Thursday, December 30, 2010

2010 ~ A Journey Within the Heart!


2010 has been a wild and sweet ride. A dance with Shakti (power), Shri (beauty) and Kali (going into the darkness). For many people around me it has been a challenging year in many ways. There has been loss, suffering, illness, sadness and confusion but within all the darkness there has been love, new lives, beauty, laughter and lightness.

The dance with Kali was rough at times but through the darkness the connection to my heart was far greater! 2010 has been a huge year with me when it comes to my love for yoga. Traveling back and fourth to Tucson, AZ to complete many hours in the Anusara world, falling in love with so many people along the way that are friends for life and just breathing in the 'Shakti' and 'Shri' that yoga can give. My teachers Darren Rhodes and Christina Sell that I have such a sacred place for within my heart and all my friends and family that have been so behind me the whole way, THANK YOU! Without yoga my life and heart would not be as full.

jalaBlu has of course been huge in 2010. I never imagined owning a yoga studio and I never imagined that a vision would happen so fast. This little studio holds a large amount of love and the people who walk in every day bring me an abundance of joy. The greatest gift is when my students who are my teachers embrace the true essence of yoga, not just the physical aspect but the heart felt emotions that it can bring to our mats and every day life. When tears come to their eyes because they have kicked up to their first hand stand, pushed up to their first back bend, allowed pain to leave their body through yoga or a heart based theme (Anusara rocks!) has touched them deeply. This is the invitation or the dance with 'Shri'!

One year ago, I went to a magical yoga retreat with Darren and Bronwin Rhodes (some of you know this story) and it was based around setting your intention for 2010 (of course a lot of asana practice). We wrote for several days and estimating hours, I would say at least 10 hours. I mean have you ever put that much effort in writing an intention and that is not even counting the hours that you think about it when you wake up, go to sleep, brush your teeth, asana practice etc.....It's pure magic to put that much effort in an intention and see it unfold within a year! So, through the writing at the end of the week most of us came up with a sentence, a few words or one powerful word to wrap it all up and send it out into the universe. Many of you have heard me say mine a trillion times (I even put it on my jalaBlu flyers), "Inhale Shakti, Exhale Shri, Ignite!" These few words had a lot of meaning within my intentions for 2010 but it wasn't until the end of this year that it's true meaning presented itself. So, here goes the story.

I was broodily sick for 6 days straight and my last Teaching Training (III) in Tucson, AZ was about to happen. I hadn't eaten for 6 days and my energy level was low, low and very low!!! I drove to the airport in 'Clampy' (my old little red truck) and as always I prayed the whole way there that he wouldn't break down, a charming old soul but sometimes I feel like the wheels and doors may fall off. I realized that once I got to Denver (2.5 hours away) that I had lost my wallet on the way. Hello Kali again! It had fallen off of 'Clampy' in Buena Vista, CO where I live. I was feeling very 'Shri' along the way to the airport...the mountains were spectacular, a blue sky day, the stereo was working for once and I was finally feeling healthy again AND, I was excited to see all the amazing people in Tucson, AZ. Before I realized that I lost my wallet, I had all of a sudden realized what, "Inhale Shakti, Exhale Shri, Ignite!" really means. I started crying tears of joy and really felt like I had figured EVERYTHING out. For me it is about living within your heart ~ to believe in your dreams and visions and not let go ~ to step into the fire and make things happen ~ to love stronger ~ to see the beauty or at least try to see the beauty in all situations and people ~ to ignite your passions and to truly deepen within your own heart and love yourself. The feeling overwhelmed me and at that very moment, I knew my intention that I held so close to my heart for one year came full circle. To hold this intention took effort, patience and belief. I HAVE danced with 'Shakti' and 'Shri' and within the relationship with Kali (darkness) I found strength to move into the lightness with love. 2010 was a year of beautiful transformation and within 2011, I welcome change and a greater essence of love within my life journey.

I haven't found the magical words (intention) for 2011 but I will continue to live deeper within the heart and invite them to surface when they are ready. Wishing you all a safe and joyful journey into 2011! May you always look within your heart and invite the MAGIC to happen!

Namaste~
Jenna and 'jalaBlu'

"Inhale Shakti, Exhale Shri, Ignite!" (one more time!)


Saturday, October 23, 2010

Let's Put Buena Vista, CO on the YOGA map!


Calling All 'jalaBlu' Yogis and Buena Vistians!
"BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE" ~ Ghandi


Buena Vista is a magical little town full of energy, character, community, beauty and transformation. Within this transformation, we have lifted the vibration with more live music, art, culture, restaurants/ coffee shops, South Main development, creative and talented personalities moving to BV and of course, 'jalaBlu' being the first yoga studio.

