A message to my YogaDownload students: Thank you for coming to your mat day after day and practicing yoga with me. When I teach these online classes I picture you in your living room, bedroom, or home, and do my best to connect with you even though we are not in the same place or time. Know that I am always talking to YOU when I teach. Know that I believe in you, and that even though I cannot see you, I am rooting for you. It has been my complete honor to be your teacher. Please continue to share your feedback in your reviews, and feel free to reach out to me. From the bottom of my heart, Namaste.
In your words, what is Yoga?
Yoga is unity in all ways. It is the union of your mind with your breath, and your breath with your movement. It is the union of your strength and your flexibility. It is the union of your mind, body, and soul in present time. It is the union of you and me, and you with others. And in those moments when you feel the wholeness, it is bliss. And there are many paths to find it.
What teachers/teachings have impacted you the most?
I can honestly say that every yoga teacher I've ever practiced with teaches me something. Whether it is a teacher who has taught for 25 years, or a teacher teaching their first class, they teach me something about yoga or myself. With that being said, there are a few teachers who have truly impacted the way that I teach and practice:
Dawnelle Arthur - Dawnelle is truly one of the most innovative and creative teachers I know. She has and will always, without fail, take her students to new places in their bodies. No teacher has challenged me as much as she has, and for that I am thankful!
Seane Corn - After practicing just once with her, she taught me that yoga is SO much more than just postures and alignment. She taught me that yoga is action.
Bryan Kest - He turned my yoga practice upside down (and I'm not talking about inversions). He taught me to use yoga as a tool to become more self-aware, and reminded me not to use yoga as a tool to strengthen my ego.
Jeanie Manchester - Jeanie has been one of my greatest teachers. She helped me find balance and unity in my yoga practice and taught me the importance of meditation.
Alanna Kaivalya and Dave Porter - I took my first yoga teacher training about 11 years ago with Alanna and Dave. They cracked the ice within me and motivated me to live my dharma. Alanna taught me (and continues to teach me) the importance of traditional yoga and study. Dave taught me how to cue and teach a yoga posture clearly and directly.
I'm so grateful for every teacher I have ever practiced with!
What are the greatest benefits of yoga?
Yoga helps us find freedom and strength in our bodies. And when we feel strong and free in our bodies, we feel strong and free in our lives. The practice of yoga also gives us freedom from the mundane, and allows us the space we need to find presence and clarity. It allows us to take a break from all that we have going on so that we can clear our minds, connect with intuition, and gain perspective. And it provides an opportunity to get to know ourselves better, so that we can break through mental and physical patterns within us that hold us back from all that we want in our lives.
Photos by Kelly Shrouds
For the past 11 years, Jackie has been passionately teaching and practicing yoga in Denver, CO. Believing that yoga can awaken us to the vast capacity of our hearts, minds and spirits, her intention is to empower her students to live boldly and authentically. Jackie’s classes are a combination of enlightening inspiration, graceful movement, alignment and encouragement. Through her flowing sequences and heart centered intention she creates an environment for each student to blossom into his or her greatest expression of each yoga posture, and brightest self.
Try one of Jackie's YogaDownload Classes today!