Over the years, I have had numerous people inquire about retreats or coaching ask me; “Can I learn from you considering your relative youth?”
I love this question.
I started teaching yoga when I was 22 and most of the people who have gravitated towards me and my teachings have been older than me. The most common age range on an FSW Retreat is 40-60 years old.
Many people who have attended my retreats have subsequently described me as “wise beyond my years''. I firmly believe my entire life journey has led me to this moment and has made me ready to lead yoga & wellness retreats around the globe.
Allow me to break down my journey:
When I was a kid my Dad and I would spend the holidays with close family friends. I was typically the youngest there and often only knew a handful of people. My dad would tell me later on how friends would come up to him in awe saying “your 8 year old just had a full on conversation with me.” This is where I learned how to make myself seen, heard, and respected by people that were older than me.
I participated in competitive sports from age 6-21, and on several teams I was a Captain. Not only do I know what it is like to be a part of a team, I know how to lead one.
When I was 14, I played soccer in Amsterdam for 3 weeks with an international group called People-to-People. It was also my first time abroad not knowing anyone else. This is where I learned that travel, immersing myself in new cultures, and meeting people from all over the world was truly priceless.
When I was 15, I started my work in customer service and hospitality in the main restaurant of a major Vermont ski resort. This is where I honed my ability to communicate with and service people of all ages from all walks of life. I worked here on and off through college until I was 22.
High School was a challenging time for me, as it is for most teenagers who are trying to figure out who they are in a loud world that is already telling them who they are supposed to be. The struggles I felt led me toward the yogic path. I found comfort in three things during this time: 1) moving my body; exercise, sweating, moving energy, and being outside. 2) books; mindfulness, self-help & travel 3) quality relationships; having people I could lean on, love, and be loved by. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was a part of yoga (embodiment, self-study, community), and led me towards the deeper discovery of yoga’s roots. These 3 things also became values within my business, Free Spirited Wanderer.
In college, I studied abroad three times; Business Management in Spain (2012), Buddhist Philosophy in India (2013), and Buddhist Philosophy in Cambodia (2014). While the content alone has helped me on my journey, I also paid close attention to the behind-the-scenes process. I was in tune with the details because I knew I wanted to create similar life-changing experiences one day.
I completed my first 200 yoga teacher training in Pokhara, Nepal (2014), and my 300ytt in Kerala, India (2018) both with Rishikul Yogshala. I chose this school to fully immerse myself in an authentic yoga training. The lessons I learned on my solo travels and time spent on ytt’s are the foundation of my retreats.
I worked at lululemon from 2015-2018. My time as a key leader gave me further insight on how to create a brand and organize a business.
I started my business, Free Spirited Wanderer, in 2017 when I was 25. Since the age of 14, I knew I wanted to create my own destiny and live life on my own terms. Building FSW has been the hardest thing I have ever done, yet it has also been the most rewarding. It has taught me that living a fulfilling life means being present with all that life has to offer (the light and dark), and finding a way to embrace the journey, not just the destination. This is yoga.
I practice what I teach. I fully believe that a good teacher / leader needs to walk on the path that they are bringing others on. I pass down what I have learned from my teachers and trainings, as well as my own life experiences and personal practice.
So, can you learn from me and feel safe traveling with me given my relative youth?
I’ve had participants from ages 16-70 on my retreats, and I know every age group as left feeling fulfilled. I am confident that, no matter your age, you can and will learn from me.
If you give me a chance (as well as yourself), I will help you transform your life and guide you back home to that inner fire that is ready to be stoked or reignited.
While I may not have walked as many years as you have on this planet, and I haven’t experienced everything you have, I have been walking with purpose my entire life. I am meant to be here today. Everything in my life thus far has given me the ability and confidence to walk this path, and encourage others to walk side by side with me.
Join me in 2024 on an FSW Retreat and allow me to help you remember your innate potential, personal power, and higher purpose.
TESTIMONIALS:
MELANIE S. AGE: 50
“When I first experienced yoga with Carole, I knew she was wise beyond her years. Though I myself had practiced and taught yoga as a physical therapist for over two decades, I still learned a great deal from Carole’s approach to yoga, breath work, and Eastern philosophy. She embodies what she teaches. Her kindness and passion is infectious and I am always grateful for anytime I get to spend with her. I always come away inspired.”
CINDY B. AGE: 44
"Carole definitely over-delivered and led this retreat from a place of experience and compassion. She is wise beyond her years and I always feel fully supported in her presence. Carole’s extensive training, knowledge and life experiences shine through in everything she teaches. Carole is a beautiful soul both inside and out and I don’t believe this retreat would have been as meaningful for me if it weren’t for her. I plan on implementing many of the practices she taught us and am excited to see where the next chapter of my life takes me."
SUSAN B. AGE: 59
"Being a student of Carole is one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve been lucky enough to have in my life. Her vulnerability and open heart comes through if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to have a conversation with her or take her class. Though she and I are at different places in life age-wise, we share a bond that I will treasure forever. Putting into words what this sweet loving soul means to me as a friend and a mentor is quite difficult. To sum it all up if you are lucky enough to share time with Carole you will take something away from it and I guarantee she’ll help you find something in yourself that you didn’t realize was there all the time."