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words of joy with jennifer

6/21/2016 1 Comment

My first yoga studio visit...fat and self-conscious. 

How could I possibly step foot into a yoga studio looking like this!

Sound Familiar?

These were my thoughts and words 8 years ago before starting a regular practice and
becoming a yoga teacher.

I thought for sure every student there would look as if they just stepped out of the pages of yoga journal magazine and then there was me post pregnancy body (I was a very hungry pregnant lady!!) I was positive my moves would not be as smooth as the rest of the class with this belly just kind of hanging there.

Then I promised myself that if I hated it I never had to go back but it was important for me to try.
Practicing from videos and books at home did't quite cut it, although I wasn't sure why since
yoga is a physical practice and all. Or so I thought...I found a studio and the date was set! I would attend a Tuesday evening class. It was gentle yoga so how bad could it be? Pulling up to the building I looked around to figure out where I was supposed to go in. It was an office building with lots of businesses...now I had to find where the studios was within this maze of offices. Before I knew it I was standing at the front door.  

I opened the door and entered into a waiting room area.  There was a book shelf with shoes in it. I thought that was weird but walked through toward the main yoga room.  I was met by a student that was leaving a class and she let me know that shoes aren't worn in the yoga studio, it's a practice of respect. So that would explain why there were shoes in the book case...alrighty then!  I went back to the waiting room took my shoes off and saw a women behind the window and told her I was new and asked if there was anything i needed to do.  She had me fill out a form and she took my information.  Ok, that wasn't so bad, the secretary was very nice.

Class was about to start so I went into the yoga room and realized I didn't even bring a yoga mat as I watched everyone roll their mats out.  I was thinking, I should probably just leave now, but instead I saw the secretary and asked if there were any mats to borrow.  She kindly gave me one and I set it up in the very back of the room hoping I would blend into the wall. 

Everyone already seemed to know what they were doing!  Closing their eyes or stretching.  It was very quiet.  Then the secretary came in and sat in the front of the room where the teacher sits.  Turns out the secretary was Vimala, the teacher and owner of the studio!  As I looked around at all the faces it didn't seem so yoga journalesque.  There were different shapes and sizes and it seemed like they were just all there to do their own thing.

Vimala began the class with some breathing and OM's.  I knew the OM's from my home video so felt confident in joining in!  She exuded sweetness and peace.  Her voice was comforting and she taught with ease.  The class flew by and I managed to maneuver through the postures in a relatively graceful way.   I was hooked by the end of class especially in deep relaxation!  I knew I had a ton to learn about the practice and myself but knew that it would nurture and support me.  My intention was to heal the parts of my body, mind, and spirit that had been neglected over the years and to develop a deeper awareness of my life purpose.  

Years later when I began teaching yoga, my intention was to create a sacred space wherever I taught.  A space where anyone and everyone would feel loved and supportive.  I know how hard it is to step foot into a studio because of all the negative self talk we all experience at one time or another.  When new students arrive I silently celebrate their bravery and courage to take that first step on their path to peace!  

I encourage you to be brave and courageous.  I can only speak for J.O.Y. Wellness and our wonderful community and tell you, when you step foot inside our studio (your studio) you will be met with kindness, you will be met by many shapes and sizes, and most importantly you will begin to meet yourself...which makes it that much easier to cultivate kindness toward yourself.

Namaste and Love,
Jennifer


1 Comment
Beckys Bucketlist link
3/29/2021 04:35:21 am

Thanks forr writing this

Reply



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    jennifer Williams

    jennifer is a mother, entrepreneur, artist, writer, peace activist, yogi, holisitc wellness and body work expert, and just a general lover of life in all its forms! 

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"The Hybrid Yoga Teacher Training run by Jennifer Williams, the owner of JOY is outstandingly life changing.  Her wisdom and experience are a hidden gem that isn't really staying hidden anymore!!"

"Ahhhh Kayla's polarity therapy, cupping, and CBD massage combo made me feel like I was floating and the effect lasted for days after my session."

"Nina's CBD massage and reiki sessions are the most relaxing and therapeutic things I have ever done.  I suffered from chronic neck and shoulder pain and going to see Nina for 90 minutes on a weekly basis has helped me to maintain a painfree life."

"Everyone should do online yoga teacher training!!! AND THEN sign up for the hybrid yoga teacher training...literally the best thing I have ever done."

​"One of the best things I have ever done was to sign up for a yoga class here! I thought for a long time about adding yoga to my workout routine and I am grateful that my search led me here. Jennifer and all of her staff are welcoming and really amazing at what th!! ey
do!!"

"This place is all you need to find true health. The yoga connects mind body and spirit and class I have ever been to in the 20 plus years I have been working out."

"Such an amazing place...as soon as you walk in the atmosphere is so calming and peaceful and makes you feel happy. I've done yoga, gotten a massage and reiki done by Jenn and she's absolutely amazing! My family went to a paint night there yesterday and it was a blast! Everyone needs to come and experience this place if your looking for a more positive outlook on life and just want to take care of your mind body and soul!:):)"

Great experience
"One of the best, if not the best massages I've ever had. Aimee has magic hands and really helped a couple of trouble spots feel better. Highly recommend."

magical massage"Massage with Jennifer should be on every person's bucket list!!!!Jennifer is a very welcome, kind, professional and very gifted person! She has a magical aura."

*****MASSAGE******"Hi have now been going to see Jennifer for my massages for months now. She has truly changed my life since we have met. I never had a massage before and she by far is the best and I feel great for days. Please pass the word on because you have no idea what you are missing. Thank you Jenn."





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