Meet Samuel Fong Brooks | Yoga teacher and mindful movement coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel Fong Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The motivation for starting my business; is somewhat inspired by what some would call a misspent youth. Many years were spent exploring different career avenues and jumping between jobs and various social endeavours. It took a long time to discover any kind of direction. Once found it didn’t take much thinking to realise that, the only way I was going to be satisfied with my work, is if I was able to create the maximum amount of autonomy for myself. The idea to have a creative space has always been a priority since even before qualifying as a Yoga teacher; as luck would have it, I found myself in a position to take on a struggling studio back in 2018. As someone who enjoys seeking out challenges, this felt like the next step in my personal development. At the time it felt like everything had been leading me to that moment.

One of the core beliefs of Sheng Yoga is community. Through curating a quality team and environment, we could cultivate an ecosystem of healing and growth. The maxim “leave the world better than you found it” provokes a powerful sense of purpose. Launching a business with these beliefs at the forefront of our platform was the necessary way forward.

The practice of Yoga saved my life. It is this defining truth that continues to inspire an exploration of holistic health in all its many facets; to share that knowledge with the world is my Dharma.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It may seem unusual for me to select this category, for my focus isn’t what we broadly define as being art. The whole world and life as we experience it from day to day is a fully creative endeavour.

To bring this thought process into more focus, with regards to my work.

The act of Yoga practice is life and not separate thereof. In a more literal sense, I record, direct and edit my digital content. I am also currently nurturing a passion for art in relation to my work, through a variety of mixed media.

The journey to this point certainly hasn’t been a smooth one, yet what story worth telling is ever easy.

It took a lot of grit to be consistent with my practice and personal education.
For 2 years I found myself teaching an average of 25 classes a week on top of running a business, keeping a relationship alive, raising a fluffy child and all the other general living things combined.

At times I was simply surviving, yet without those struggles; we miss out on the nuances and appreciation for what we accomplish.

There is a Buddhist Maxim that states “Life is struggle”, when we embrace that, the world opens to us.

This has been at the forefront of my mind for many years now and guides me through a lot of dark times.

I am also a big fan of the SEALS aphorism “easy day”

To be honest, I have actually overcome a lot of my challenges through sheer stubbornness.

Not allowing the current environment get to me or being told anything ‘should’ be done a certain way.

Exploring different opportunities and alternative methods has come naturally; yet that doesn’t mean to say I have stopped learning or growing. Making mistakes is probably the greatest lesson I have learned.

A sometimes paralysing state of perfectionism haunted me for a long time and likes to poke it’s head in from time to time. Simply getting on with the task and meeting a deadline, rather than always creating my idea of perfect is an ongoing lesson.

Sheng Yoga is still finding it’s way as a brand and is finding its way through the murk that everyone has been experiencing these last couple of years. We want to provide people with the tools and support to move through their struggles and honour themselves in this life.

Our name means ‘Success through adversity’.

Life is a beautiful thing when we realise that the boundaries to creation are not external to us. There is power in knowing that, whatever your creation story may be from the beginning of time to your current belief systems; we are all artists.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a fun question, as I myself am very new to the area and as a new father; my adventures have been slightly limited. What I can share is where I have managed to explore and also a couple of places I would love to see myself.
A great deal of the trip would be in the hands of my friend; I get to be here all the time, I want them to see whatever they desire. That being said I will share a taste of what I would offer:

There is so much coastline in San Diego, as someone born and raised by the ocean it makes my heart sing.

The water is so great here, a paddle out to soak in a sunrise would be a great start to a trip and likely a daily ritual.

Windan sea is a very relaxing spot and has some quality breaks.

Cooking is a passion and brings so much joy; a trip to Sprouts or a farmer’s market would likely follow.

Geeking out on all the amazing ingredients and rustling up some tasty treats to fuel our adventures is a must.

Sweets are a rarity, yet that is not to say they don’t get a look in.

The selection and quality at Gelato 101 is delicious and often unexpected.
A few days will be taken up by food crawls; where exactly will be figured out on the day.

Exploring some Yoga studios and different movement practices is going to keep us limber and maintain that active energy. At some point all the action needs to be balance out, so some relaxing strolls in a national park followed by a spa day will certainly be on the cards.

I love the community of Mesa Rim climbing walls; the team are super lovely and there are so many brilliant engaging people to meet. They have free pizza and barbecue events; what’s not to love.

The people of San Diego are so open, I find exciting people daily .. I don’t need to go anywhere specific.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents deserve a great deal of credit and recognition. Simply to acknowledge that without them, I wouldn’t exist or have the opportunity to be having this incredible human experience. Yet to only say that isn’t enough; their support through a great deal of turmoil, has created an opportunity to know what healthy love looks like. They created the space for me to explore and begin the journey towards the person speaking with you today.

There was a great amount of freedom in their parenting methods; yet they were able to draw the line and always did so with kindness. With my father’s work we travelled a lot and they enjoyed showing us the world and introducing new experiences. They both have different spiritual beliefs, so I was fortunate to be raised in an environment that exposed me to philosophy and methods of meditation from an early age.

Our relationship hasn’t always been smooth, yet I can firmly say it is thriving and am increasingly grateful for their guidance and continued presence.

Website: https://www.shengyoga.co.uk/

Instagram: @shengyoga

Twitter: @shengyoga

Facebook: @shengyoga

Youtube: Sheng Yoga

Image Credits
Scott Heleniak – @wearebomber