Hippie Yoga's Resident Frog

Every few months we shine a light on the teachers and humans who make Hippie Yoga what it is. This month we're doing something a little different.

This month's spotlight belongs to someone who has been here through every class, every training, every Gong immersion, and every holiday since January 2022. Someone whose dedication to this practice is honestly unmatched. Someone who fully believes that Peace Frog was named in her honor.

Meet Janice Hopkins. Our frog. Our mascot. Our heart.

Janice came to live at Hippie Yoga in January of 2022, and she has never once considered leaving. Her name was chosen by the community in a vote, which she won decisively and has never let anyone forget. She took up residence at the front of the studio and immediately began observing every class with the quiet authority of someone who has seen it all. At this point, she has.

Her practice is grounded and consistent. She has been photographed in child's pose and warrior two, and she approaches both with the same unhurried commitment. More importantly, Janice understands without needing to be told the importance of yoga props. Blocks are not cheating. 

Her favorite class is Peace Frog. She believes it was named after her. This is not up for debate.

If you ask Janice about the highlight of her years at the studio, the answer is always the Gong Immersion. She is there every time, without fail, and she always gets her photo taken with one of the Gongs. The vibration, the stillness, the energy in the room. She has also made appearances at Yoga at the Garden, where she is most fully herself, surrounded by grass and open sky with a rainbow at her back.

Over the years Janice has welcomed tadpoles during several of our teacher trainings. She leads by example, sitting still at the front of the room, radiating calm, holding the space. The tadpoles learn a great deal just from being near her.

 She is a devoted fan of The Doors and considers Peace Frog a personal anthem. Her recovery routine is Yogi Tea and chocolate, both of which she regards as non-negotiable. She meditates daily and has been doing so since well before anyone made it a trend.

Janice's advice to students, distilled from four years of devoted observation: use the props. Show up consistently. Stay for the Gong. Never underestimate child's pose.

We love her. We're pretty sure she loves us back, she just expresses it by holding very still and looking wise.