There is so much more happening (cultivating) that I haven't mentioned but we can all see this energy, this growth and within our hearts lies the excitement of Buena Vista igniting in a very powerful way within the near future. When I started 'jalaBlu' I had a vision of bringing in 'Special Yoga Guests' from all over the map. I had no idea that within less than a year we would already be blessed with three AMAZING guests (Bliss Brothers, Darren Rhodes / Bronwin Rhodes and Andrew Rivin). Within my 'jalaBlu' vision, I want to keep inviting special guests to Buena Vista and give YOU the chance to experience a powerful and heart opening journey through yoga.
I invite you to SUPPORT the next RADICAL workshop with Andrew Rivin, Nov. 13th and 14th. This Anusara Yoga workshop is for ALL LEVELS. It will be such an inspirational and empowering weekend so let's put Buena Vista on the 'Yoga Map'! ~

By the way......Combined with Andrew Rivin the Asian Palate (Thai and Sushi Restaurant) is hosting Jon H from 'Fort Knox Five' on Nov. 13th! Get your yoga on through 'jalaBlu' and then........ let the vibrations of DJ Jon H inspire your body to move. What an AMAZING and BLISSFUL combo!


Please fly this e-mail to anyone that has interest!!!! Let's ignite this workshop and fill up the Orpheum, I have no doubt WE can. Please see flyer attached with info. You can mail a check to Jenna Pfingston PO Box 4626, Buena Vista, CO 81211.

love and shri (beauty)~
Jenna and 'jalaBlu'

"jalaBlu is an oasis that welcomes open hearts, abundance in spirit, and fellow travellers ~ Come as you are!"

Monday, October 4, 2010

Gratitude


Some of you know that my 2nd home the past year has been Tucson, AZ. I have been so blessed with this amazing opportunity to not only study with Christina Sell and Darren Rhodes (I consider them both my teachers on the Anusara path) but to take the journey with so many amazing souls, WOW!!!!!! Some of these beautiful spirits have flowed with me through Immersion I, II, III and now Teacher Training I, II and soon III! It is one of the most rewarding and powerful experiences of my life journey yet and, I have no intentions of stopping here.

This path of yoga (Anusara) has greeted me with the 'fire' many times.....and I have gladly stepped into the fire whether it's on my mat or off. It has continued to deepen my awareness, my love for life, my love for others, the connection to the universe, to seek my highest desires and to embrace the challenging times in life with fortitude....patience and an unbelievable amount of love. This IS YOGA....it's not just coming to your mat to do a challenging asana, it's about embracing life to the fullest.

I have so much gratitude for my students (who are my teachers), my teachers, my family, my friends and for my life~

"Inhale Shakti, Exhale Shri, Ignite!"

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

NEW FALL SCHEDULE

HELLO 'jalaBlu' Yogis and Yoginas~

What an amazing summer! The fall has sprung with fruitful colors and a breath of fresh air is filling us up with new energy. This is one of my favorite times of year, a time to reflect and prepare for the stillness of winter. At times winter can seem long but it's a time to cultivate inspiration, dreams, inner transformation and a time to embrace the sacred place within. A perfect opportunity to invite the practice of YOGA within your heart and allow the magic to ignite at 'jalaBlu'!

I have been so blessed to have 'jalaBlu' come into my life and share the 'rockin' bliss with all of you! Thank you for being so supportive and making a dream come true. My energy keeps expanding with yoga and through this gift, I want to celebrate by adding more 'jalaBlu' classes for the winter. Classes are getting bigger and even though 'jala' has a small space there is room for more vibrational energy by adding a few more.

There will be a NEW Tuesday night class (5:30pm - 7:00pm) "Alignment and Flow" Level I-II. This class is full of fun (Inversions, back bends, balancing etc....) and expands your own practice through articulation of alignment within standing poses. On Thursday night from 6:00pm - 7:30pm Level II, "Practice with Jenna", this class will include me practicing with you while taking you through a more challenging asana and turning you upside down with handstands, headstands, forearm balances, back bends and any other playfulness that follows, it will be a 'rockin shakti asana practice'! Friday, I have added a "Easy Jala Stretch" class from 11:00am-12:00pm for those yogis who just want to 'take it easy'.....:) AND..........Saturday I have added another, "Jala Basics" class, 11:00am - 12:15pm (also one on Wednesday). This class is great for the beginner and is also designed for yogis who want to refresh their mind with the 'principals of alignment' (Anusara Influenced).

NEW SCHEDULE WILL BEGIN OCTOBER 12TH!!!! SEE ATTACHED FLYER. Please note that the new schedule does include a fall promotion of punch card prices (ends November 31st). I will honor these prices as of now and would love to entice you to the $70.00 unlimited one month of yoga!!!!!!!!!!!

To kick off fall/winter I'm offering the 2nd "Intro to Yoga" 5 week series since 'jalaBlu' has opened. The first one was amazing! Space will be limited so please pre-register and ignite the new upcoming year (2011) with the ever lasting brilliance of yoga. I have attached flyer with dates and cost.

Will be sending out another e-mail in the next two days about the Andrew Riven workshop, November 13th & 14th. Save the dates and get ready for another amazing workshop in the land of Buena Vista, CO!!!!!!!

If you have any questions or suggestions would love to hear them! Thanks for taking the time to read this e-mail and can't wait to practice with you on your mat!

