In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Marcia Wilson
What do you always find yourself saying?
"It’s all good.” Learning that “good is good enough” lets us be a little more gentle with ourselves, and others.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Ryan Leier- a yoga teacher and studio owner from Saskatoon. He inspires me with his ability to live in many worlds-business owner, yogi, and parent. He’s grounded and inspiring and committed to what really matters to him.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
I’m not big on accolades- I prefer to work quietly behind the scenes.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
My dad. He’s been gone for 20 years now, and I’d love to chat with him to understand more of how he influenced who I am.
Who inspires you?
My brother. He’s the one who taught me the value in everyone’s story.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I’ve never created a bucket list- instead, I grow into new experiences that let me learn about myself Who am I when I step into opportunities of growth and evolution? In the past I raced in triathlons and did a lot of long distance bike trips and back-country hikes. These days I look more towards expanding my view of the world- more travel, expanding my language skills, diving more deeply into different cultures.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
“Swim in the Sea”
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I am pretty here-and-now oriented. So I’d pass on this opportunity- I want to love life as it is now.
What are you passionate about?
Finding the way simplicity, sufficiency, and sustainability meet in both my personal and professional lives. And staying passionate about life! My dad’s death opened me to the idea that I always have choice about how I evolve my life. So I tend to step in the direction of personal and professional experiences that really excite me.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
My favourite memories are not of days but of moments in time - most often with people I love and care about but also time that I have spent on my own.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have two amazing kids- hands down, they are it.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kamloops? What do you like about it?
Anywhere there is a patio, some flowers, and space to connect with friends and family.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kamloops? Why?
Right now I love being on the lakes, stand up paddle boarding. Heffley and Paul Lake are close by and very accessible. Time there quickly shifts me into a mood of peace.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Yoga Loft
What does your business/organization do?
Yoga!! We are the hub for non-hot yoga in Kamloops. Our studio is a beautiful space in the old Elks building at 4th and Seymour, upstairs from the Rex. We are an open and welcoming community and our classes give everyone- including kids and families- an opportunity to find a little peace in the midst of the craziness of life.
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.youryogaloft.com
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
www.linkedin.com
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Your Yoga Loft
What is your Twitter account?
@youryogaloft or @marcia_wilson
What is your Instagram account?
@marciawilson and @youryogaloft
What is your mission?
Yoga for you. Yoga for your family. Your yoga community. Our wide range of classes give you the opportunity to create mental and emotional balance, physical strength, and a personal connection with what you value most in life. The Yoga Loft is the meeting point where kids and adults practice together, we all learn together, and our collective community grows together. Come as you are, start where you’re at.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
My professional life has been an evolution from traditional work in health care as an occupational therapist to experience in non-profit management and now as a business owner. I deeply value my ability to offer a space where people can practice together to cultivate health and happiness. There is much greater potential for use of yoga, meditation and mindfulness in the care, management and prevention of health conditions including anxiety and depression. I want to create more of these opportunities as a natural extension of the work I am doing right now.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
Taking on a greater role in building the capacity of those in our community who need support. More programs for kids who can’t access yoga. More programs for people who are adapting to challenges in life. More collaboration with Interior Health and the City of Kamloops to build on our existing partnerships.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
The Yoga Loft is unique- most yoga studios only offer drop-in yoga. Our programming is much more expansive and extensive and serves a really wide range of clients through innovative programming and unique partnerships. So we look to a variety of organizations for inspiration, may of them outside the field of yoga.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
“Heart, instinct, principles” - Blaise Pascal
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
We are family. We take care of each other, and as life evolves our ability to be there for each other is a real blessing. I am so grateful for the way we have been able to grow together!
How does your business/organization impact the community?
The Yoga Loft is a space of refuge in the midst of real life. One person at a time, we all carry a little more peace into the world. On a bigger scale our partnerships with community organizations ensure that yoga is accessible to a wide range of clients.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
The science of yoga and meditation. My first degree is in biochemistry- we need to know more about how yoga and meditation shift us through biochemistry and biophysics. I’d love for them to talk about the way these types of practices can shift the way we do business, care for our families, and care for the world around us.
If I could change one thing about Kamloops, it would be:
One thing I miss about Vancouver is the way neighborhoods are a place of great connection- essentially structured around the community centers and parks that become gathering places for everyone who lives in an area. Knowing our neighbours has value.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops is a perfect mix of contrasts. Such a great city to call home!
My choice for the Kamloops In Focus spotlight is:
Christine Waterman, The Pilates Tree
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops!
