Q & A Series

Amy Jo Johnson: Actress Extraordinaire. The Manifestation Q&A Series.

March 23, 2012

 Welcome to The Manifestation Q&A Series.

I am Jennifer Pastiloff and this series is designed to introduce the world to someone I find incredible. Someone who is manifesting their dreams on a daily basis.

I am so excited by today’s guest. Amy Jo Johnson is one of the most talented people I have ever met and I am lucky to call her family. Yes, she is a friend, but I consider her part of my soul family. She was with me at my last and most profound yoga retreat to Mexico where we all bonded so much we felt that we actually had become family. Then, one of our group, the beloved comedian Steve Bridges, suddenly passed away a few weeks ago in his sleep. It made our time in Mexico, which was already so precious, that much more divine.

Some of you may recall her from the tv show Felicity or maybe even the Power Rangers (yes, she was “The Pink One.”) I just know her as Amy Jo, the incredibly gifted human being. She is kind, funny, and, can sing so well that tears will form at the corners of your eyes. You know: the happy tears. The “that is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard” kind of tears. She is spunky and sassy and does a mean handstand in my yoga class. She is free-spirited and witty, poignant and present and fully capable of catching herself as she falls backwards down the stairs. (Apparently this happened in Mexico. She backflipped and landed on her feet.) She doesn’t take anything for granted, loves a good joke and even a corny one ( like the ones I tell.) She writes beautifully and has a vision for her life that inspires me to no end. 

(I want to be her when I grow up.)

Family is important to her in the way it is important to me and I believe that is one of the things that initially made me love her.

She is an actress by trade but does not live her life as if that is the only thing that matters. Nor does it define her.

One of the most fierce and unique people I know and I am humbled that she is here today. Amy Jo is creative in the true sense of the word; an artist through and through.  

She’s connected to something else, something bigger than herself. I do not know what it is, nor do I attempt to, but I do know that we are blessed to get a little slice of this goddess.

She says the words she lives by are: “Be Bold and Be Kind”. As someone who knows her well, I can say that this is not heresay. This is fact. Through and through.

I look forward to teaching my Manifestation Workshop in Toronto when I go to visit her. So stay tuned all you Canadians. I’m on my way!

In the meantime, here is my dear friend and soul sister, the amazingly talented and fiery Amy Jo Johnson.… Amy, I love you.

 

Jennifer Pastiloff: What are you most proud to have manifested in your life?

 

 Amy Jo Johnson: About six years ago I drastically changed everything. I packed up my life and left Los Angeles. I hit the road to “find out”. I was about 35 years old and desperately needed to manifest happiness. I became a gypsy for a few months before ending up in Montreal where I finally sorted through some of the monsters in my head. I needed a break. I needed to just stop and let go. What I discovered beneath all my fear was that I never really knew who I was. What I wanted.  So, after a two-year sabbatical and a new lease on life I found my husband, got pregnant, and landed the best job of my career pretty much all at the same time.

 

We now live in Ontario, which I LOVE! And I’m in the middle of filming the fifth season of the TV show I had landed. I feel so blessed with the life I’ve created. But I know that none of it would have happened if I didn’t have the courage to shake things up six years before. I believe we must live BOLDLY if we want to manifest our dreams.

 

 

Jennifer Pastiloff: What’s the greatest lesson that you have learned from being an actress?

Amy Jo Johnson: Kindness… Truly… This is my greatest lesson. A lesson I am faced with every day.  I’ve spent so many years worried about who I am and how I’m doing and how I’m going to benefit. I am so sick of myself it’s ridiculous. Since I’ve discovered this new way of life. Simply being kind. I’m so much happier!! And I find things are so much funnier. Truly, it’s all kinda funny.

Jennifer Pastiloff: From being a mom?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Oh, Francesca teaches me something new EVERYDAY… This little person who happens to be my daughter is such a gift. I find her trying to take care of me a lot. Every now and then I have to remind us that I am the mother. But boy oh boy she is the teacher.

Jennifer Pastiloff: From losing your own mother?

 Amy Jo Johnson: The lessons I’ve learned from my mother’s death are ever changing and never ending. Recently I’ve deeply realized that most of our actions are usually because of where we come from, the life we were handed. So, acceptance and understanding of others is becoming clearer to me.

Jennifer Pastiloff: If you were not acting what would you be doing?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Whatever it is that I would be doing is something I love. I know that for sure. I’m not one to suffer for very long.

Jennifer Pastiloff: What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Traveling the world with my family! And directing films that I’ve written, hopefully inspiring and helping others though them.

