Soul Story : Vanessa Gonzalez

 Soul Story:

 Vanessa Gonzalez

People met on this journey to living, rather than surviving, have certainly made me (and many others) smile throughout the times spent with them. Practicing yoga regularly and encompassing new friendships throughout has made going forward that much happier. Ms. Vanessa has certainly brightened what I would have thought a task, into something you can laugh at yourself about, and after falling---laugh through the strength it takes in getting back up. Every time we meet and conjure up a new ideas or just shoot the breeze on love, life, education, and meaningful fun things there is never a doubt you will leave without learning or believing higher about yourself or what ANYTHING can become with a smile (she's radiant!). For the many aspects of life that can change, it is inspirational to hear the wellness and positivity from so much has changed one's life, but is willing to get others out NOW and keep that mind strong.


How did yoga come into your life?

Through sports. I started practicing yoga in High School at a racquetball & fitness class to supplement Track & Cross Country. It gave me the flexibility and mental strength to be a better runner.

 

What allows you to let go and let flow? 

Bring in the present moment and connecting my students. Tuning into what they need as I see them flow.

 

What have you learned about yourself (inside and out)?

Oh, wow! I can tell you a story about that. LOL… Yoga literally saved my life! Practicing yoga and being an instructor has allowed me to bring awareness to my breath, mind, and body. I changed at a cellular level. Not only did yoga help me physically, but it helped me internally. I suffered from epilepsy and with a consistent power yoga practiced, meditation and good nutrition, I healed. It (yoga) also helped shed the lies I had created in my mind that weighed me down and rediscovered my inner light. My new awareness has brought me back to my faith and now I can see my purpose more clearly. I have become more compassionate and loving with myself. Which in turn transfers over to others.

What in your life has changed due to growth?

Everything! As I stated before, it’s a regeneration at a cellular level. My perspective changed and my world changed. Having the new perspective about myself has opened up doors to opportunity within myself. I realized that I have always enjoyed being into Health & Wellness. The difference now is that I want to share how I feel and do with others. Transforming into the real me has changed my relationship and has opened up the doors to opportunity. 

Describe a mindful warrior.

We go through challenges and obstacles and we get through them. Being Mindful is that part we all need to develop. Mindfulness is about waking up and developing consciousness which will raise us to a higher level of consciousness.

Are there any goals in your future you want to conquer with Yoga?
Yes, the goal and vision is to teach our local and global community about Health & Wellness. By collaborating with local organizations and businesses in the future, I would like to take my yoga teaching to a global level and reach out to people in other countries.




Is there any encouragement to those who are new/shy about practicing yoga?

If you think about it you do yoga everyday without knowing it. You BREATH, with yoga you WAKE UP to a different level of awareness.
    The coolest thing I have seen was a person in a wheelchair do Power Yoga. They only had half their body movement. For me, I could not do a Chaturanga for 6 months! Since I only focused on running I had no upper body strength!

The first step is to come onto your mat as you are.

The rest is up to you, to step out of your comfort zone to come into something new, on or off your mat. Anybody CAN do it! Yoga is for all!

Any intentions for the 'Right Now' in your life? 

Yes, I am on my path toward healing and living my purpose. NO MORE HOLDING BACK!

 

Life lessons, what do you teach to your students and friends?

1. Everyone makes mistakes. Be compassionate with yourself.

2. When you let go of PEOPLE'S expectations of who you are meant to be, you realize YOU are the CREATOR of your REALITY.

3. Once you align your mind & hear---your true self comes out. 

4. Everyone has their path. Follow yours and you can’t go wrong. Let go of competition and comparison.

As such an inspiring and joyful teacher how do you intend to inspire others?

I intend to lead by example, and inspire others to embrace and love who they are, and to share their passions with others. When we share what we love we come together and create something beyond our dreams. Just like you, me and Sam, we shared what we love to do and now it’s come to this! ;)

Any tips on building a strong foundation (mindfully and/or physically) that can encourage people to keep going in anything they do? 

Yes, my faith really has set my foundation into everything I do, mentally and physically. That being said, not everyone is of the same faith.  From the yogi perspective, at the physical level, power yoga has allowed me to feel my body and hear my breath. As a result it connected mind and heart into alignment which has paved my path to where I am now. It has highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. So, that is a major part of being MINDFUL. It’s recognizing your strengths and your weakness. When you do that, you will see the areas in which you need to focus on. However, it takes discipline and the, “I can CHANGE and I AM Possible”, mentality to COMMIT to growth and set your roots down. Once you know where you need to root down (set your foundation), your branches will open up!

