A Red Deer couple who helped create a vibrant yoga community is about to do what most people only dream about — trading tradition for a lifestyle of simplicity and experience on the road.
Josh Biro and Jenna Rosene have sold their yoga studio, their Waskasoo home and most possessions to become yoga nomads.
In a 105-square-foot EarthRoamer RV, the couple, son Arjuna, 5, and daughter Lux, two months, hit the road on Saturday.
The plan is to teach and consult on yoga while they write their next chapter in parts still to be decided. The route is flexible, but starting on the West Coast. They do not have an end date in mind.
Rosene, 32, said they have accomplished what they set out to do in Red Deer and now it’s time to do something different on a personal level. The couple recently sold Bikram Yoga Red Deer.
“We’re as crazy as people think we are,” laughed Rosene. “People thought we were crazy to open a yoga studio in Red Deer five years ago.”
The couple loved the freedom and adventure that travelling gave them and had always dreamed of longer trips with their children, said Biro, 31.
Juggling work, travel and life in Red Deer was stretching the couple a little thin, said Biro. They wanted to be completely present in their lives and not hold back on anything.
“I would just like to challenge the status quo for what you can do,” said Biro. “My message is you should be happy with your life. That’s really what life is about … You have more say in that happiness than I think a lot of us realize.”
He said the things that are going to be really good will also be the challenges.
The biggest concern will be day-to-day living — ensuring there is enough food, water and power in the battery bank. They will finance the journey by living frugally, working and drawing on savings.
“Challenges in life are actually what make things interesting and make you become who you are and test you in a positive way,” said Biro.
Getting used to living in a confined space with two young children will be something they will have to get used to. The children will be home schooled and they will learn from the day-to-day experiences.
“I would like our kids be exposed to that the fact that the world is this big place and there are differences but also similarities anywhere you go,” said Biro.
As well, the principle of non-attachment, including being flexible in different situations, getting rid of excess and clutter, travelling with children and spending more time in nature, added Rosene.
They know their journey is not for everyone but they hope it inspires others to follow their dreams and passions.
“It’s really easy for people to come up with excuses about why they shouldn’t do something,” said Biro. “This is what we want to do and we figured out a way to do it. We are going to do our best. I don’t know how it will turn out but it will be fun and exciting.”
Follow Nomad Yoga Family at www.nomadyogafamily.com or on Twitter and Instagram.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com