Shri~
Jenna and 'jalaBlu'

"jalaBlu is an oasis that welcomes open hearts, abundance in spirit, and fellow travellers. Come as you are~"

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Yoga is Vibrational!


So, I read this article in 'elephant journal' about the meaning of OM and why we chant such a sound at the beginning of class and at the end. It was a great article and it united me with the word 'vibrational'. If you want to read the article which I recommend, go to www.elephantjournal.com (search: Why Chant OM at the End of Class?). And so.......my mind started to think about YOGA (of course) and how yoga is so 'vibrational' on many levels. I'm sure I have said this before in a different way with a different word but it can never be said enough which is in fact so 'vibrational'.

The first time I heard a 'Gong' was in my 2
nd yoga Immersion in AZ at Yoga Oasis. It was a huge gong and while we lay in savasana the sound was so amazing! My mind and body went into another dimension as the the sound 'vibrated' through every cell of my body. When I entered the studio that morning I felt completely different than when I left. When I left, I walked out into the city and carried that 'vibrational' feeling with me. A full day of asana, a full day of inspirational questions, a full day of new friends, a full day of love for myself and a day ended with the 'vibrational' sound of the gong that took my soul into a new sacred place. When you think about the echoing sound of a gong and how far it really travels within space ....within each individual....within the outside world...etc...Imagine the ever lasting wave of connection within the universe. This is 'vibrational' and this is what yoga can ignite within your own life and the people around you!

Yoga has a 'vibrational' nectar that is contagious within the heart, mind, body, soul and spirit.
Think about when a random stranger just smiles at you or does an act of kindness. How does it make you feel? It's amazing and usually in return you gift someone else that beautiful smile and maybe an act of kindness. This in itself is a 'vibrational' outcome because it just keeps expanding from one person to the next and even that smile can be contagious within to expand out to others. Yoga is 'vibrational'~it can take you on a journey within your heart and open your mind to so many possibilities. The magic may start on your mat within a class but the way it makes you feel within is an on going path that will continue to expand and touch the people around you. You know the song, "Feel the Vibration"....sing it.......LIVE it and expand the sweet 'vibration' of YOGA!

Shri~
Jenna and '
jalaBlu'

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Teaching Yoga is Nothing but Pure PASSION!


So, what do you think about 'passion'? I think it's one of the coolest emotions you can feel and it can mean so many different things. Passion can be deep, intense, powerful, joyful, even painful, it can free your soul and explode your heart with effortless bliss.

The other night I was eating this amazing dinner and I mean one of the best dinners I have ever had!!!!!!! A full trout that was stuffed with tomatoes, onions and lemons, sauteed organic field greens and red potatoes with roasted garlic drizzled with a beautiful and 'passionate' lemon cream sauce. The flavors combined were extraordinary. Everyone was laughing at how much I was savoring each bite and explaining how wonderful it was over and over and then my friend Claire said, "Hey, she is 'passionate' about her food".....Right there and then I knew my next blog (it's been a while........My apologies) was all about 'PASSION'! I love food~I believe it's one of the most passionate experiences in life ~ To travel to new cultures and smell new aromas, taste different flavors and to just explore other worlds through food is a true passion within my soul! To dive into a dark piece of chocolate and let it melt in your mouth or bite into vegetable or fruit that you have cultivated in your own garden is the shri (beauty) of 'passion'.

The photograph capturing rain drops at the end of delicate limbs is done by a talented photographer, Roger Pfingston (my father). He is probably one of the most 'passionate' people I know in this life. His photos can show us a vision that only he can see. When I was younger he would stop and get out of the car to take pictures of mud puddles, oil spills from a car and turn it into the most beautiful photograph. His dedication and love for photography is a full expression of his 'passion' for life and how he sees it.

Today I was sitting by the beautiful 'jala' garden writing and a white butterfly danced around my head and then started to dance slowly through the crab apple tree. I watched it for a while as it appreciated each encounter (flower, tree, branch, etc...) and how it seem so bliss within the moment. This delicate and graceful insect lives such a short time yet it can express the meaning of 'passion' within every moment~

Each and every one of us has passion and at times we need to awaken this 'passion'. We have 'passion' for love, work, hobbies, family, animals, food, what we fight for, etc.....I could go on and on. When we tap into this emotion we can discover so much within and in return gift others with that expression. Life is short (as it is for the butterfly) so if your 'passion' is taking a rest then start to notice everything around you, open your heart.........breath in the beauty and it's simplicity, move forward with your dreams or desires and ignite the 'passion' within!

"When what you do is in alignment with who you are, passion becomes your energy" ♥

Love and Shri~

Jenna and 'jala'


"I dare you to be more passionate!"

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Cultivation = Magic


So, this blog is completely dedicated to the powerful word 'cultivate'. Matter of fact, my thoughts within and realizations about my own life journey is obsessed with this word lately and how it relates so well to EVERYTHING! I love it when you can take one word that has been in your life for quite some time and unravel it's true beauty and essence in a deeper way.

