WOB Woman: Bridget Riepl, The VibeWell Yoga Festival, NJYC, and Finding Balance and Community
You’ll probably notice that today’s blog is a little different.
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Now that we’ve got business out of the way let’s get down to the reason you’re here.
We’re going to introduce you to an amazing WOB Woman:
Bridget Riepl
Bridget is the founder of the New Jersey Yoga Collective and the VibeWell Yoga Festival.
She’s also a yoga teacher, author, and mom.
Bridget’s interview is sure to give you some smiles, some laughs, and some serious inspiration.
And if you’re wondering how Bridget does all that she does, well she actually covers that in this interview as well.
So here we go!
Hey Bridget! We love to start off with a little fun here at WOB. So, tell us: What did younger Bridget want to be when she grew up? Has that changed?
Best question ever! I wanted to be the first female president of the United States.
Clearly that changed a lot, though I did go to law school and work as an attorney for a while. More than a few presidents were lawyers, right?!
Life is so different today. I'm not "political", though I am deeply invested in seeing our world changed for the better.
Luckily teaching yoga, running the NJYC, and working on events and festivals like VibeWell gives me an incredible platform to talk about issues that are close to my heart.
For example, at this year's festival, I chose to center our panel discussion around inclusivity because I feel really strongly about yoga studios - and the world - figuring out a way to make every single person feel welcome. Like they belong. Like there is always a mat for them, a student who looks like them, a teacher they can relate to and connect with, and an overall vibe of being able to practice in peace.
There is so much more I could say, but honestly, my speakers for the Festival are the ones we all need to hear. I personally can't wait to learn more from them and take ACTION from there.
That’s awesome! And so needed...So, as a yoga teacher, you literally help people find their balance inside and out… but what does balance mean to you?
Balance to me is about connection. So many people - myself included - spend years splintering themselves into a million pieces. We disassociate our heads, hearts, minds, bodies, souls, spirits, dreams, goals, emotions, feelings, traditions, jobs, hobbies, passions, intentions, and fears.
Balance is about bringing it all back together.
You started the New Jersey Yoga Collective and it has just continued to grow as a resource and a source of community… What's your favorite thing about the community you're building with the NJYC?
My favorite thing is when I sign on to my email or social media and I see a new name, asking how they can get involved.
I especially get excited if they practice in an area or studio I've never been to.
My dream for the NJYC was connection and expansion - yes, we are deeply rooted in our hOMe studios , but we are also the creators of something so much bigger.
The NJYC is for every single person who has ever unrolled a mat, taken a breath, moved their body, and felt a shift in their soul. We are liberated individuals, but we are also ONE.
Exactly! So we can’t talk about the local yoga community in New Jersey without discussing VibeWell. I went last year and it was just crazy awesome. But could you tell our readers a little about VibeWell, in case they're not familiar?
Yes!!!
VibeWell is my baby right now and I couldn't be more in love with it. It's the first-ever yoga festival in NJ and it happens in what has to be one of the coolest cities in the country - Asbury Park, NJ.
The VibeWell Yoga Festival is an epic experience and opportunity to spend a full day in an environment that fosters love, compassion, and connection with beings who bring their own unique perspective to the practice.
Plus it’s a fantastic chance to fully geek out on yoga.
So, if our readers are like “Yep, Bridget… I’m in!”... what should they know?
This year’s VibeWell Yoga Festival is happening on October 27, 2019, in Asbury Park, NJ, the “city by the sea”, with a unique vibration that has consistently inspired creative collaboration, artistic evolution, empowered expression, and a non-judgmental lifestyle grounded in universal loving-kindness. Some of NJ’s - and the world’s - greatest teachers, speakers, healers, brands, and creators will be sprinkled throughout the Asbury Hotel, Asbury Lanes, and the Danny Clinch Gallery from 8 AM to 5 PM, ready to immerse you even deeper into our local yoga family.
So who will be there? Anyone we know?
You’ll get to spend the day with some empowering human beings…. Robert Sturman, Jillian Pransky, Karena Virginia, Vanessa Van Noy, Ellen Mosko, Phyllicia Bonanno, Bailey Frumen, Jessica Stickler, Lockey Maisonneuve, April Puciata, Stephanie Moore, Bridget Lyons, Johnny Scifo, and me!
Maybe you’ve read their books, signed up for their immersions, follow their Instagram accounts, or swooned a little when you saw the group that traveled with them to exotic retreat locations.
This is your chance to learn from the leaders in our community!
What kind of “vibe” can our readers expect if they go?
The classes range from musically inspired jam sessions to deeply emotional releases, with workshops mixed in between, where you’ll break down poses, up-level your anatomy game, and empower you to move with greater attention, awareness, and freedom. You’ll have the chance to build your dream day, with a soul-nourishing schedule that will engage your muscles, your mind, and your own capacity of making magic.
Whew… That’s so much awesome...With all of this going on you probably need to keep your energy up and stay well? Have you tried our Wave of Balance products to keep your balance?
I am ALL about WOB in my smoothies every single day.
I started drinking smoothies regularly when my kids were 2 years old, mostly because I could make them in 30 seconds and drink them while I did dishes, changed laundry loads, and wiped runny noses.
Your days sound like they are jam-packed...How did you find Wave Of Balance?
I initially became interested in adding WOB when a friend told me the Moringa is often used in traditional herbal medicines and can help reduce inflammation.
I teach yoga almost every day, I go to spin and HIIT classes, and I chase my kids...who are now 7!. The inflammation is REAL.
I noticed a difference almost instantly after adding WOB. I can't imagine a day without it at this point!
That’s awesome! So we love to grow our community here at WOB… Where can people find out more about you, NJYC, and Vibewell?
Yes: Find us! Connect with us!
NJYC and VibeWell have their own websites.
You can connect with me on IG and find the NJYC on IG
Thanks so much Bridget! This was so much fun!
Of course! See you at VibeWell WOB Tribe!
