An interview with Stephanie Spence by Ryan Stride Beyond the book- The Peace Dimension is about bringing people together. It’s time to hear the voices of those with a positive message to share and their own wisdom. Stephanie Spence is the celebrated author of Yoga Wisdom: Warrior Tales Inspiring You On And Off Your Mat, as well as a regular contributor to many Yoga publications. A modern day Yogini and a certified Yoga teacher, she comes across as a woman who has really used her training to nurture her through her own life journey. She is committed to sharing what she has learned with others in need. A thought leader, writer and inspirational speaker; I am sure there's a lot more to Stephanie beyond what her bio and profile reads. Something about her just gave me that sixth sense feeling that here’s someone who should be heard especially in this time of global crisis. Ryan Stride Ryan: Stephanie great to be able to connect with you and have you on our blog. Can you start by telling readers a bit about yourself? Stephanie: Raised in Houston, Texas hoping to grow up to be an Astronaut but being grateful that communications became my lifelong passion instead. I’ve worked in TV, Radio, Films and had my own publishing business before moving out west to California to pursue another lifelong dream of working as a screenwriter. Personally, I’m not into labels but I do feel passionate about being a lifelong activist, thought leader, artist, mother, and loving partner. I thrive while traveling and living a life of adventure while hopefully inspiring people to live their best life. Ryan: Now to the present moment- with all that is going on in the world right now how have you been managing during this time of self-isolation? Stephanie: As a writer I’m used to isolation, so I’m blessed to say that I have been doing well. Of course I’m deeply concerned for not only those on my daily prayer list, but for all of humanity. I’ve used this time to take an online advanced yoga teacher training for trauma sensitivity and other online classes including Buddhist scripture studies. Our 27 year old son (who went to Uni in London) ended up being “stranded” with us and it’s been wonderful to consciously figure out how to get to know him better. We do a morning check in and then each person asks a question to better know each other. It’s been wonderful. I also have been working more focused on a script that I’m passionate about. Ryan: Yes it is good to see how some people are able to use this self-isolation situation to connect deeper with family and also in some cases friends or friends they lost touch with. Are there any particular parts of your Yoga practise that is proving really helpful with this current change in lifestyle? Stephanie: The slower, deeper, longer holds in poses. Some days instead of moving through a physical practice, I’ve been doing walking meditation. On my mat, though, I’ve been concentrating on how I FEEL in each pose and stopping and journaling about that. Ryan: That's a really interesting self exploratory approach and I could see that journaling might appeal to people who want to realise the more subtle effects of the asanas. Do you get moments where your mind starts thinking back to a few months ago where life was more familiar? Stephanie: Of course, but what I discovered during a traumatic life-transforming year is that there is great peace (and power) in mindfulness. I rigorously practice being in the now. It’s been the most powerful tool to dwell in joy that I have found. No regret of the past, no fear in the future. In the now I’m content and peaceful. Yoga has also been my go-to tool for self-awareness, which has allowed me to teach my critical and/or fear-based censor to take a hike! I’m the driver in my car of life now. Ryan: I notice you have the word warrior in the title of your book on Yoga. Do you see a connection between the yogini and the warrior? Stephanie: At the start of my book I self-described as a Lonely Warrior, but as you go on the journey with me you get to witness the transformation that a Spiritual Warrior (a seeker of truth and wholeness) goes through. Not only myself, but over 100 wise, caring yoga teachers that I interviewed. We inspire the reader to make yoga a part of their life to be able to experience a life of limitless potential. Ryan: I love your definition of a spiritual warrior. Ok so are there any particular pranayama techniques that you have found yourself leaning towards during self-isolation? Stephanie: Alternate nostril breathing has been scientifically proven to lower stress. It’s my favorite. If I’m in a public place and/or it’s a busy, loud day I’ll stop and place my hand on my heart and count in for four counts, count out for four. Ryan: I know you also do quite a bit of public speaking so are there any methods that you use to prepare yourself before you make the speech? Stephanie: I used to do Improv, which helped tremendously. I’ve had bouts of stage fright but used them as a growth tool to stand in front of strangers and simply share I was nervous. I even read my notes once because I was so terrified of disappointing the people that had come to hear me speak. I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir here, but meditation before giving a lecture or speech is the perfect method to align with my unique, divine nature and stand in my big, bright light. Ryan: It seems you are a person with many talents. I note you are also a screenwriter? Stephanie: I have been a writer my whole life, but I’ve been humbled by the craft of screenwriting. It’s the most challenging form of writing I have ever done. But, it’s also the most exhilarating. I love the art and craft of storytelling and I’m in awe of the creative process of filmmaking. Without a story, though, there isn’t a film. I’m deeply moved by the visual medium of film and my dream is to someday see a film I’ve written on the big screen. Ryan: Are there any films that really inspire you during these times? Stephanie: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Directed by Marielle Heller. I’m grateful to have known Fred Rogers. I think the film captured him well and what I am focused on during this challenging time: kindness and deep listening to hear, see and validate for people that they matter. We are all one, yet most people somehow struggle to feel that. I feel that very deeply. Mr. Rogers knew that and spent his life helping others. I wish to leave a similar legacy of love. Ryan: What a wonderful choice and I can see how that film is so relevant today. What a great example Fred Rogers set for us all and I think with Tom Hanks being such a talented actor particularly for compassionate roles - he is sort of a perfect choice to play Fred. In my own book I discuss meditation and how it can be used in so many ways such as: for finding some internal peace or to hack into our intuition. Now the impression I get is that you're an intuitive - a feel based person. Do you find that you use different meditation practises or is there a preferred method that you stick with? Stephanie: As an intuitive empath I have struggled with meditation in my lifetime because of my history of trauma. I was so deep feeling that I could not stay present to each moment with my eyes closed. This is not uncommon for someone who is a PTSD survivor. The great thing, though, is because of caring and wise people like yourself that are committed to teaching others about meditation I tried numerous ways to meditate before finding what worked for me. Initially I could access a deep state of conscious awareness at the end of a physical yoga class, in Savasana. I tried just sitting and my monkey mind kept me from making it a regular part of my life. Thankfully, I never gave up trying and found TM (Transcendental Meditation) which I practice daily. Ryan: Are there any new projects that you are working on at the moment? Stephanie: I’m very excited to share that a producer in Los Angeles reached out to me and asked if I would write a screenplay inspired by my book. I’m working on that now. Ryan: Congratulations Stephanie and we are looking forward to seeing it on the big screen one day! If a friend trying to cope with self-isolation came to you for advice, can you give a tip in under five words? Stephanie: Do Yoga. Breathe. Move. Smile. Ryan: Choice words. Now there's a t-shirt waiting to happen Stephanie! In my book I discuss about what the The Peace Dimension is, in more detail and I will be sharing more here on the blog. If I asked you what The Peace Dimension represents to you, could you share something? Stephanie: A way of being in the moment, present to it all – the magic of life – to joy. It’s a level of awareness very close to our source of pure awareness. The pure I AM of existence. Ryan: Stephanie thank you so much for doing this interview and I hope we can host you again on the blog as it develops. If anyone would like to get in touch with Stephanie or find out more about her books and her services please visit: www.stephaniespence.com The Peace Dimension by Ryan Stride is available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk Copyright © Ryan Stride 2020 All rights reserved Comments are closed.
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AuthorBorn in London, England, Ryan wishes to share with people how the mystical can be found in the moment, allowing great things to happen. Ryan is also a writer and social commentator who is currently working on a script and several new book titles. ArchivesCategories |