This all started a week, the fascination with the word 'cultivate'. We have been getting so much rain lately that every morning I look out the 'jalaBlu' studio window to find the gardens exploding with color, greenness, veggies, herbs and an abundance of beauty. This is where the word cultivate entered my soul of deep thought. With hard work and determination a few friends helped me build the 2 ft. tall rock garden. It was filled with cultivated organic dirt and then the planting started to happen early June. There were some seeds and then some starter plants that were given to me by Weathervane Farms here in Buena Vista. Everything was so small or non existent in my vision. Anyway, what I'm getting at is with the process of cultivation which includes effort, patience and love the vision of this garden became reality. 'jala' now has beautiful veggies, herbs and amazing flowers.

Even from the time we are born we are cultivating. It is a life cycle and throughout each of our journeys we cultivate our dreams, our passions, our relationships, our love for ourselves, our talents, our awareness, our health and YES, even our beautiful gardens.

Think about when you truly want something....I mean you can feel it in your gut in an intense way and it brings excitement within your emotions and connects you to something deeper. You may not be ready for it quite YET...maybe it's a relationship, a job, a yearning to find your true path with a career, to travel abroad etc....whatever it may be we can start the process by inviting the power of vision, manifestation, believing, setting it in motion with small actions~This is yet another way to look at the magical word, 'cultivate'. Eventually as we turn the soil or plant the seeds for the the ultimate goal or intention then cultivation will with no doubt, produce a beautiful flower~

Having awareness within our own cultivation process is part of the beauty. To watch something or someone grow over time is an art in true essence. To be part of a dream in the beginning and to watch it ignite into something powerful is a joyful life experience. We are forever working on our own growth, our loving relationships, our dreams and visions. We are forever cultivating!

Think about everything in your life so far and find the beauty in growth~find the magic and celebrate 'cultivate'!

Love and Shri~
'jala' and Jenna

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Ganesh ~ "Removing obstacles and creating obstacles"


Hello 'jala' jalaians!

So the past two days have been dedicated to Ganesh within the 'jalaBlu' classes! In Hindu legends Ganesh is the son of Parvati and Shiva. He is the little boy with an elephant head and a big belly that represents prosperity. He is also known to clear obstacles within our spiritual path and of course create obstacles when needed. I like this guy....:). He also represents peace and wisdom~

There are quite a few variations of this story on how he received an elephant head. Here is just one story within my own words. Shiva (the husband of Pavarti) had been gone for quite some time and was just returning. During his absense Pavarti molded their son out of her beautiful skin~One day Pavarti asked Ganesh to guard the house while she took a perfumed bath. She asked Ganesh to not let anyone in. As Ganesh stood in front of the door, Shiva (the father) crossed the path. Ganesh not knowing that Shiva was his father would not allow Shiva to pass (being loyal to his mother). Shiva became very angry (maybe an understatement) and beheaded Ganesh. Shiva of course did not know this was his son. As he entered the house Pavarti ran out to see her beloved son who no longer had a head. When she told Shiva that Ganesh was his son they decided the first creature to cross their path would be the head of Ganesh. And so, a huge elephant came walking by. Shiva chopped off the head of the elephant and blessed Ganesh with a new head. And so.......as in the image above Ganesh is represented with the beautiful head of an elephant.

As we walk within our own journey their are always obstacles on our path. Sometimes these obstacles don't last long and sometimes we have to 'step into the fire' and ride in the current for a while. I myself look at a lot of obstacles as blessings ....'Divine Intervention' and a time for us to connect deeper within our own spiritual growth. Running away from an obstacle is not a solution and we are not allowing a bigger opportunity to come our way. I mean...YES...there are some life obstacles we could do without...I agree....BUT, within my own life journey most of my obstacles have given me a new door to walk through and enter into a bigger light. For example; When I left for Asia in 2009, I was supposed to leave for quite some time to teach abroad. I did get my teaching certificate and I did go to Taiwan to work but I was very confused at the time if I really was on the right path. This in itself was creating a HUGE mind and heart obstacle. I wanted to stick to my 'Jenna' plans, I didn't want to give up, I didn't want to let people down and most of all I thought I needed to prove something to myself and others. Anyway, my obstacle was 'clarity'.......it was brutal for a while. I definitely had to stay in the current and then when I was ready, I jumped on the bigger wave of truth. Long story short ~ I basically just traveled for 6 months and then made the decision (which took a while) to move back home to the states. I wasn't sure why I came back home but ............. here I am owning my own little yoga studio 'jalaBlu'. The sweetness that can follow an obstacle is well worth staying in the current for a while.

Just as with a yoga pose that we are scared to try or we just can't get 'yet'~ However, we keep coming back to our mats to overcome the obstacle and 'step into the fire'. When we finally 'open to grace' and allow our heart to bloom into the possibility of doing that pose or even vision ourselves in that one pose then, we connect with the 'BIG' wave and we just do it!

So within honoring the 'Great Ganesh' within your own life journey ~ May he be present at all times to create obstacles that support your spiritual growth and inner strength and remove obstacles along the way to give you divine love!

love and shri~
Jenna and 'jalaBlu'

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

To Embrace a New Vision~

Hello 'jala' jalaianas~

"To embrace a new vision." "To expand in a new perspective." "To think outside of the box." "To enlighten your mind in a new direction." "To go beyond and above all thoughts and expectations." ~ We can say the same thing in so many different ways and yet each time it has a similar meaning but......... a different vision perhaps.

