Meet Amy Sanford, a stunning human being with an entrepreneurial spirit and the owner of Morning Glory Yoga in the small Texas town of Nacogdoches. To say she is an inspiration would be an understatement. Amy is in the renovation stages of opening her second yoga studio, which will feature yoga classes for adults and children. When she’s not juggling two influential businesses and enriching the lives of her community, she can be found exploring the world with a camera in hand, cooking delicious vegetarian meals and hand standing her way through the day. She recently returned from a two-month expedition in India, where she studied Ashtanga yoga with her teacher, Sharath Jois, at the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Yoga Research Institute. Here, she discusses her wellness routine and what she loves most about teaching yoga.
Tell us about your intention as a studio owner and teacher. My intention as a studio owner is to provide a space that will serve the Nacogodches community in a way that lends to cultural and social exposure, connectedness and growth. Morning Glory Yoga holds daily hatha yoga classes of various styles and levels and we invite guest teachers from around the world to share their knowledge of yoga and their personal experiences. In addition, we host a variety of events such as musical performances, art shows, literary readings and other receptions. This marks the 10-year anniversary of Morning Glory Yoga and I’m happy to say that we continue to grow. Next month, there will be a second MGY that will allow for more group classes and private lessons, community events, kid’s yoga, yoga for veterans, and who knows what else!
As a teacher, one of my greatest intentions is to always be a student and to continue to learn from my personal practice, my students and my peers. I aspire to teach from a place of truth and wisdom, and to honor the tradition of yoga. I adhere to a certain teaching style but the method in which I present information may vary from one student to another depending on their life’s circumstances and individual needs.
What do you love most about teaching yoga? Waking up every day knowing that I am doing exactly what I am meant to do, being fulfilled and contributing to a more compassionate, aware and healthy society.
What does an ideal work day look like to you? Wake up early and practice before the sunrise, breath work, followed by warm lemon water, neti and shower. Fresh juice. Teach a morning yoga class and then a private lesson. Conversation over coffee/tea with friends. Lunch, preferably prepared at home, then office work, time with animals, rest and restore. In the evening, I teach my class(es). Ideally, a light dinner I’ve already planned and prepared, reading/tv/cuddle time and then lights out.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My grandfather, Pop, was my role model and I loved and respected him more than anyone. When I was 18, he was in the hospital for heart surgery, we were having a conversation (our last) about relationships, where he reminded me to never live my life in fear nor provoke fear in others for personal gain. He instilled courage in me. I discovered the mighty roots of that one little seed of courage and wisdom a little later in life. There have been many moments when I finally realize the meaning behind my Pop’s words.
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned? Be kind to others.
How do you stay balanced and healthy? It’s a combination of things and it takes discipline. I’m discovering it’s difficult after two months away in India to transition back into a balanced healthy lifestyle, especially here in Nacogdoches. Add to it the work on the new space and it can be a bit of a struggle.
I practice yoga, gratitude and mindfulness, spend time outdoors, surround myself in the good company of close friends, seek advice from trusted friends, spend time alone, love on all my many four-legged companions, stay hydrated, eat a vegetarian diet and get plenty of sleep.
What is your wellness routine? Ashtanga yoga, breath work, neti pot and warm lemon water in the morning, eat a vegetarian diet loaded with a variety of fresh fruits, veggies, legumes and juice, hydrate, rest well and make time for important people in my life.
Where do you find inspiration? On my mat, in my relationships, in others’ life stories and being in nature.
What are your favorite local spots? Here in Nacogdoches…Morning Glory Yoga, of course. Java Jacks Coffee. There is a labyrinth in Nacogdoches, which one of my students created it in honor of her late husband. They loved to walk them and did so all over the world. It’s outside of town tucked away so only sounds and sights of nature surround. Sometimes I walk it alone but often I’ll go with a friend or two, I’ve also taken my classes there. It’s a time for reflection and one that I’ve found to be very nourishing.
What is your favorite place in the world? At this moment, right here in Nacogdoches. I’m enjoying organizing my home and the comfort of being back at Morning Glory Yoga Studio and witnessing the progress of the new space.
What are you listening to right now? Literally, right now…it’s morning here and the birds are chirping, the rustling of the leaves as the wind blows, muffled sounds from motorists passing through town, students on their way to class — Henry (my dog) just grunted as he rolled over at my feet. As I mentioned, I recently returned from a two month trip in India where I hardly listened to any music. I found myself instead, captivated by the horns, scooters, conversations, early morning chanting and sounds of nature. These sounds saturated my soul. I guess I’m still most interested in those sounds, the ones that arrive when you’re sitting in silence. Oh, and I’m in love with Taylor Swift.
What is your favorite quote? Just breathe.
What is your favorite meal? A homemade vegetarian meal made and enjoyed together with friends while sharing our stories and laughter…and a glass of wine is nice, too.
When do you feel most at peace? When I recognize my breath and deepen it, I feel grounded. It’s easy for me to feel overwhelmed, emotionally, so when I become aware of my breathing I am able to observe without being so reactionary. When I practice gratitude. When I remember that this life is temporary and the most important practice is love. When I’m near the ocean.
How do you nourish your heart and soul? My practice, studying with my teacher in India, hugs, being a good listener, travel and exploring, nature, my pets, good food, sitting on my front porch, a really good beverage depending on the occasion, sharing laughter and tears with close friends.
What makes you happy? Comfortable silence. Going upside down! Catching up with long-distance friends. Seeing joy in others. Companionship. Solitude. Sunshine. Remembering forgotten moments of laughter. Taking road trips with David, my partner, or with my close friends.