Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Smith.
Summer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I went through Yoga Teacher Training in 2005 as a result of some personal turmoil. The training was a life-altering experience for me. I experienced so much clarity and healing that it set me on a completely different path than the one I had first intended to explore. I immediately opened a yoga studio in my small town, ready to share everything I had learned. I was met with some unexpected resistance. Canton is situated in the middle of the bible belt, and there was much concern from my community about the protection of their mortal souls.
There is a lot of fear surrounding the practice of yoga, most of it is born of ignorance, but it is deep-seated. I found myself having to defend the philosophy on many occasions. I grew up in a very spiritual household, with no particular religion at its center. The idea that there are several paths to God was an accepted part of my ideology. I saw no reason for anyone to be afraid or intimidated by yoga, especially after having such a profound impact on my life. I simply wanted to share the tools and processes that helped me move through my own personal trauma.
In the beginning, there were several churches that openly spoke out against yoga classes, but as more and more people came for the experience and left with their souls intact, word began to spread of the amazing benefits yoga offered. I was frustrated by the walls that were built around the practice itself and was convinced that people just needed to be informed about all of the amazing and life-changing benefits of this ancient practice. So, I decided to make a documentary about my experiences.
I wanted everyone, regardless of age, sex or religion to truly understand yoga at its heart, not the physical aspects, but the entire philosophy. “Yogi in Bible Belt” started filming shortly thereafter and will be completed in March of 2019. My hope is that it opens up an opportunity for people who are on the fence about the practice to just give it a chance.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. Several churches had actual meetings to discourage their flock from attending my classes. The schools would not allow me to put flyers in backpacks, even when what I was offering was free of charge. People would ask if I was a Christian and when I replied that “it didn’t matter, I’m not talking about religion,” they would hang up or walk out.
Several rumors were spread around about me holding seances or forcing people to pray to Buddha. In the end, it didn’t really matter. I have no problem with either of those things. Eventually, the people who needed to find me did and slowly a community was born. When I began to stop worrying about what others thought and just spread some love, those things began to fade away.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Yama Yoga Studio & Wellness – what should we know?
I own Yama Yoga Studio & Wellness. I am a yoga instructor, a yoga school and a wellness facility that offers holistic modalities to people who want to care for themselves in a more natural way. We offer chiropractic care, massage, acutonics, Ayurvedic counseling, Kansa bodywork, an infrared sauna, healing pedicures, counseling services, Reiki and aromatherapy.
I personally specialize in healing yoga classes such as yoga stretch, Nidra, Restorative and Rounding. I love working with people in the last stages of their lives to give them some comfort and hope and maybe a few pain-free and peaceful moments. I’m known for weaving philosophy and anatomy into my classes and making yoga accessible for anyone that wishes to practice. I’m proud of our reputation for being kind and generous.
What we do is offer hope and encouragement. We take care of those in our community and spread some love and hope as we do it. We have the privilege of doing what we love. We serve others and help them to look at their lives in a way that inspires them to be courageous, and fearless, to live boldly and honestly, to look deeply within themselves and heal their wounds because no one else can do it but them.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people deserve credit. Vivian Lewis and Mia Sullivan loaned me money to open my first studio. My husband supported and encouraged me to follow my heart and stand up for what I feel to be right. My friends, Sheri Doss, Jessica Davis and Regie Williams for backing me or helping make ends meet when times were tough.
My Aunt Patti and Uncle Leon contributed monetarily and spiritually. She was my first true teacher. My students, for believing in me and the power of yoga. There are so many people. Too many to list. They are all still with me, coming to class, supporting my practitioners, living their yoga so that I can continue to grow and evolve personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Address: 29957 SH 64, Canton, TX 75103
- Website: www.yamayoga,net
- Phone: 903-802-8599
- Email: yamayogastudio@outlook.com
- Instagram: Yama Yoga Studio
- Facebook: Yama Yoga Studio @yamayogatx
Image Credit:
Teresa Nicklas
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