Today in class ('jala' flow and play) we focused on twists ~ I tend to not do a whole practice with twists or even teach a class with the focus on twists but today..........we stepped outside of our poses and expanded them into a twisty kind of time.....:) Even though we were bounded within our twists, our limbs (such as the photo of the tree) reached out organically and expanded outward. Sometimes in life we tend to intertwine our head with our heart and we forget to exert our effort to reach out or to expand out to somewhere different to give ourselves the freedom of experience which in return gives us knowledge and growth.

Headed for the city (Denver, CO) this past weekend to just be in a different place, see different things, listen to different noises, experience a different kind of energy. I have lived in the mountains for so long that going to the city for me is like going to a museum or being a small child and watching a bug crawl in the grass for the first time. I can just sit on a bench in the park and watch people...listen to people and basically just meditate on being in a different environment. I'm not huge on the traffic and I usually get lost while driving but I have learned to just accept getting lost as part of the journey......the new vision of surroundings.

Even as we look to the past or hold on to a memory we have a hard time 'untwisting' our emotions or experiences in order to reach a higher place within our own divine path. To release and let go is also a way to expand ourselves to new places and ignite our happiest visions. The next time you come to your mat instead of doing the normal home practice open your heart to something new and expand your vision to an experience that is beyond the norm.

And so ......today as we entered the 'twisty' yoga world we concluded with ~ Parivrtta baddha parsavakonasana into svarga dvijasana ~ Most of my students had never seen this one let alone try this amazing pose.....THEY LOVED IT! and so maybe in a subliminal side of life they will allow themselves to 'embrace a new vision' within their own spiritual path~

D.R. sent this quote out recently in a daily 'D' and thought it fit perfectly~

"The light that yoga sheds on life is something special. It is transformative. It does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees it. It brings knowledge and elevates it to wisdom." B.K.S. Iyengar

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

This moment is 'RIGHT' on!


Hello 'jala' friends, family and yogis,

I would have to say that every class is my favorite class to teach but Wednesday nights have a special energy~ The class is called 'jala' Basics to Yoga. Last week I had 12 yogis which is huge for the 'jala' count and tonight I had 6 yogis~ In this class we get brand new yogis walking through the door that have never down a downward dog, beginner yogis and yogis who just want to brush up on their basics. So, a colorful mixture and a fun class for me to teach.

I started off with the intention ....as always....it goes something like this~

"YOU are the right person, this is the right time, YOU are thinking the right thoughts, YOUR doing the right things, and this very moment YOU are exactly where YOU are supposed to be ~ poised for the happiest time of your life!"

How often do we really say this or think this? Ask yourself and then read it again....Maybe even read it so many times that it becomes your own chant within your heart~close your eyes....welcome in the goddess of breath and fill your heart up with these exact words~Let the echo vibrate within your life and accept where you are RIGHT now with compassion and delight.

Tonight we took these words into our practice.......We did standing pose after standing pose...embracing each one and embracing our muscle energy to support our practice. We held intention in our cobra and melted our hearts even more as we knew, YES...indeed....at that very moment we were all in the RIGHT place, at the RIGHT time, thinking the RIGHT thoughts and ready to leap into our own life without fear~

I hope you find this intention within your heart and when needed, embrace the words into your everyday life!

love and shri~
Jenna and 'jala'

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Surrender to Freedom~


Good Morning 'jala' jalaians~

I'm getting ready to teach 'jala' flow and play. A class mixed with influenced Anusara, Vinyasa flow and of course a few inversions to get upside down. It's 8:15am and you just never know who will walk through the door (living in the present or now the future......), I love it~a surprise gift every day when it comes to teaching yoga. Today we are going to go into some basics of Tadasana and with other standing poses, really getting into them and holding them......'surrendering' to them to give us freedom! After reading the article by Darren Rhodes in Elephant Journal (check it out if you haven't read it yet)....so inspiring and I have even heard the story many times. I have decided to go through each pose in "Light on Yoga" and so yesterday my own personal practice was Tadasana and Trickanasana. So for today and 'jala' students I will be rewarding them with the same gifts.

I have a few of the Daily 'D' books at the studio and they help give me inspiration for intentions of the day along with other life experiences. So my intention for today is inspired by one of the Daily 'D's'. To sum up it up in just a few words, "Surrender to Freedom". This is put in my own words so bare with me and hopefully it will come full circle within your heart. I feel as if a lot of times we run away from our fears, sadness, frustration, anger or at least there is that breaking point of when we wish it would just go away~We even shout to the universe...'take this feeling away....give me freedom...give me happiness' but in reality, freedom can only come in fullness when you surrender to what you need to face. Surrendering to a challenge and accepting it's fear is connecting ourselves in a deeper way and getting us closer to 'freedom'. For example; one of my poses that I really don't like in yoga is 'Hanumanasana' and matter of fact when it comes up in a class or a workshop I all of a sudden have to go to the restroom....HA....that is not surrendering and that is not gaining freedom...it's called, 'running away'....:) However, lately I have been 'trying' to teach this pose in class in order to surrender and soften. Guess what, I'm still not there and I still dislike the pose a little...:) but I'm starting to feel freedom. So, I challenge you to take a pose or a life situation that you are scared of or frustrated with and surrender to the emotions that come in and take small baby steps ~ First start with breathing and then surrender completely with your heart and mind. Express your freedom in fullness and feel the rush of shakti and shri vibrate through your whole being!