Jennifer Pastiloff: What do you love most about being a mother?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Being a mother constantly pulls my focus from myself and into a more nurturing state. I love that!! I need that.

Jennifer Pastiloff: Who has been your greatest teacher?

 Amy Jo Johnson: I’ve had so many awesome teachers in my life from my mother to the amazing Jana Saunders. But recently there have been two that profoundly affected me on a level I’ve never felt. First, my husband Olivier, he’s taught me how to be loved and in return I am now better at loving. I am so thankful for this man in my life. And second, YOU! Jennifer Pastiloff. This insight to kindness is something I really have learned to understand through you. You teach me so much. It’s something I’ve never felt before, the balance of kindness, humor and honesty. It’s how I strive to live my life until I die. Thanks chickie…

Jennifer Pastiloff: A little birdie told me you were writing a movie……

 Amy Jo Johnson: I am working on creating a film about my mother’s life. Her journey inspires me in so many ways! I’m excited to share it with the world and hopefully help people who have gone through similar struggles.

Jennifer Pastiloff: Can you share with us a bit about your music?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Writing and playing music comes in waves for me. Like everything creative I do. It’s all a cathartic playground. At the moment my sights are so set on developing this film that music has taken a back seat. But it’s there and always will be when the moment strikes. I try not to force it.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsrsPFzFc-4&feature=related]

Jennifer Pastiloff: Who/what inspires you the most?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Honestly, moments when I feel most connected to people. I’ve always had a hard time getting close. I can be a very guarded person. These moments used to happen so infrequently. And when they finally did I would eat them up and savor them like it was the last. Now I strive for it daily. I look for it in people. A lot of times in people I never would have imagined it with. As I ease the insecurities in myself I’m finding it easier to look past those in others. Wouldn’t it be a magnificent world if we could all see past our fears?

 

I realized the other day that when you first meet someone you usually meet their insecurities. First impressions are usually not who someone really is. So, my biggest meditation and practice is to take a deep breath when bombarded with someone’s walls and compassionately look through them. And remarkably enough on the other side is usually a really cool person. Innately I believe we are all good.

Jennifer Pastiloff: I teach many of my classes to the theme of gratitude. If you could say thank you right now to one person who would it be?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Thank you, Olivier Giner, for living the good life with me.

Amy Jo and her husband Olivier at my last yoga retreat in Mexico. Feb 2012.

Jennifer Pastiloff: What are some words you live by?

 Amy Jo Johnson: BE BOLD! And kind. At the end of my life I want to look back and say “Holy CRAP! That was an interesting ride.”

(note from Jen: I Love this. It reminds me of on of my favorite Mary Oliver poems When Death Comes where the last line says:

I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.)

Jennifer Pastiloff: You were with me in Mexico on my last and most powerful retreat. We dubbed ourselves the “Fab 13”. On Saturday, we lost our brother Steve Bridges, one of our 13. Is there anything that Steve or his passing has taught you?

 Amy Jo Johnson: I am so grateful for that trip to Mexico. It was one of the most healing experiences I’ve ever had. Olivier and I have a code word between us now. If we forget how precious life is and find our selves stuck in our own way we say this word. The word means LOVE and it’s Steve.

Amy Jo painted this and 1 year later met Olivier.

Jennifer Pastiloff: What is one message you would pass on right now to someone looking to manifest their best selves?

 Amy Jo Johnson: BE BOLD!!!! And kind.

Jennifer Pastiloff: What brings you the most joy? Your joy list….

 Amy Jo Johnson: Francesca’s laugh! Watching a good TV series with Olivier while he rubs my feet. Drinking wine with good friends and chit chatting about life. Writing my script in a coffee shop for hours and hours. Laughing until I almost pee my pants, which usually happens once a day at my work. Auntie Jewdgie! The sunshine, a rainy day, a good snowstorm. Using the loud leaf blower in my yard. Kick boxing! A good yoga class, especially a Jennifer Pastiloff magical session. GOD, peace and so much more…

 Jennifer Pastiloff: What are you manifesting in 2012?

 Amy Jo Johnson: Making my movie!!!! Hell yeah!

(note from Jen: Hell yeah, I second that!)

Jennifer Pastiloff: Where can we find more of Amy Jo Johnson?

 Amy Jo Johnson: The TV series FLASHPOINT, which is on ION or CTV, I also have a website for my music amyjojohnson.com and I sometimes tweet @_amyjojohnson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jennifer Pastiloff will be teaching at the Tadasana International Yoga & Music Festival over Earth Day weekend on the beach in Santa Monica, CA, April 20– 22. Click here to check out the festival website and purchase tickets. Enter the code Pastiloff for a $50 discount! (Please note that discount codes expire April 1.)

