We were lucky to catch up with Sam Saldivar recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sam, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
The first Restorative Yoga class I took changed my life. It was the summer before my final semester of college and I was living in NYC, where I moved after graduating school in Texas. During this time of change and evolution, I felt uncertain, overwhelmed, stressed, unmoored. In my search for grounding and peace, I decided to try a nearby yoga studio. I was nervous to jump into a challenging class, so I chose the one that seemed the most relaxing – a 90 min Sunday evening Restorative practice. While the sun filtered in through the windows, we constructed the most magnificent & comforting shapes with the support of props. And in this moment, lying in the sun on a mound of blankets & pillows, I knew deep in my bones everything would be okay. I felt a wave of ease wash over me I had never experienced before. I left the class feeling like I had just spent the weekend at the spa. I didn’t know it was possible to feel that GOOD from doing nothing. This experience left me hungry for more: to feel this ease in my body again, to understand the how & why behind this magical practice, and to share it with others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My mission is simple, to share the gift of deep rest with as many people as possible. Imagine for a moment a world where everyone was well rested. A world where sleeping 8+ hours a night and afternoons naps were the norm, not a luxury. A world in which we co-regulate our nervous systems through systems of collective care. A world in which we free ourselves from the chains of hustle culture and embrace a life of slowness, ease, joy, and compassion.
Rest is revolutionary. Rest is resistance against systems which want to keep us exhausted and burnt out.
Radiate Rest is bringing the magic of Sacred Rest (rest as a deeply healing spiritual practice) to as many people as possible. You don’t have to believe in the magic of Sacred Rest to experience its benefits though. All you have to do is nothing. Lay down. Rest your eyes. Dream.
In order to bring this work to as many people as possible, I have diversified my offerings. If you just want to begin to explore these practices on your own then you can explore my online library of Yoga & Rest videos. For those who live in the Orange County area I offer weekly classes, monthly workshops, and quarterly trainings. And finally for those ready to completely immerse themselves in the rhythm of rest I have a Yoga, Rest, Adventure, Retreat coming up in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, October 12-19. Where you can immerse yourself in mindful yoga, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty as you discover inner peace and connect with like-minded souls in this eco-friendly oasis. Expect to fuel your curiosity and sense of adventure with a range of activities from jungle treks to ocean exploration.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A Pivot to Rest – Leaving a high-stress job ignited a personal transformation that became the foundation of Radiate Rest. My body and mind were exhausted, and it became clear that true rest was essential not just for my well-being but for the success of my business. Instead of rushing to rebuild, I intentionally slowed down. This period of intentional pause allowed me to reconnect with my creativity and resilience. It was a pivotal moment that taught me the importance of self-care as a cornerstone of both personal and professional fulfillment.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation as a Restorative and Yin Yoga expert started with a clear vision. I immersed myself in the craft, studying with leading practitioners to deepen my knowledge and skills. By consistently delivering exceptional experiences and sharing my expertise within the local yoga community, I positioned myself as a trusted authority. Over time, word-of-mouth and tangible results for my students solidified my reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.radiaterest.com
- Instagram: @radiaterest
