We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Yeager. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.

Shannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

For many years, I juggled having a full time corporate job and being a wellness practitioner. After giving birth to my little one, I quickly realized I couldn’t do it all. I had to be very intentional and discerning with my time. I have always been passionate about helping people connect to their breath, move mindfully and learn tools to reduce stress. I knew I was ready to pursue a career that allowed me to fulfill my purpose of helping others heal, while providing flexibility to raise my daughter.

I didn’t know what this path would look like, which felt scary and overwhelming at first. I had to get out of “fight or flight” mode, tune inward and trust my intuition to figure out what comes next. I pulled out my meditation cushion, listened to sound baths, and talked with mentors and coaches. Eventually the little voice inside my head grew louder and it became clear that I wanted to help moms find a sense of calm, reignite their purpose and take action on their dreams.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I was in college, I woke up one morning feeling numb and tingly in my hands. I went to the doctor and was told I was hyperventilating due to stress. It was here that my wellness journey began. I started learning about different breathing techniques and going to yoga a few times a week. I knew I wanted to share these practices with others, so I became a certified yoga instructor (RYT-500) and started leading weekly classes and community events. During the past 10 years, I have added breath work, meditation, sound healing and Reiki to the modalities I offer.

These wellness practices are just the beginning. I am a certified coach (IAPRC) specializing in intuitive wellness. My mission is to empower moms to practice self-care and find what lights them up to live a vibrant and purposeful life. I start every session with mindfulness to help you regulate your nervous system and connect to your intuition. From this place of calm, I use curiosity and coaching to reignite your passion, envision new possibilities and take action.

As a busy mom, I understand how it feels to be running on empty and put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. The practices and tools I use to guide you are the same tools that have helped me fill up my cup and align with my purpose.

Each coaching “cocoon” is uniquely created to meet you where you are and help you expand beyond your wildest dreams. Virtual sessions are available to make it more accessible. I have helped moms find their dream job, start non-profit organizations, become certified in healing practices, launch their entrepreneurial journey, relocate to their favorite city and more.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

While I was in the middle of my advanced yoga teacher training, I had a snowboarding accident and tore the cartilage in my wrist. I was unable to bear any weight on my wrist, which meant no downward dogs or planks — a fundamental part of many yoga classes.

I was discouraged and wasn’t sure if I should continue the training because I knew I wouldn’t be able to do the same poses as the other people in the training. Then I remembered how many students I worked with that had wrist pain. I realized it was an opportunity for me to learn modifications that could help myself and others practice yoga safely while recovering from an injury.

This perspective helped me let go of my ego and be open to a new learning experience. I was able to complete the training, develop more empathy, and deepen my knowledge as a yoga practitioner and teacher.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, I learned how to be independent at a young age. I was encouraged to be resourceful and solve problems on my own. While these skills have been helpful in my career, it has also made it difficult at times to ask for and accept support from others.

In this stage of my life as a new mom and business owner, I have had to unlearn that I need to do everything myself. One of the best pieces of advice I received when I started coaching was to work with a mentor and lean into my community. I am a better mom when I have more hands helping me. I am more creative when I have a coach to bounce ideas off of. I am grateful to be able to provide support for moms as they embark on their own journey of healing, growth and transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://expandbeyondcoaching.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkyeager/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonkyeageryoga/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-yeager-59564045/
• Twitter: https://x.com/shannonkyeager
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonKYeagerYoga
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonkyeager

Image Credits

Black Rider Studios
Laura Costa Photography
Shannon Yeager