Amy and I at my last yoga retreat in Mexico.

Jen’s “rules”:

1. Be Kind.

2. Have a sense of humor especially when it comes to yourself

3. Write poems, even if only in your head

4. Sing out loud, even if badly

5. Dance

6. If you don’t have anything nice to say… you know the deal

7. Find things to be in awe of

8. Be grateful for what you have right now .

9. Watch Modern Family, read Wayne Dyer, and end every complaint with “But I’m so blessed!”

10. Duh, do yoga

11. Don’t worry. Everyone on Facebook seems like they have happier and funner lives. They don’t.

12. Tell someone you love that you love them. Right now.

13.. Take more pictures.

14. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. No such thing.

15. Thank the Universe in advance.

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26 Comments

  • Reply barbarapotter March 23, 2012 at 6:48 pm

    Well Amy you know I am crazy about you. I remember Felicity and thinking she has such a beautiful face. Of course you know I A fan of Flashpoint. Since I have been stuck in bed since Valentines Day I have been able to catch all the episodes I missed. I am so happy you came into my daughter’s life (actually both now). How wonderful to attract beautiful kind hearts into a life I love the picture of you and your husband from the retreat You are real and natural. One of these days we will be on a retreat together.

  • Reply barbarapotter March 23, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    Oh, I forgot. Both wearing t-shirts and helping the kids.

    . What Are You Manifesting?=Smiles.

  • Reply evilflu March 23, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    This was a beautiful interview. I am very inspired by Amy’s words.

    • Reply ManifestYogaJen March 23, 2012 at 9:06 pm

      me too. She is inspiring on so many levels. thank you for reading x

  • Reply Kim Bubbs March 24, 2012 at 10:52 am

    I love it, Jen! Please let me know when you’ll be in Toronto, my best friend is already sporting your “What Are You Manifesting” t-shirt in that great city! I know heaps of lovely Torontonians who’d love your workshop!

  • Reply Jessica Pollard March 24, 2012 at 11:56 am

    When I go to college next semester, I want to take a yoga class now! I really need to find ways to relax after everything that has happened! I hope I can be even half as amazing as Amy Jo!

  • Reply Katie March 24, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    Ok, so I told you a little tonight super-fast, but I must repeat in comment form – Amy Jo absolutely, without question, 100% definitely played a huge part in the formation of my identity as a kid. First off, I was about a year or three too old (in my mind) to be watching Power Rangers, but my little brother was a die-hard fan, so of course I got sucked in. And while other little girls wanted to be her character (Kimberly, the pink ranger), I wanted to be AMY JO. She got to act in the coolest show, she was beautiful, wore the most awesome clothes, sang (!!), was a girly girl but could hang with the boys (and was the only character that wasn’t single!!! I was at that age when I was starting to realize that boys were sorta cute, so the fact that Kimberly and Tommy were an item was totally the most riveting story line.), and above all else had this magnetic energy you couldn’t ignore. I learned how to pick up on good energy before I learned to tie my shoes. Basically, I saw who I wanted my grown-up self to be in her.
    …So muchso that from ages 8-10, I wore my hair swept to one side tucked behind one ear just like her and emulated her wardrobe to a t (I have the pics to prove it. I just recently revealed this to my mom and brother and they find it HILARIOUS). I watched the first episode of Felicity because of her (then my 11 year old self got bored by the subject matter I didn’t understand yet!). And when my younger cousin started to like the Pink Ranger, I pulled an AMAZING display of reverse psychology and convinced her the YELLOW Ranger was way cooler. Like, I made a newsletter and made up contests and called her pretending to be the yellow ranger. I was 8. I was very possessive of my role models.
    So now that you know of my ridiculous childhood craziness….thank you so very much for posting this Q&A (and thank you for the workshop tonight…that is a whole nother post/email though). Amy Jo seems truly spectacular, and I am SO grateful to her for being my very first example of all I could manifest in my life.

