When I walked dogs for a living people said "It must be amazing getting to play with dogs all day!" Now that I'm a traveling yoga teacher people say "Wow, you must live a life many dream of...."

Looking from the outside, someone's work (or in my case - working lifestyle) can look fun, adventurous, and full of excitement. There is plenty of excitement and adventure but what that looks like to someone else vs myself can be quite different. 

When I walked dogs it was driving around town, making sure I had entry codes and keys, keeping dogs away from other dogs or puppies away from eating things they shouldn't (plastic, blankets, earrings, plates, and plants), and there was so much clean up - throw up, poop, pee, and spills. I used to call myself a glorified poop picker upper. It was also around the clock care. 

Would I trade any of that to have been anywhere else? No way! It was scheduled unconditional love, scheduled chaos, and long days, but it taught me alot and I met so many wonderful pets and people along the way. Did it exhaust me, cover my clothes in dirt and mud, and  cause stress? Yes, but that's a part of life. 

As a traveling yoga (and tai chi) teacher, I'm unable to work typical hours which makes it rough to find work. There's a lot of wear and tear on my vehicle. I meet a lot of folks but few blossom into close friendships due to being on the road, and most of the time I'm resting at truck stops, gas stations, or 2 star motel/hotels so I have enough gas to get wherever I'm going. Thank goodness for Planet Fitness, it allows me to shower when i'm getting funky especially in the summer months. 

There's also smiling faces, new acquaintances and networks, long nights of storytelling and early morning flows, and beautiful discoveries in nature and within the concrete forests (cafes, vegan spots, venues, and parks). All of this makes the journey worth it. It thickens my skin and softens my heart. Allows me to see how people live the same differently and opens my mind to the various ways of life. 

All in all, there's mishaps, chaos, time spent in the sun, or trying to figure out where to find organic burritos in the middle of a desert, but would I trade any of it? No. Do I sometimes wake up with crippling anxiety wondering how I will pay my bills or make it to the next festival to teach? Oh yah, but I am doing what I love. Sharing the message of awareness and practices for inner peace with all whom I meet. I created this life and am proud of the life that's been built. ​

I have been studying French on and off since I was a child in middle school. When I got to university, I was fortunate enough to make friends with just about every French exchange student that walked through the dormitory doors on campus and gain the inspiration to settle a bit more into my studies. 

Fast forward to 2011, a lot of growing took place, my body started requesting sobriety, my mind started requesting clarity, and my future was calling me to dive deeper into myself so I blossom into the person my soul knew I could be. The first step... going to France. 

I spent 3 months in France completing an extended stay with one my very best amis. It was an adventure that threw me out of my comfort zone on many levels - physically, environmentally, and linguistically. Loving every bit of it. 

France taught me so much myself and the world around. It also encouraged me to continue stepping outside my comfort, continue learning the language, and traveling to learn more about the world thus leading to experiences that allowed me to learn more about myself. 

Fast forward to now. I find myself at a place where life is asking me to step outside my comfort zones again. They've changed over time and have brought new obstacles to overcome.

So here I am. French in mind and the ready to be released through classes and movement. So... here we go. Live classes in French begin soon (in 2024). They will be more than stretch and asanas. They'll be learning opportunities of kindness, patience, and new challenges and overcoming. They'll be moments filled of mistakes and laughter. Will you join me on this journey? Whether you're a lover or yoga or a lover of French. All are welcome. 
Classes can be found through the Eventbrite Classes & Events Page. 

Download the habit tracker that started it all... well sort of. It really started before I even realized... the journey, self awareness, and healing. Then, it took getting over feeling that I was the victim. Which led me to a habit tracker that welcomed me to the present moment and into a space of realization and clarity. To come into the understanding that I am the author of the book that is my life. I may not have control of others, but I have control of myself and the capability to know that I am the one who chooses my actions, words, and responses. Now, I'm offering a tracker that can assist you on your journey of healing.

​Download the Habit Tracker - It's Not What You Think! To get started. Have questions? Leave 'em in the comment section or reach out at [email protected]. 

BonjourLapinCanard is a traveling market and online consignment shop that helps keep group classes and offerings low cost and donation based, and virtual workshops free. When you purchase an item from BLC brought to you by CarmitaSmilesYoga, the funds help pay for gas, yoga props, venue fees, food, and give-a-ways to execute events and classes. The shop is always open online.

You can also donate to BLC! Accepted items include but are not limited to clothes, purses, shoes, yoga and wellness items, jewelry, soaps, candles, cooking supplies, pet items, and other goods to support the cause. To learn more and donate text 216.375.4934 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Bizzy organic coffeewww.bizzycoffee.com/carmitasmiles was founded in Minneapolis, MN, by best friends Alex French and Andrew Healy who started making their own cold brew coffee in their cramped apartment in 2013 after being fed up with paying $5 for a cup from a coffee shop.

Today, their ready-to-drink products are sold in more than 5,000 grocery stores across the country.

​An 8 ounce cup of Bizzy Coffee has about 137mg of caffeine with ethically sourced beans from Central and South America.

Use CODE: CARMITA SMILES to save 15% off your order.

All seeds are not equal and you can count on True Leaf Market for super premium quality. 

True Leaf Market has offered NON-GMO and organic seeds and gardening goods since 1974. 

Warehouse located in Salt Lake City Utah.  You can order online and have seeds and gardening items shipped or picked up at their warehouse.

BetterHelp makes professional therapy accessible, affordable, and convenient — so anyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help, anytime and anywhere.

Yoga at Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary 2024 dates have been scheduled! Registration will be open soon.

Save The Date below.

​For details and registration please visit ​https://happytrailsfarm.org/

People are drawn to colors for various reasons. One reason may be that the body is calling for connection to the meaning of the color (awareness). For example, all my life I've been drawn to the color Teal. A color that represents balance and harmony. Which makes sense since my astrological sign is Libra, which also represent balance and harmony.

Are you drawn to a specific color or color variance? Discover what it means below. If you don't see the color you're most drawn to? Send me an email to let me know. I'll add more colors and meanings by request.