The life of a yogi – what does it mean to be a yogi? If you missed part one of this series, I encourage you to go back and check it out here. I’ve been working on demystifying what it means to be a yogi. Beyond just practicing yoga, how does it impact your day to day life?
I remember thinking – what a great way to spend your day. Teaching yoga, feeling zen and relaxed all the time. Imparting wisdom and spreading the love of yoga all around. Yoga teachers always seem to have it figured out. The key to happiness, to love, to inner peace. But the truth is, we’re all in the same boat. A yoga teacher is just as much a yoga practitioner as the rest. We’re all still trying to figure it out, to find our way.
When I first started thinking about this photo essay, I wasn’t planning to shadow a teacher because it almost seemed too obvious. Of course a yoga teacher is a yogi, they have to be. But there’s something about being a teacher, an educator, a communicator that is so vital in this journey to being a yogi. So many of my teachers have influenced my practice. Each of my teachers have had something to offer to my experience both on and off my mat. And the thing that I vividly remember thinking to myself, when I first started practicing, is that even these super cool, calm and collected yoga teachers are human. They go through all of life’s ups and downs, just like the rest of us do.
I met Jenna during my teacher training a few years back. She had just taken that same training the year before and was assisting ours. It was obvious she was in love. Totally in her element and ready to take on the yoga world. She is vibrant, has a huge heart and is so passionate about what she does.
I shadowed Jenna for a day of teaching, self-care and more teaching.
What does a typical day look like for you as a yoga teacher?
Oh man, it varies from day to day. I wake up, have quiet time to meditate and look over my calendar for the day and week ahead. Then I usually head out to teach. Depending on how much down time I have mid day, I try to find time to workout.
I have a bunch of admin stuff that’s done daily: check emails, once a week or so I have to update the website, plan workshops, social media promotions… the list goes on! I usually end my day with teaching a class or taking a class. I’m then heading home for down time to reset and maybe play on my mat.
I light palo santo wood every morning. Sometimes I do a little dance as I ‘smudge’ my space, sometimes I just wave it around myself and my intention cards. I always pause, breath, repeat my mantra or sankalpa for the day and turn over the Joy of Energy card and a Truth Bomb card.
Jenna teaches at various studios and other organizations across the city. Our first class was at PranaShanti, in Hintonburg.
What do you remember about the 1st time you did a yoga class?
My first class was with Louise Cameron and I distinctly remembering thinking this woman was some sort of crazy yoga goddess. I remember walking in, and I remember laying there blissed out during savasana… everything else is a bit of a sweaty haze hahaha!
Jenna has very strong ties with the yoga and wellness community. Jenna represents MalaRae – a local company that creates malas using organic, locally sourced products. Creator, Kyla, hand knots each mala and is incredibly dedicated to only infusing the best vibes. Jenna connected with Kyla over similar life paths and it was an immediate match. Jenna uses her bracelets to help solidify her daily mantras (each represent her intentions) and uses the malas in her meditation practice, to help calm her mind and stay focused on her breath.
Jenna is also an ambassador for Tonic Apparel.
Tonic is a clothing company that is designed and created in Canada. Part of my ‘ahimsa’ practice is non harming through my purchase power. I’ve read a lot about overseas conditions in clothing shops and it’s something that matters to me, especially when I’m creating healthy, happy vibes for students.
Making a living as a yoga teacher is hard work. And finding time in your day to actually practice yoga can be even harder.
In your busy day-to-day, what self-care practices do you adopt to stay healthy and motivated to teach?
I take other teachers’ classes. I listen to Spotify basically all day… a good playlist can seriously help motivate a flow. I lift weights to compliment my practice. I also do less sexy stuff…. like spend quiet time alone in the morning, sleep lots, really focus on eating foods that boost energy and nourish my body.
Jenna is really focused on taking care of her body so that she can continue to be energized and fresh for her classes. We made a pit stop for a quick workout at UVU Fitness on Preston Street. Kenny has a great space for one on one personal training and definitely worked Jenna hard!
How has your practiced evolved over the years?
I used to be scared I was doing it wrong. At first I was scared of just doing the poses incorrectly, then I was worried if I didn’t do it right I’d break my body…. then I started teaching and was worried about students’ bodies and alignment. I’m working at a place now where I know that I can trust my body. I can trust what I know. I can let go and just trust the process. Playing yoga is my favourite.
How has yoga changed your life?
My ENTIRE life has changed because of yoga. From my daily habits, to physical health, to mindset. Summed up, I would say that yoga made it possible to discover and connect my mind with my body, my heart, and my soul.
Fantastic read + incredible photos Ashley! ♥ Jenna – you are my fav xoxo
Very inspiring Ashley! It is both comforting, and strangely motivating to know
that yoga teachers are working as hard as their students do on their mats. You guys make it look effortless!
Sounds like a busy, fulfilling day!