Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mcginn

Hi Shannon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Over a decade ago, I set off on an adventure that would shape my life forever. Traveling the world with a yoga mat in my backpack, I taught yoga in exchange for food and shelter at hostels in the most unexpected and captivating places. Each new destination added a layer of richness to my practice and perspective.

When the time came to settle in New York City, I knew I couldn’t just teach another routine yoga class. I wanted to infuse my teaching with the essence of my global journey. Central Park, with its lush greenery and vibrant energy, became the perfect setting. Here, city dwellers could reconnect with nature, feel the grass beneath their feet, and the sunshine kiss their cheeks.

The early days were filled with challenges. I was a wanderer with a yoga mat, eager to share this beautiful practice with fellow New Yorkers and travelers. I showed up day after day, often finding myself alone in the vast park. But with perseverance and a deep sense of purpose, I slowly built a community. My passion and energy flowed through each session, creating a space where people could find peace and connection.

I’m profoundly grateful for every person who joins me on this journey. Their presence and shared energy have helped our community grow and thrive, turning our practice into a celebration of the adventurous and wandering spirit that started it all.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The journey hasn’t been easy at all! It’s been incredibly challenging to grow. When I first started, it often felt like no one wanted to practice with me. I found myself grappling with negative thoughts, feeling like a “yoga-loser” despite all my training and studies. These doubts made me feel like a fraud.

The hardest part has been showing up every single day the weather allows, creating a space for new connections to blossom. Whether one person or ten joins me, I’m there with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude for those who need their practice on that particular day.

What has helped me grow the most is not quitting. Through perseverance, I’ve defeated my imposter syndrome and become a better teacher.

It’s the spirit of adventure that fuels me, drawing from those early days of teaching yoga in distant lands. Every class is a journey, a chance to connect with others and share the transformative power of yoga. I’m deeply grateful for the journey, the challenges, and the community that has grown along the way. With each practice, I continue to learn, grow, and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

UrbanNomadYoga brings a touch of wanderlust to NYC with a truly mobile yoga experience. We deliver everything you need right to your doorstep—whether it’s your apartment, office, rooftop, or one of New York City’s expansive parks. Our approach is gentle, focusing on helping you connect with your body and fall in love with the harmony of breath and movement.

We’re committed to building a vibrant local community, where you can always expect a friendly face. With a personal touch, either Shannon or her best friend Stefan leads every session, ensuring a familiar and welcoming experience. Our focus is on feeling good in your body rather than adhering to rigid standards, fostering a practice that is as unique as you are.

Our group practice is rooted in Central Park, where we offer daily open-level yoga classes that reconnect us with our ancient essence. For most of our 200,000-year history, we lived as nomadic hunters and gatherers, deeply entwined with nature. We evolved alongside the wild, our bodies and minds attuned to its rhythms. Engaging with nature—through a leisurely stroll, a forest hike, or a yoga session in Central Park—helps us reconnect with our primal self, grounding and renewing our senses.

In the whirlwind of city life, this essential connection can be lost. Escaping to nature for a weekend feels like a rare luxury, and even a simple park walk can seem precious.

At UrbanNomadYoga, we dedicate an hour to rediscovering our inner nomad and finding peace amid the urban hustle. Together, we nurture our souls and embrace the harmony that nature offers, even in the heart of the city.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

I thrive on taking risks and always trust my instincts. Leaving the familiar embrace of New York City to traverse the globe and teach yoga was a leap into the unknown, but it’s shaped me into who I am today. Embracing yoga as my full-time career was another bold adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I believe that the most exhilarating paths in life are those paved with calculated risks guided by your intuition. These daring steps, rooted in gut feelings, offer some of the most thrilling and transformative experiences imaginable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.UrbanNomadYoga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaincentralpark/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/CentralParkYoga/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/urbannomad-yoga-in-central-park-new-york-2