  • Reply Katie March 24, 2012 at 11:13 pm

    Ok, so I told you a little tonight super-fast, but I must repeat in comment form – Amy Jo absolutely, without question, 100% definitely played a huge part in the formation of my identity as a kid. First off, I was about a year or three too old (in my mind) to be watching Power Rangers, but my little brother was a die-hard fan, so of course I got sucked in. And while other little girls wanted to be her character (Kimberly, the pink ranger), I wanted to be AMY JO. She got to act in the coolest show, she was beautiful, wore the most awesome clothes, sang (!!), was a girly girl but could hang with the boys (and was the only character that wasn’t single!!! I was at that age when I was starting to realize that boys were sorta cute, so the fact that Kimberly and Tommy were an item was totally the most riveting story line.), and above all else had this magnetic energy you couldn’t ignore. I learned how to pick up on good energy before I learned to tie my shoes. Basically, I saw who I wanted my grown-up self to be in her.
    …So muchso that from ages 8-10, I wore my hair swept to one side tucked behind one ear just like her and emulated her wardrobe to a t (I have the pics to prove it. I just recently revealed this to my mom and brother and they find it HILARIOUS). I watched the first episode of Felicity because of her (then my 11 year old self got bored by the subject matter I didn’t understand yet!). And when my younger cousin started to like the Pink Ranger, I pulled an AMAZING display of reverse psychology and convinced her the YELLOW Ranger was way cooler. Like, I made a newsletter and made up contests and called her pretending to be the yellow ranger. I was 8. I was very possessive of my role models.
    Now that you know of my ridiculous childhood craziness (whatever. i choose to OWN my embarrassing stories! :))….thank you so very much for posting this Q&A (and thank you for the workshop tonight…that is a whole nother post/email though). Amy Jo seems truly spectacular, and I am SO grateful to her for being my very first example of all I could manifest in my life.

  • Reply Adrian Starblanket March 25, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    As a Major Fan of Amy Jo Johnson’s ( I consider myself to be) She is the inspiration I began with Music in 2009 (1st 2 albums dedicated to her), I’ve also created 5 films in 2010 & 2011 & 2 more albums in 2012. (oh, and 3 books) by my 23rd b-day. I honestly can say These Simple Words Amy has spoken come to no surprise to me, as I can feel the humbleness and peace in-between the lines and one day see myself at that magnificent stage in my life. Grateful & Peaceful I am and One day at a time, I will welcome everyone’s blessing into this world as I relax on a beach somewhere reading a nice book about to practice yoga and just breathe…. – Adrian Starblanket

  • Reply Thiago March 26, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Amy Jo is my inspiration. I love all her songs and I’m really waiting for her new album. I’m happy She is writing a movie, but it would be amazing new songs, and a new album.

    Amy Jo is always perfect in everything!

  • Reply KateEals March 27, 2012 at 6:25 am

    I’m almost 26 (have been a die-hard fan since MMPR) and still want to be Amy Jo when I grow-up too!

  • Reply Kayla March 28, 2012 at 1:52 am

    Loved the interview! I’ve been a fan of Amy Jo’s since the Mighty Morphin Power Ranger days. She was my very first role model…and to this very day I still look up to her.

  • Reply Mali April 2, 2012 at 3:49 am

    I’m 25, and like many, am a huge fan and follower of Amy Jo Johnson. I completely respect her as an actress, and admired my vision of her as a person. This truly was an insight into what an incredible honor it is to be touched by her art. This art is her way of life and wind in her heart. Best interview! Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply Rhiza Joi C. Navallasca May 3, 2012 at 8:31 am

    Amy Jo is my inpiration. I admire her a lot. I know there is a slim chance of meeting you in person, I am happy that you became part of my growing up years. Thank you for the inspiration.

  • Reply José Francisco Samaniego Mora August 23, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    Hi people, I am Francisco from Bogota, Colombia (South America)… First, I want to send a HUGE HUG to everyone of you… I tell you… I am a HUGE… BIGGEST FAN of Amy Jo Johnson !!!… She is VERY IMPORTANT to me… I have not the chance to meet her (obviously is a BIG DREAM, I would like to do real)… Since 19 years ago (first time I saw her was in the TV Show MMPR), I have been a big fan of her !!!… You can not imagine… CAN NOT IMAGINE… how I admire her (she is my idol, and my only and true “Platonic Love”)… In my opinion, she is FANTASTIC… Is a gymnast, actress, singer, songwriter, painter, she is SOOO talented !!!… I have read so many times this interview (I tell u, I have some problems with the English Language… is not my mother language), and WOW, awesome… Her husband is SOOO FORTUNATE… A LUCKY GUY… She is married and all, but I need TO CLONE her… JAJAJA XD !!!… I admire so much people that make YOGA, so… my admiration to everyone of you, guys !!!… AMY JO JOHNSON IS MY IDOL… DIVA ♥ !!!… Thanks for everything people, greetings from this far country !!!. 🙂 Have a good day, always !!!.

