. This is a very hard thing to deal with. Sometimes the doctors are not able to give things to help. It can be very challenging to find things that help. We need more research and awareness for this issue. We need support and relief. Intimacy is important because we are living & breathing beings..
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Shawn3479
- Facebook: Breath of Joy Yoga