 

Soul Story: Yvette H.---Watermelon Rider

Now I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of great men and women in while in Texas. But it is certainly wonderful when you get to meet a someone who is inspiring, welcoming, encouraging AND continues to grow and exemplify through many aspects and people throughout the community. A charging and awesome lady who is a concrete role model in the biking community has definitely proven that the power of connection and a kind heart lessen the degrees of separation and brings a growing community together through action and public works and dedication.

The ever growing and incredible group SATX Social Ride (formerly\widely aka San Antonio Tuesday Night Bike Club) hosts multiple weekly rides, informs folks about bike, community and safety when riding, and lends hand to great local charities. SATX Social Ride lends to rides of all levels on downtown routes, trails, and opens forums for others to ride and participate in many other big rides. Check below how the Watermelon Rider keeps it rolling in San Antonio.

What sparked your passion for biking? When did it begin?

On a more serious scale maybe three years ago, it no longer was just a pastime,  but a workout for our training.  Completing my very first Tour de Cure (36 miles) really inspired me to make and reach the next goal. Which was 65, then 100 miles.

How many miles a week do you average, and how do you encourage others to bike as well?

30 to 50 miles a week.  Facebook or text is my way to invite others to get out and ride! 

With the current campaign for “My 3 feet” what would you like to see this movement lead to?

Safer bike lanes more aware drivers and cyclists.

San Antonio is BOOMING with bicyclists and groups all over are making biking in the city known.  What does that make you feel to see such great power in numbers and what do you look forward to seeing in SATX in the near future as far as community participation?

It’s super exciting to see more bikes on the streets.  I would love to see protected bike lanes like in NYC and more signage.

What are you most memorable rides you have traveled on in Texas?

The Wildflower ride through our beautiful hill country.  My most difficult ride, but the scenery made it totally worthwhile.

What keeps/motivates you going when you give, bike, and promote your mission day in and day out?

The feeling of accomplishment after a ride.  It's also very motivating to see others excitement after their first ride.

You are in the masses and SA bike community, and it definitely has taken notice.  How do people know how to get involved and help encourage a better and safer bike atmosphere in San Antonio?

First of all lead by example. Become part of the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization- Alamo Area) and other community efforts.

What organizations that men, women, and children can get involved in San Antonio?

SATX Social Ride, Earn a Bike, Kidical Mass, Tomboy & Mimosas to name just a few.

   Must say I wouldn't be on these trails and biking happy if it weren't for Yvette. She has shown me and many others what fun goals and riding in the city is all about. Getting involved, enjoying every moment you can outdoors and welcoming others to join in is what it means to be a true model to experience a place like San Antonio is all about. Glad to know ya!

It's friggn' GREAT. (Video)

Look for the SATX Social Ride on Facebook and Instagram. Also check out Vegan in San Antonio and other great rides around SA from Murals Rides and the fun Wine and Cheese rides on the weekends! 

Embrace your era...The Brooklynite Experience

8:30pm- As I ask the mixing architect what to drink, the pleasant essence of revolution and freedom overcomes the scene. The lifting of Prohibition entices every spec of this classy vintage establishment and its decor. While the host of the Brooklynite showcases what he knows best, the humble and honesty to the craft brings solace to the end of a bustling day, yet lends feeling to the beginning of the best part of the day waiting to happen.

The crowd starts to fill as a legend prepares to give sound to what he does effortlessly.

9ish- A second cocktail is poured and the vibes draw higher as the element of lust and grace liven the joint with laughter, camaraderie, sensual draws and class of the unique only found here.
The premiere sight of pearls, gentlemen's hats, bow ties, and clinking of carefully crafted bevvies gives the longing to stay for more than just a sip. You want to actually be here. All should be here.

The crowd awakens as the  host cuts the music and the music begins. Jim Cullum.

THE Jim Cullum. The (happy) Jazz band.

Legandary.

