Meet Lisa Watson. She's from Terrace, BC and I has lived in Kamloops since 2000.
What is your preferred method of social media? (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc)
Facebook.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Andrew. After 10 exciting years we still have the most fun together. We are both passionate about living life to it’s fullest and have equal energy to grow and have fun. He is also one of the smartest people I know and so he has been a huge inspiration with my businesses. He is my biggest fan.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali is my favorite place to be in the whole world and I go there every year to cleanse my mind and soul and to be with the Balinese people who show me the true meaning of life and love. My dream is to someday live there a few months of the year.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Lululemon for sure. I have been loyal to this company for 10 years and I’m so happy to finally have one in Kamloops. As well as to be teaching yoga for them and the community for their grand opening. I love what they stand for and what they do for community.
What is your favourite activity?
Yoga and paddle board yoga, I practice and I teach both. It keeps me balanced both physically and mentally. Yoga changed my life in so many ways.
If you had to choose, would it be: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Meat lovers PIZZA with lots of pepperoni. I’m part Italian!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I almost got eaten by a sky train. My carry on suitcase and my arm were on one outside of the door and me on the inside. I wasn’t sure if the door would reopen like an elevator or if I would have to let go. I took a chance and with all my migh,t pried the door back open and reclaimed my bag. It was a big commotion to instant calm and when I looked up everyone was looking at me expressionless. In a calm voice all I could say was "Wow that was close!". Still no expression from anyone. It was one of those moments when I was happy to be anonymous
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
A couple of years ago I went traveling to Bali with my daughter and we did our yoga teacher training together. It was such an amazing time and connection for the two of us. Although I would like to go back with her, I know that I know we could never replay it in its truest form. My daughter describes it as 'great memories but feels more like a really good dream.'
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was 12 years old, I played guitar and sang. I used to think I would be famous one day as I was actually pretty good, well at least I thought I was. I entered and won quite a few talent shows. My parents also had a band that was very popular and they played in gigs every weekend. Whenever they played for wedding or kid friendly events I got to sing with them. That’s probably why I’m so comfortable teaching and speaking in front of people today. I’m very grateful for my parents for giving me that opportunity.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
During my recent studies with Touch For Health - Specialized Kinesiology and Energy Medicine Yoga. I offered a few free to people to introduce natural medicine to people who I feel may benefit from it due to injuries, health issues or emotional stress. It has been such a good feeling to help them and when they find relief from my treatments. I have also offered some free yoga classes in the park in the summer, I donate free yoga passes to charity events and auctions. I am super excited and honored to be teaching a free yoga class for the community hosted by Lululemon on Sunday, Dec 17th at their Kamloops store.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would love to see the eastern and western worlds come together and teach each other their strengths. In the west we suffer from spiritual poverty but have material wealth. In the east they suffer material poverty and have spiritual wealth. I really feel we both have a lot to learn from each other. This is why I continue to travel to the east annually. If you want to see change in the world, you have to be the change you seek.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Yoga and paddle board yoga helps me stay balanced, healthy and happy. I also love to teach yoga at my studio 'The Sanctuary' at No Limits Fitness and absolutely adore my students. I find that even though I am teaching my students, they are some of my best teachers also. I learn so much from them.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Paddle boarding on our beautiful Thompson River.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see more community activities offered on long weekends. I feel like everyone leaves the city to find things to do. I think if we offered more to do locally, people would stay and perhaps it would attract people to come here. Also I love seeing the north shore growing and hope to see it continue. Half of our Kamloops population is on north side so I think it's needed.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Sense of community, togetherness and family. When I moved here the one thing I loved is how friendly everyone was. It's so easy to make friends here. Kamloops feels like home.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Host a Chakra Yoga retreat in Bali
2. Travel the world with my family
3. To share and show the world how to use natural medicine to live a happier more balanced life.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I spent eight years in jail. Okay, well not really. I spent eight years serving as an Auxiliary RCMP Officer. Yup I carried a gun, pepper spray, served on bike patrol and have some very interesting stories. It was an amazing experience for me.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kinetic Balance - Touch for Health Kinesiology and Energy Medicine Yoga.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Working in the health and fitness industry I have seen so many people struggle with health whether it be weight management, low energy, muscle imbalance, health issues, stress or insomnia. I was introduced to Touch For Health Kinesiology by a friend. I noticed how balancing your body’s energy helps prevent illness and helps the body heal faster. So many people are take this natural, safe, non-invasive way healing that has been around for thousands of years. I have also started combining it with yoga both as group classes and one on one and it is becoming quite popular. People love learning about their bodies and how to heal it naturally.
What is the goal of your business?
To educate and help people balance their own bodies to prevent and overcome illness as a preliminary to traditional medicine.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
This venture has been very exciting for me and I feel sometimes like I can get enough learning and teaching to the point that I tend to sometimes give away more than we have to give physically, mentally and emotionally. I don’t leave time and energy for myself, It just doesn't feel like work when you do what you love. I have really taken the time to make sure I keep a balance between home and work. Self care is very important.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I really don’t think so. I am in a perfect place right now. My kids are grown into the most beautiful people I know. I am married to my best friend and I love my career. I get to help people achieve their goals and life purpose. Its all I could ever ask for. I guess I’m living my dream.
What do you always find yourself saying?
You only get one chance to enjoy this moment, so stop and notice what you are grateful for right here, right now because in a flash its gone.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I have been studying Chakra Therapy with Anodea Judith, she is one of the most inspiring people I know. I am going to New York this summer to spend another week with her to study the Psychology of the Chakras. She is the famous author of the best-selling book Eastern Body Western Mind. This is my bible.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our community. As a community we work together, promote each other and grow together. Its nice to not have to travel to get what we need so in order to keep it local we need to shop local.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My Hot Yoga studio 'The Sanctuary' at No Limits Fitness. I started with a vision before I opened to create a beautiful themed yoga studio and create an experience. This could be of being on a tropical island or a jungle while practicing yoga, we use essential oil, humidity, music and sound and creative sequences taught by some of the most experienced teachers in town.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lacey Hook has been a yoga teacher at my studio since I opened. She and I together put sweat and tears into building our studio. She was my own inspiring teacher before I started teaching and she is the reason I love yoga so much. I am so grateful to have her in my life and my studio.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
My dear friend Lorraine Korobanik from Lorraine Korobanik Fitness.
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.
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.
