GETTING TO KNOW / MINDY JOHNSTONE

Happy New Year, EPM family! We are so grateful to have the most wonderful team of leaders and guides for our retreats. We wanted to kick off the year with an interview with Mindy Johnstone, our collaborator joining us on many retreats this year including Costa Rica, Bali, Ischia, Amalfi and South Africa….

Hi Mindy! Thank you so much for chatting with us here. First things first, lets start with a little background…Where are you based and what are some of your passions and interests?

Mindy: I'm based in Banff, Canada right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies! Living in a National Park the landscape inspired me everyday to get outside and explore the natural world. Alongside teaching yoga, I also instruct art classes within the community and online for all ages and levels. Last year, I published my first children's book that I wrote and illustrated. You'll find more details about how that unfolded here in my bio online from my webpage.

My husband Dave and I share a big love of outdoor adventure with our daughter Charly who's currently in grade 12. He's a wildlife biologist, arctic explorer and grand adventurer in all things. From hiking and mountain rafting trips to canoeing coastal waters, all 3 of us—and our dog Happy—thrive best in the outdoors and traveling to new places.

We also recently acquired a little property on the East Coast of Canada where we plan one day to build a summer cabin as an artist & wellness hideaway!

How did your journey into yoga and leading retreats get started and how did you get involved with leading retreats with EPM?

Mindy: I've been teaching yoga for over 20 years, and it started when I was in college for interior design. I fell in love with it immediately because of the rhythm of movement and breath with Ashtanga Yoga. I used to dance as a child, and it abruptly ended when I was a teen from skiing into a tree and breaking my leg. When I found yoga in my early 20's it reminded me of that freedom of expression, but the best part was it was non competitive. Performance and aesthetics is left at the door, which for me felt so liberating and still does.

I started and ran a successful yoga studio in Banff for 11 years, and we decided to close permanently in 2020. During that time I began to facilitate retreats through the studio, locally in the mountains for mini getaways and later on internationally. When I turned 40, I went on a 10 day artist workshop with Julian Hyzler in Tuscany. He mentioned during my stay that he and Erin collaborated on yoga and art retreats and if I ever wanted to bring a group to the farmhouse that the invitation was open. That led me to bring groups to Italy for yoga and art retreats for a few years, and on my last occasion, I finally have the honour to meet Erin. I had always admired her vision and felt aligned with what she offered guests after Julian had first told me about EPM. We connected and from there began to collaborate in 2019. Morocco was my first retreat that I led for EPM, and from that moment on I jump at the chance to lead for EPM. They are masters in curating wellness retreats, and it's a joy to lead guests during these magical weeks.

What retreats will you be leading this year for EPM and what are somethings you look forward to exploring in these locations?

Mindy: Costa Rica week 1 & 2: I love CR and have been on my own many times over the years. The pura vida (pure life) is palpable, the air is rejuvenating, and the climate is the perfect dose of Vitamin Sea for mid winter. Staying in the lush countryside overlooking the Pacific is a stunning retreat, as each day finishes with a beautiful sunset and an orchestra of birds.

BALI: Indonesia is one place that I am so looking forward to leading for the immersion into the spiritual culture of the Balinese. Their rituals and self care is an ideal setting to renew your senses.

ISCHIA & AMALFI: Italy is a country that I can return to again and again! The coastal retreat is the perfect mix of land and sea. Climbing high into the mountain sides for the Hike of the Gods to explore the green lush island of Ischia while savouring the essence of Dolce Vita—the absolute best!

SOUTH AFRICA: Pinch me please! Honestly, the dream of being immersed with a safari and wine tour is the calling of the Soul I think lol!

Okay, last question…Do you have any goals or intentions for 2023?

Mindy: I believe Intentions are the stepping stones towards goals. Each year I choose a word from a little box I made decades ago. This year I picked 'Bountiful' I can already sense that it is going to be!! But it did inspire me to focus on the positive letter 'B' : Beauty, Blessings, Bedazzle, Beloved, Brilliant Ideas, Best Self!

Thank you so much Mindy! If hearing about any of these adventures peaked your interest, click the links below to find out more info on joining Mindy this year!