  • Reply José Francisco Samaniego Mora August 23, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Just 1 more thing people… WITH ALL MY HEART… PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE… If is possible, Amy Jo Johnson read my previous comment… WOULD BE 1 OF THE BEST THINGS TO ME, IN ALL MY LIFE !!!… Is difficult to me, to meet her… you know, money to trip (I have not enough :/ ) and meet her… she must to be busy, etc… The day I meet her… I am sure… I wil cry A LOT, A LOT, A LOT (of happiness, obviously)… Sooo, if she read my previous message… will be… I… have not words to express how I would feel… THANKS PEOPLE… Good luck, success everything u do and to me is SOOOOOOOOO GR8 that too many people loves Amy Jo Johnson… I am not the only one… and I LIKE IT !!!. 😉

  • Reply ManifestYogaJen October 9, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    Reblogged this on The Manifest-Station and commented:

    This one was so good. In case you missed xojen

  • Reply Chelle aka Writer Yogi October 9, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    This was absolutely amazing! Loved the whole thing. I love how her words to live by are “Be Bold and Kind” I have totally picked up the words “Be Bold” this year. Kind is a great addition. Like many of my fellow 20 somethings I was a crazy Power Ranger fan. I am so glad to know that she is doing so well after the show and in her life! Jen you continually amaze me with what and who you know. Namaste to you both With Love

    • Reply ManifestYogaJen October 9, 2012 at 9:06 pm

      so happy you read it!! yay!!! she is a dear friend and such a love xox (like you)

  • Reply Philippe Valdois July 12, 2013 at 5:37 am

    I helped a little Amy Jo for her latest movie and she sang a beautiful song for me.

    I have never met her in person, but now, reading this great interview (I have studied yoga in Nepal but did not know your friend was also practicing yoga,) everything I thought about her is confirmed. Bold and kind, a real angel who deserves all the happiness possible. After listening to her sing Puddle of Grace, I also wish I had had a chance to know her mother.

    It took only a few days for me to consider her a source of inspiration. I was also recently in New York with my partner who is a stage director and producer and we talked about moving to a new country and start something new (in my case, focusing on writing). Both her example and your article encourage me to go ahead!

    So thank you Amy Jo, and than you Jennifer! Please, let me know if you ever come to Japan!

    I will definitely follow your posts from now on.

    Philippe

  • Reply yolexis July 20, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    Amy Jo is my inspiration. I admire her a lot. She is a genius.

  • Reply Mary Ann August 23, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    I loved reading this about Amy Jo. You can read a lot things about a lot of celebrities but I prefer reading from more reliable sources. I absolutely loved Amy Jo in Flashpoint and her music is just… there aren’t any words for it really. It’s soulful, it’s meaningful, it just touches the soul and opens the heart. Hearing her music makes me want to write again. I used to write poetry all the time when I was a teen but gave it up when I started going through some really bad and dark times in my early 20’s and I never did pick it back. Reading this about her, I feel like her and I are a lot alike and I know she probably has fans from all over that want to meet her but it would be a dream come true to one day meet her and take a pic with her. She is such an inspiring person. I look forward to anything she writes, sings, produces or acts in in the future. I’m not much younger than her but I agree with you Jennifer, I want to be like Amy Jo when I grow up, LoL. I don’t know much about her but I do feel like her and I may be kindred spirits. Reading and watching her different interviews, listening to her talk about certain things in life and the things she has experienced and been through, I almost feel like I’m reading about myself. It’s kind of creepy. Well, I know she probably hears it a lot and I’m sure you probably get it too but I’m a huge fan and just wanted to share all this. I hope maybe she can someday read this comment too 🙂

  • Reply Jacinth Lebue November 21, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    I love Amy Jo! Wish I could give her a big hug and tell her she pulled me out of misery when I was little. Thank you Amy for the postcard you sent. I have lived I have loved and I have laughed. I still do all three…God bless you Kimberly!

  • Reply Annie McDonnell March 6, 2016 at 8:32 am

    Great Interview!!! I have been on one Yoga: Goddess Retreat….and, to happen upon your site/blog when I was googling Amy Jo Johnson….since I am binging on Flashpoint….it was certainly divine intervention!!
    Do you ever come to Long Island, NY for retreats or events?? Your beliefs are right up there with mine!!!
    I am in love with Amy’s Smile….it is contagious!!! I was blessed to have met my soulmate, as she was…..just no little Tommy’s running around…lol.
    I am going to start following your blog…you give great interviews….
    And, to Amy Jo…..Stay Bold. Stay Kind. You are a great example of manifesting your dreams….I also love that you take breaks from your crafts…and don’t force them. That is awesome.
    Love from New York!!!
    My cousin from Ireland and his girlfriend are moving to Toronto in 3 weeks….they need help finding jobs and a place to live…if you know of anything??? Worth a shot….you never know!!!

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