When did you start practicing yoga? 
I began practicing yoga formally  in 1989 at Richard Freeman's Yoga Workshop. Prior to this I had been a Modern dancer throughout high school and college.

What has yoga brought to your life? 
Yoga has brought so much amazing goodness to my life. The incredible physical strength and agility I feel from my practice is now something I crave! Now 20 plus years later, I realize it has been the impetus to my deep spiritual longing and inquiry. It has lead me to Mother India through temples to ponder the big questions of life. Why are we here? What is our life about? What unique qualities do I have to being to the world. How can I offer myself in benefit to making the world a better place?

Why did you become a yoga instructor? 
As much as I found yoga, I believe yoga found me. I was born to teach and yoga is the perfect vehicle for me to offer teaching from.

What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life? 
A consistent practice offers ease and tranquility to the body/mind. We access a sensitivity to the preciousness of life. We see into our reactions and pain and are more readily able to see into our shadows and confront them.



What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga? 
Learn to breath in conjunction with your movement. breathing is integral to how yoga works on the body/mind.

What is special about the style of yoga you teach? 
I'm a blend of traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa with Iyengar and Anusara traditions. I have a keen sense of breath in conjunction with movement, I understand the theory behind the Ashtanga Vinyasa system so sequencing is intelligent as well as playful. I also bring in years of philosophy study that combines story/myth into the asana practice. Meditation is a passion so I also bring the understanding and profundity of a connection to meditation and its benefits.

What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why? 
I love all poses so to pick one is super challenging for me. I absolutely adore Hanumanasana for its hamstring and hip opening which also lead to great opening for the hip flexors for back bends. Hanumanasana 4 is my absolute favorite.

Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students. 
Yoga is an ever deepening path to experiencing our greatest potential and fulfillment. Yoga asana is a gateway to experiencing the more subtle vibrations  that  heal and transform. Yoga asana helps us remove negativity and limiting beliefs and patterns that inhibit us from our full expression . Yoga is body art where we create and re-create our selves over and over again. Yoga is a delight and a remembrance of our most joyful expression. Yoga leads us home to our heart, to what matters, to seeing the fragility of our human experience and the expansion of spirit.

Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?

"The heart is the hub of all sacred places, go there and roam. " Swami Muktananda

What do you like to do "off the mat"?
I love playing in nature, camping, hiking and back country skiing with family and friends. I love to cook and eat delicious food! I love learning harmonium and singing.

 
Jeanie’s classes delightfully weave story with alignment and meditative flow as a means to further our understanding of our lives off the mat. Known as a Teachers’ Teacher, Jeanie travels nationally and internationally to inspire students to become their most jubilant self. She offers Immersions, workshops, teacher training and retreats. Jeanie is a co-creator of the internet radio show, "Own It, Sister!" - inspiring women to embrace their worth, embody their wisdom and claim their wealth.
  

Click here for a complete listing of Jeanie's classes.