Just finished class with a beautiful yogi! Only had one student but the gift of teaching one student is full of teaching a 100 students, need I say more?

love, shri and FREEDOM~
Jenna and 'jalaBlu'

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Moose has a Powerful Meaning!


Hello 'jalaBlu' Yogis, Friends and Family,

Today is once again a beautiful day in Buena Vista, CO. We were greeted with an evening rain and everything is lush in the 'jala' gardens. The lettuce, spinach, arugula and chard are really starting to grow in abundance and the sunflowers get taller every day. It's truly amazing to witness a garden and how fast it can change from day to day ~ living in the 'present'. I work at a local organic farm here in town (www.weathervanefarmbv.com) 3 hours a week for trade and to witness their abundance each week is complete magic! If your in BV and haven't checked out the farm, it's amazing! Caitlin and Seth Roberts who run Weathervane are exceptional people with huge hearts AND might I add, beautiful 'jala' yogis!

So, your probably wondering what is up with the Moose. Today at 'jalaBlu' we have no classes but a personal practice for me later on. I have this fascination with animals and what they mean in our lives. Of course everyday, we are blessed with creatures around us but I mean the unusual occurrence of an animal crossing your path........maybe in a weird way, a magical way, a crazy way, an intentional way or perhaps an unusual animal that you have never seen before. This all started when I was 25 and living on a working 'Dude Ranch' high up in the mountains. Another 'guru' in life (Tis) bought me the book, "Medicine Cards" by Sams and Carson which included animal cards. The same week she gave this beautiful gift to me I went running out the door with my journal to write down by the river (Jenna time). Tis yelled out the door (she worked on the ranch as well), "don't forget your medicine card book." I looked back at her with a smile and ran back in to grab the small red book. Off to the river to zone out and write. I was there for a couple hours sitting on this huge boulder in my own little world. I heard a noise behind me unlike any noise I had heard before but......... being in a meditation state of mind, I didn't give it much thought ~ There was another huge boulder next to me and as I looked up a bald eagle landed right next to me (really!!!!) and we connected eye to eye, it was such a powerful moment and to be honest, I thought I was dreaming or having a vision. The noise that I heard prior to the Eagle landing was the sound of the wings starting to land ~ WOW!!! This was 14 years ago and I still get the chills thinking about it. When 'Tis' asked me if I saw anything of significance, I smiled and laughed. She knew without a doubt an amazing animal would appear that day. So, from that very moment......... I was hooked on the 'Medicine Cards' and I have many stories to tell about creatures coming into my life and the powerful meaning behind each one.

So, while hiking 'Lost Lake' with my friend Amy we came across a giant Moose (above). A very majestic and HUGE creature. I immediately had that feeling of, this means something for both Amy and I. Once I got home, I once again united with the red book of animal knowledge and magic. So, within the Moose medicine cards, here is the meaning......"Representing wisdom and self-esteem. The Moose can be viewed as a positive force, it represents his willingness to "tell the world" about his feelings and experiences. Moose represents sharing because he is a creature of joy and feels that if he has succeeded within a job then he is expressing himself in the deepest part of one's being, he is sharing the joy and hoping that it inspires others. Moose medicine people have the ability to know when to use the gentleness of Deer and when to activate the stampede of Buffalo. They are known as teachers and usually know what to say, when to say it or to whom. They encourage others to learn and grow. If a Moose is chosen or crosses your path you have a reason to feel good about something you have accomplished on your journey. Remembering that others around you have achieved beautiful life intentions or goals is a way to share the meaning of Moose with them."

Moose......"Help me to honor the gifts I can give.....And recognize my worthiness long as I live."

And so in life, we all have our own journey and path. Even the small accomplishments we make and the big leaps of faith should be celebrated and shared with others. For me, this blog is a way of celebrating / sharing in the 'jala' journey...... and if I can inspire just a few people then I am thankful and so grateful for this vibrational energy!