The sound that not only promotes happy, but Jim catalyzes through my Southside cocktail. The feeling that I want more of with the fresh and invigorating taste. I want to go beyond exploration and hear more of what he has created with the times of Armstrong and pre-World War II. With humble and classic charm through sound and jolly, the exquisite room is roaring with delight and modern pleasure with swinging footsteps and que-meets of lovely new friends who have fallen in love here. As the -ish hour rolls on you await on the hopes of Jim to come back soon and round everyone once again into the rose colored feeling of time played through sounds of new and unknown tunes. But with no matter, all cannot help but enjoy the treasure that the night has lent to us to be a part of a musical institution's reverberation. A few, who are fortunate to get to admire personally the comfort and humble character of Mr. Cullum feel myriads more of being a part of this long awaited and whelming night.

What greatness it would be to one day BS with a legend, fill your peace with not only a place that raves a simplistic class...but allows you to feel as if you belong and wiser for choosing to stay.

The Brooklynite.

What a place. Where blues, jazz, and their relationship mean something beyond the sound. A taste, finesse, and poetry of essential craft defined by care and passion. A spot to relieve the mind to chat and learn the tastes of soul.

Give way to an experience with the key of soul & time to view what you really love about your heart as The Brooklynite brings creation of an era to love the creation of your own.





The Brooklynite
516 Brooklyn Ave
San Antonio, TX

Shindig your Way

I know I know about a lot of events, fun shindigs by friends, and get down and happy with the best of them. Most times though I enjoy being the quiet one at these events and watch/listen to how people interact instead of being the life of the party. Now the whole introvert\extrovert personalities can come into effect of how you place yourself in public settings. But when going to an event that you know people are going to interact and want some kind of attention from you or many how do you keep yourself open but mysterious at the same time?

I say: “Shut. Up.”

2 words that will totally catch the bold and shock the reserved. You can gear up (or down) who is gonna be your cup of tea at your next shindig. Those who react like they are ‘oh so taken aback’ will be your conservatives and low key folks that have that cool conversation with you. Although they may ghost out and you will be left like Cinderella’s shoe on a drunken homecoming night. Speaking of which, when is it cool to ghost out of a party??? 

Check out this story: http://ideas.evite.com/etiquette/is-ghosting-okay/

So don’t get your feelings hurt if these folks run out you like a bad ex-lover. Secondly, lol check this: http://ideas.evite.com/etiquette/the-dos-and-donts-of-seeing-an-ex-at-a-party/ 

Don’t worry you came to the party looking great and now you’re FABULOUS. Strut it and meet that someone new to spark your shindig experience.

So what about those that are like ‘Ha, hell yeah! I know right?!?’ and continue on when you say “Shut. Up.”??? Well, they are gonna take your shindig to another level you may or may not be ready for. In fact, they will keep you close like the conservative ones, but you may lose them in the crowd that will be fawning over them all night. They can be your networking wing-person and your crazy BF at the same time. Be warned though, these may be fast and confusing types of relationships that will leave you scratching your head. You won’t know if y’all are going steady or just a crush playing footsies like your middle school boyfriend/girlfriend at Thanksgiving dinner.

How do I know??? Trust , as a person on both sides of the overactive and mundane spectrums and listening to more than sometimes what I can handle of people telling me their life stories…I have definitely experienced my share of all the above and been the person on the other side. Ask your friends, if you ain’t scared, what they think of you when y’all go out.  Get that inner reflection from a non-biased sort. I love asking off guard to pals and colleagues alike what I am doing to hinder or help a relationship. It is awesome to be able to improve positive in your ways. Or if you like being a rude son of a gun or an overachieving people pleaser, by all means DO YOU. No one should like you more than you.

There is so much that you can learn about yourself and others if YOU just shut up. So do it. Shut. Up. (I mean that in the nicest way)

Adventure on.

JB

Soul Story: Sam Morales Illuminating The Paintyard

Some folks may just like to stand back and observe the beauty that others have the talent to create. The explorers of the human race will find a way to be a part of that beauty.
And everyone is welcomed to move right along with them.

Explorers make their move to be a part of the picture that is willing to help provide the potential that people enjoy experiencing.

So much can be happening in a city that leaves so much possibility to explore for ourselves and be able to bring others we know, and do not know, to see with us. At some points we want to catch it all, but want to find the space that you can call your own.
Your own piece of beauty that is created by how you can best express. Hopefully, with the potential you require of yourself, others will soon too appreciate and accept who you are and what you would like to see preserved that is remarkable in your world that gives others permission to take part of.


