A Little Bliss in Brookfield

 Sometimes when you look into the eyes of people you meet, you can see the spark that drives them to take a path less traveled.  When I first encountered Pam Bliss, founder of Brookfield’s hottest yoga studio, I sensed an energy and determination that made me curious about her motivation and history.  What would drive a young, single mom to leave her financially stable nursing career to risk it all on making the business of running a yoga studio work? 

 MYM - What motivated you to open YogAsylum?

 PB - I was a registered nurse for 12 years, including three years in intensive care. I witnessed a great deal of pain and suffering, most of it the result of people having neglected their bodies for much of their lives. I knew there had to be a way to prevent such an unpleasant fate. I was already practicing yoga, so I was learning about its many health benefits.

 My dream was to provide the space and education for others to experience their own personal health and well-being, and yoga was my inspiration. Once I made this decision, I began exhaustive research into the how, where, and when of making this dream come true.

 I was uncompromising with regard to quality. I would accept nothing but the best when it came to designing the physical space. YogAsylum was to be a place of peace, health and spiritual growth. The studio is constructed from high-quality, environmentally friendly materials and the design was conceived with the guidance of a knowledgeable consultant in the art of Feng Shui. All staff and teachers at YogAsylum are dedicated to treating the students, other staff members and themselves with integrity, professionalism and spirit.

 As you might expect, all of this came at a very high sticker price. But thanks in part to the assistance and generosity of an anonymous third party, my mission to bring yoga and a space dedicated to holistic healing to the broadest possible audience became a reality.

 MYM - Tell me about your experiences so far.

 PB - I couldn't work this hard if I weren't passionate about what I'm doing, and

I feel blessed that way. The subject and techniques of yoga are vast and deep-the more you learn the more you want to know. 

I've never felt that YogAsylum is mine; it belongs to the students who practice here. I've been given a great gift in being able to provide them with knowledgeable instruction and a safe environment in which to learn.

 I know first hand how powerful yoga can be. Around the time I was starting YogAsylum, I needed major surgery on my neck and spine to correct an injury I sustained in a car accident in 1992. While the procedure was necessary, it would be incredibly dangerous, and carry a high risk of leaving me paralyzed. In fact, four of the surgeons I talked to refused to perform it.  I finally found one that would, and I credit my yoga practice with my complete and rapid recovery, with no paralysis or negative side effects.

 MYM - How did you choose this Brookfield location for YogAsylum?

 PB - Before selecting a location, I did research that showed the average person is willing to travel up to 30 miles to take classes on a regular basis. Our location allows us to draw from all directions, in contrast to a downtown Milwaukee location where the lake would cut off the possibility of attracting students from the east. Sendik's Towne Center is clean, well lit, safe, and parking is unlimited and free. We're also close to affordable hotels and the major highways, which makes it convenient for guest presenters from around the country. Our facility is larger than I though we would need, but we're rapidly growing into it.

 Over the past several years we've developed many wonderful partnerships in our local community as well as in the overall yoga community. Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago, under founding director Daren Friesen, has been a great resource to me. We met while YogAsylum was researching a way to transfer all of our paper records to a computerized studio management system. On Daren’s recommendation we purchased Ombase, which is the program Moksha uses at both of its Chicago locations.  It has been extremely valuable in streamlining our operations. During this process, Daren visited us at YogAsylum and it was obvious from the start that his philosophies and temperament are a perfect fit with YogAsylum. Coming up this August, September and October we are thrilled to be hosting certification training for yoga teachers taught by Daren Friesen at our Brookfield facility.

 MYM - Any additional thoughts for our readers?

 PB - If you aren't already practicing yoga, consider beginning a practice. If you do practice occasionally now, consider making it as important to your day as that morning cup of coffee, or your next meal. I can't think of one good excuse for NOT allowing this amazing discipline into your life. It is thousands of years old and its benefits are magical, whether you are simply looking for better body maintenance or for some deeper a route to a healthier mind and spirit. Take personal responsibility for your future, and do it today.  Medicines and drugs are just a Band-Aid over a life-threatening wound. You can change your life, from the inside out with yoga. I can speak endlessly about its benefits, but until you let it into your own life you won't understand the infinite possibilities. Our facility is totally accessible and comfortable no matter what physical challenges you might have. Our classes are suitable for all levels, reasonably priced and all classes are drop in.  Now that I practice yoga, I can't imagine a fulfilling, healthy life without it.

 For more information about YogAsylum or to contact Pam Bliss, call (262) 781-8102, or visit them on their website at www.yogasylum.com.