If you come accross a Moose one day don't forget to give thanks to this majestic creature and remember the meaning. Give yourself a pat on the back for one of your own accomplishments and then extend the magic out to others!

love and shri~
Jenna and 'jala'

Sunday, July 11, 2010

My Heart Filled with Gifts wtihin the 'jalaBlu' Journey~


So, I have decided just to start writing instead of continuing with the 'jala' story page by page. It will all unfold in time and even the unknown will appear. So, from here on out this blog will be filled with thoughts, emotions, intentions, 'jala' stories and of course a few words out to the universe to manifest extended dreams within the 'jalaBlu' journey because it doesn't stop here, I promise~It only gets better and I invite shakti and shri to dance with me. This blog is a journal for me and 'jala' and all posts will embrace the truth and some days...... I will enter the Kali world and some days will be complete shri (sri)~

The gift of teaching yoga is far greater than I ever expected. Of course the gift of yoga within my own life has been far greater than I ever imagined and it just keeps growing. Yoga has opened my mind and heart, it has made me more aware of my body, it has allowed me to accept myself and the people around me, the love within me is a huge ball of light and it just keeps getting bigger, it has also made me face my fears, it has awakened my potential to believe and not give up, it has brought amazing people into my life, it has connected me deeper to the universe~to a higher power, it has embraced me through really hard times, it has given me laughter and tears, it has given me an injured hip...:) but wisdom in the end, it has given me more Gurus in my life, it has given me strength, it has given me unconditional love, it will continue to push me and challenge me, it has given me curiosity, it has given me beauty, it has shown me that "the impossible is always possible", it has comforted me, it has taken me to the door of Kali and allowed me to enter with the unknown, it has given me a deeper connection to my own breath, it has given me freedom within my own heart and more than anything it has given me the hearts of my students that grace me with their uniqueness and gift of presence within my life and the 'jalaBlu' path~

Once again 'jala' is not a big studio...It can fit 15 max and I'm not quite sure on that yet....:) I have had 13 a few times. The yoga community is small but we have a few other wonderful teachers in Buena Vista along with the jala studio. I knew that having a studio here in Buena Vista was perfect in one sense...there wasn't a studio yet :) but on the other hand, I also knew it would be a challenge to grow the Anusara yoga community here on my own (not really on my own). I'm always up for a challenge though and to be honest if it wasn't a challenge then I probably wouldn't have done it. There is another Anusara studio (Yoga Tonic) in Salida which is about 25 minutes away and that is where I get my Anusara class fix, with Annie...She is an amazing teacher and her energy is filled with sweetness. AND......Jamie Allison who is very well respected in the Anusara world has a retreat (Ananda Tandava Retreat Center) in Howard, CO and she is always hosting workshops, Immersions, Teacher Trainings and so much more. When I can get to Tandava to study with Jamie it's always a huge gift!

'jalaBlu' is not a full Anusara yoga studio yet but that is the direction I'm headed in. Of course, I always welcome other styles of yoga and I think it's important to explore. I teach a mixture of influenced Anusara and Vinyasa flow and I love inversions (play time). I'm in the big wave of working on my Anusara certification and travel to AZ to study with Darren Rhodes and Christina Sell. I did 3 weeks this winter and will start again in August with the Teacher Training (Phase 1). By the way.......Christina Sell has also become an amazing 'guru' in my yoga adventure~To put it in the simplest way, "SHE ROCKS!" The woman is amazing and I have so much respect for her in so many different ways AND......she ignited the flame to finally do a drop back. Can't wait to study with her this winter and maybe one day she will also bless us with her spirit at 'jalaBlu' and within the Buena Vista yoga community~ Hmmmmmmmm ...perhaps this is me manifesting ~ No doubt!

So, today I will stop here but next time I will continue with the gifts of my students~

love and shri~
Jenna and 'jala'

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Darren Rhodes Workshop in the small town of Buena Vista, IGNITE!


Ok...so I'm getting off beat on the 'jalaBlu' story and how it all started but this is definitely part of the story and this is definitely where my intention is working, "inhale shakti, exhale shri, IGNITE".

On July 5th I believe Buena Vista, CO had it's biggest yoga workshop YET (a part of history perhaps)! Darren Rhodes and his beautiful wife Bronwin blessed us with their energy and love for 2 hours and 15 minutes in the Orpheum Theatre located on Main street. 'jalaBlu' is a wonderful studio (of course..;)) but a very small studio and so......... I had to rent out a different location. The first location was in South Main and is the venue were 'jala' held the 'Bliss Brothers' (another wonderful workshop and the first at 'jala') but as the days got closer to the 5th the 'jala' phone started to ring more and more. I have already spoke of Darren Rhodes in many more of my past blogs and so if you haven't read those I will sum him up in just a few words, "He is a radical yogi with an amazing heart and his teaching skills are respected by many. The way he looks at life and intertwines asana and intentions with your own life is pure magic!" And so with a waiting list of yogis, I decided to move the location to the Orpheum Theatre which provided the perfect setting, energy and space for 46 beautiful yogis and yoginis.

Setting up an event like this takes 'patience and fortitude' and along with the final outcome and path along the way comes so much love. It's hard to believe that 'jalaBlu' has only been opened since Feb. 8th 2010 but has already manifested two workshops with special guests the, "Bliss Brothers" and "Darren Rhodes". This is truly 'radical' and a dream come true!

There is something to be said with a huge space full of yogis~an energy that is undefinable but so awake and full of love~When the workshop started to begin my 'shakti' was running through my veins like a humming bird sipping the nectar on each flower~Darren gave me the 'nod' to start and all of a sudden the feeling of 'nervous' entered my body.....:) I love the feeling though, reminds you ...YOU ARE ALIVE! And so, the introduction and then.......Darren setting the intention for the practice and one to inspire many hearts in the room including mine (I will include the magical intention at the bottom of this post).