Art can be translated into many forms that no one way is right. But all kinds of art are interpreted to expand our minds to sometimes other's meaning of life that we are allowed to take into our own.


Sam Morales of The Paintyard @ the Montana has this wild passion for street and painted art that shows in his dedication to the San Antonio community. Helping express the streets with colorful vibes and unsung artists that have crazy potential to rise.

What was it that made you fall head over heels for creativity?

Being able to create something beautiful and original for many to enjoy thru ingenuity and inspiration. 

How does the Paintyard make their mark on San Antonio?  What do you all do for the community?

Well, we give the youth of San Antonio  and many surrounding areas a safe and comfortable environment for them to express themselves creatively thru paint  making them better at their craft and hopefully keeping them off the streets on top of it .

What do you like to create?

I like to create practical things with plastics and of course good vibes wherever I go. But I also enjoy creating cool photography, music or painting. The warehouse is where I get zoned into creating a lot of good ideas for myself and what to improve next for my artists.

What does your soul vibe to (music wise) that makes you rise to light up in designing?

I really enjoy Chill-step. Since there are very few words it allows my mind to wander and be creative , plus it's just sounds cool.

San Antonio is growing and developing in so many ways.  What about your world keeps you here in the art scene?

All the new people old and young I'm meeting thru the arts and just learning from each other and growing .

What is the Paintyard community like?

Good vibes all around and creative flow. Very cool learning environment. Every artist shows me something new and bigger every time.  

When you bike around the city,  what do you see through your creative eyes?

 I see so much potential here in San Antonio and really enjoy the good weather and greenery around town. It's growing with cool undiscovered spots that make it great to ride. 

What inspires you to keep going in the artful realm?

The constant flow of good energy that's available all over the world instantly recognizable by creative people . The universal artistic language that is understood beyond borders.

When art is covered or so called offending what only one knows in the ways of his/her expression, community socials like Sam are pushing for them to keep creating. People like him are the reasons artists are encouraged to illuminate our illustrations beyond what words could ever say.

Join Sam and the Bike & Soul Crew with Tomboys&Mimosas on our illuminated ride thru San Antonio. Beginning at Alamo Eats the glow ride will be having a mid-route social at The Paintyard and rally at the Luminaria Event: www.luminaria.org

Shindig On.
by Tomboys and Mimosas 

The Paintyard Located at: 525 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX

Soul Story: B Cycle Leader Jacob

Bike share systems in cities all across the nation have become the greatest alternative transportation in downtown and growing suburban areas. It has created a new but nostalgic option for those who like to get to a destination and not hassle about parking or locking up their own bike and enjoying their merry way.

From east to west there are companies like Capital Bikeshare, and  CycleHop and in Texas there is B Cycle a great way to get around the sprawling city when you wanna take in the historic and classic sites like the Riverwalk, the Alamo, and new World Heritage appointed park  The  Missions trail. Now biking can be a crazy expensive sport, but with the great benefit of a nice workout and a community that fits all ages and levels. It is a wonderful way to get around and get your heart pumping with many miles rolling under your gears.

With Jacob, he is a leader and great bicycle enthusiast and athlete that has B Cycle giving him the chance to ride the great city of San Antonio. Jacob's Bike and Soul Story tells how he is racking up the miles around this great town.

How did you get to know about B-Cycle?

Ok I had try it out since 2012...and I loved it from 2013 and 2014 when I started serious riding. Over the past year I kept bike riding on Mission trails now in 2015. I have not stop yet on my B-Cycle bike rides. I love to be part of San Antonio's B-Cycle and helping out the Mission's tours.  
I get to show people what b cycle is like. Now as I am a B-Cycle staff, I keep the Mission's trails and B-Cycle station nice and clean. Going on my two years. I love it.

What is it like working for B-Cycle?

It's gives me something to do for San Antonio and love to work out and help out tours and all four missions of San Antonio, TX.

What are your favorite trails?
1. Bike from Southtown to the Zoo loop
2. Blue Star around Roosevelt
3. Missions Trail San Juan (especially when the sunset is happening)

What is your Soulful biking music?

