Yoga is Like an Onion
Every time I peel an onion, I am reminded of my yoga journey: more than the poses, more than the meditation, more than the resting, yoga has given me the space to learn about my true self.
Over the years, I've peeled back layer upon layer upon layer of walls, false beliefs, and stories about myself -- similar to the layers of an onion!
It didn't happen magically on my mat one day. In fact, I wasn't even aware of it as it was happening (and it continues to happen!).
Upon reflection, I can now see that it was in June 2015 that I truly began to uncover the real Jennie that slowly got buried over the years. Over the past six years, yoga has allowed me to open up to my true self.
Here are a few of the biggest revelations I've had:
~ I'm braver than I thought.
~ I have more patience than I imagined.
~ I'm not as risk-adverse as I used to be.
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I can't say these thoughts were revealed in some spectacular way during a yoga class. But I do believe that spending time (whether it was five minutes or 60 minutes) connecting to my breath, body, and mind gave me the chance to ALLOW these truths to be revealed.
Would you like to explore tapping into the real you? Click on the Private Sessions tab and find a time for us to work together!
What Instagram Reels Taught Me About My Yoga Teaching
Have you heard of Instagram Reels? Have you heard of TikTok? Both are platforms for sharing short videos about practically anything!
I learned recently that Instagram was really encouraging its users to try Reels. As a small business owner trying to grow her yoga business in a new part of the country, I thought I’d give them a try. What have I learned after posting several Reels?
I LOVE TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO CUSTOMIZE YOGA POSES FOR THEIR UNIQUE BODIES!
I’ve never been a typical yogi: I didn’t discover yoga until my mid-40s. I’ve never been very flexible. And I deal with various aches and pains on a daily basis. But guess what? I fell in love with yoga! The more classes I took, the more I realized that I just had to share yoga’s goodness with others. From helping to keep my joints mobile to learning calming breathing exercises; from listening to teachers’ soothing guided meditations to working on my balance, I knew so many people that could benefit.
But I wasn’t very interested in reaching the young, thin, bendy crowd. I wanted to share yoga with folks who were like me — and thankfully there are many! I use all the props when I practice, sometimes skip poses entirely, and love brief, guided meditations to help me de-stress.
Are you anything like me? If so, I’d love to share with you the many benefits of yoga. You can check my availability at https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/BWJHSG.
It's Hard to Get Down to the Floor
I have many students tell me that they find it very hard to practice yoga on the floor. Some folks are seniors. Others are dealing with knee or wrist pain.
Guess what? They can still have an amazing yoga practice! We just move to a sturdy chair. You’d be amazed at how many yoga movements can be done while seated. And you don’t have to wait for a yoga session to do them! I love to remind people that they can take the movements while on a Zoom call, while watching Netflix, or anytime they are seated (well, maybe not while driving!)
In fact, today I had a student currently in physical therapy for back pain. She shared her exercises with me and I adapted them all to a chair. She loved it!
I truly love to customize yoga poses for each person’s unique needs, whether that be taking movements in a chair, using a variety of props to assist, or accommodating larger bodies!
Examples of Self Care to Inspire You
Self Care.
What comes to mind when you hear these words? My guess it is different for everyone! Is self care selfish? A luxury that only the rich and famous can do? Too time-consuming? Nope, absolutely not, and doesn’t have to be!
Neil Pearson, a pain science specialist, had this to say about self care in his book Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain:
“Self care isn’t selfish. It’s healthcare. It’s empowerment. It leads to real, measurable, physiological changes.”
Take a moment to read that again. And then take a few moments to consider what self care looks like to you. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Yoga (of course!)
Massage
Nap
Walk in the woods
Walk at the beach
Play with your dog or cat
Read a book
Buy some flowers
Garden
Do a craft
Go to your favorite coffee shop and savor a cup of something warm
Sing out loud
Go for a drive
Make your favorite meal or dessert
Dance
Buy and use a fancy pen
Stroll around the mall or favorite store
Light a scented candle or diffuse a favorite essential oil
Watch the sun rise or set
Manicure or Pedicure (or both!)
I hope the above quote and list inspire you to take just a few minutes for self care. You’ll feel better — and you’re loved ones will also benefit!
Yoga and Meditation as a Complement to Modern Medicine When Fighting Viruses
Some good news about how yoga and meditation can help fight illness!