Definitely Hip Hop and some Pop music

What do you like about biking in San Antonio?
It gives me a good body work out. I do not go gym. So I ride my B-Cycle all the time . The B-Cycle bike has a GPS that tracks how many miles you bike. lt let's me know how to get to downtown area and take VIA bus too all over SA.

You are the alternative transportation Master! Anything else you would like the people to know?

People love me a lot of ways I make people laugh and smile. Joy. That's what biking in San Antonio is for me to other people too.


A leader and a friend showing a great way to get around your favorite town. Make sure you say hello to our riding soul Jacob if you see him and cheer him on for more miles checking the streets and B-Cycle stations and keeping them ready for many more folks to come and join.

A great supporter of Bike & Soul andother great groups like TNBC and the Wild Dawgs rides. Jacob has shown us a great thing or two about riding safely and just as great as the pros on a B-Cycle bike in our neighborhood.

Join us on our next ride around the great San Antonio on September 18 at 7 pm themed sports style edition at Alamo Eats!

Adventure on Peeps!

J

Soul Story: John Moses, Musician

Your City. Your Life. Your Adventure. A place can make your soul want to dedicate more than what is usual to make your existence a passion, and others wanting to be a part of it. For John Moses his passion came from a place of home. Music is his heart and creating for people in his home of Texas, being influenced by ones closest to him proves a Soul Story of influential vibes. 

Check out his Soul Story:

What drew your Soul to music?  

   -My father introduced me to music. He has been a musician all his life. When I was young I was always at his band practices. Our family grew up playing as a worship band till I eventually ventured into my own music.

When did you know?  

   -I knew l was meant to create music after I realized how much I enjoyed the art behind creating music and the joy it brought others when they heard my original work. Besides my son, nothing makes me happier than composing a melody with the lyrics colliding sweetly. 

The first tune you learned?  

    -The first tune I learned was the Jurassic Park theme song on the piano. 

If 3 songs could represent who you are what would they be and why?  

   1. Wheel by John Mayer - I feel like song is speaking right through me. Life is a circle, and when it goes south, it will come right back up again. It is a simple concept that maintains my happiness. 

   2. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson - I live every moment of my life looking in the mirror and always will. How can I be better and what do I need to do to continue to make my life a happy life.  

   3. Doing It Wrong - Drake - Until recently, I found myself continuously in unwanted relationships.They were built on circumstances versus "love". The lyrics in this song was my thought process for a long time and it is a constant reminder on why I rather wait till the right time.

Right before the curtain rises, what goes through your mind?  

   -I leave my mind completely blank. I allow the moment to happen and embrace the joy. 

Is San Antonio, or another place, the root of why you sing? Why there?  

 -I started singing when I was young. My grandpa is a pastor of a church in Weslaco,Texas and that is where it all began. It was fun and I was horrible. But I did it pure heartedly. 

What is your fondest memory of music and what song brings it home to you?  

   -When I was young my friend Robert took me to a Third Day concert. There was a moment when the lights went out in the climax of there version of "Hallelujah",  my heart stopped. When the music came back on full blast I was mesmerized. 

What are your main impulses to write music? 

   -It varies on melody and lyrics. Some things I have and a melody pops into my head. I think about the mood it puts me in, then develop lyrics to support the mood. Sometimes I think of lyrics and develop a sound to encompass my words. It is such a wonderful feeling when it starts coming together. 

In which way does writing and reading about music change the way it is perceived by the public in San Antonio?  

   -When I am writing my music it is as if I am purging an emotion. I attempt to couple that with vague enough lyrics that will give the listener a chance join in the moment. The perception of the song can be taken multiple ways by the people in San Antonio.  The response is the beautiful part of it all. 

What does your Soul ride on?  

   -My soul rides on the challenges of success and the maintenance of happiness. 

What are you currently grooving to? 

   -I am currently grooving to 311- Amber

Without Exception...our fellow rider of San Antonio has got the Soul the city can vibe to.

Adventure on peeps.
Jess B 

*John Moses' "Without Exceptions" is available worldwide and on Spotify*

Check out John Moses in various venues in the San Antonio Area and check out his music on YouTube and Facebook at:
https://www.youtube.com/user/johnmosesmusic
and
https://www.facebook.com/johnmosesmusic?fref=ts
Instagram: #
johnmosesmusic