For 2 hours Darren had us in some crazy poses (as always)! One thing (there are many) I love about Darren is that when you walk in to a practice with him you will leave doing a pose you have never done before~that is part of the magic! His belief in each student (even if he has never crossed your path yet in life) is part of his huge heart that expands out in so many different ways.

And so as the practice came to an end and the energy vibrated down the streets of Buena Vista, CO Bronwin (Darren's Wife) ended the practice with a beautiful lullaby in Savasana. Browwin has a voice that will bring tears to your eyes and fill your heart up with so much sweetness and love!

Bringing our hands to the center of our hearts we breathed softly and ignited the word 'Namaste'~ Thank you Darren, Thank you Bronwin, Thanks to the Orpheum Theatre to providing such a beautiful location and thank you to all the amazing yogis who attended! Can't wait to raise the vibration again with another wonderful workshop through 'jalaBlu' and everyones support and love!

love and shri~
Jenna and 'jalaBlu'


Intention for the Darren Rhodes Workshop

"if changes are to happen, they will happen organically. It's not that you'll never be able to do things differently. Everything is a matter of timing. If we try to do the right thing at the wrong time, it's disastrous. So you hold intention without attachment as much as possible. When you have intention you are giving notice to the Universe, then the Universe decides. If the Universe sees it is right, the Universe will open doors in a way that allows your dream to manifest. If not, it's not your fault. People don't think that their prayers are heard when they don't get action right away, but our prayers are heard.....when we are too emotionally invested in something,
rather than calling it to us, we actually push it away."

M. Young - As It Is


Thursday, July 1, 2010

What does 'jala' look like?

So......I have worked since I was 16 and every job has had some kind of reward, lesson, helped me grow, made me realize what I didn't want etc.......made realize what I did want.....When I was in my mid thirties I decided to give my actual degree (B.S. Interior Design and Marketing Minor) a chance and so I started to knock on doors, send resumes, make calls etc.....This is somewhat of a long Jenna story so I will keep it short~I ended up (once again magic in my life) working for a Interior Design firm called, Atlantis. We designed mostly restaurants, retail and hospitality and in the end we did some work for a well known design firm named 'Chute Gerdeman' which allowed us to expand. I was with Atlantis for 4 1/2 years within the Vail Valley and then we moved to Denver in 2008 of July.

The people who owned Atlantis became so much more in my life than ever imagined and still till this day I am so thankful! I grew so much in these 4 years and learned so much! I became a stronger woman with what I wanted to achieve within my own desires during these four years and with no doubt part of 'jala's' energy comes from 'Atlantis'. My boss Terry was battling cancer for quite some time and at the end of 2008 they decided to close Atlantis and celebrate life~Terry passed in May of 2009 and even though she is gone her presence, patience and fortitude are a huge part of the 'jala' journey!

At Atlantis I was the 'Assistant Designer' and 'Material Specialist'~I loved it and so it has come in handy with seeing 'jala' (the space where it is located) or seeing the vision in an aesthetic way. So, off to choose colors and make the vision happen. My friend Kenley was also a part of the design path in the beginning. By the way....she has become a beautiful yogi!!!!!!! Another gift of the journey~!

When I was traveling through Asia there were two studios that brought inspiration...One mainly...."Wild Rose Studio"..which is in Chiang Mai, Thailand. If you get chance visit Rose, she is a beautiful and fun lady that shares her space and a lot of love!!!!! A small studio in size BUT a big studio in personality and the love that comes into that space. She has several yogi special guest (Andrew Riven is just one of many) and also women groups as well as an amazing 'kula'. And so, part of her studio has brought inspiration to 'jalaBlu'~ I want people to feel like they are walking into a place that feels interesting, fresh, airy, oasis like, from a different country, etc.....(community / kula). So within 'jalaBlu' there are 3 colors of blue as you walk in the front door and the kitchen has opened shelves with funky dishes ~there is a room that has tons of pillows to sit on, plants etc....upstairs is the actual studio and holds about 15..max..:) The walls are a peacock blue along with a sage green and the tall mirrors make the room appear to be larger. There is a beautiful mural of a lotus pond painted by my friend Brynn and a small shrine to make blessings and offerings. Lot's of windows in the studio with tree branches as curtain rods and thin white flowy curtains to bring in the airy effect~

Lately we have been working on the 'jala' gardens...We (beautiful friends such as Seth, Hanna and Caitlane) built a huge rock wall for a raised garden bed and this garden includes herbs, flowers and veggies....along with two smaller gardens ....the 'chishrichi' garden and the 'lila' garden along with a hammock to enjoy the shade and read a book.

I will add some pictures soon of the actual space from the 'Grand Opening'~ But for now using the imagination is part of the 'jala' journey...;)

Next: What happened when 'jala' finally opened and ignited~

love and shri~
jenna and 'jala'

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

SHAKTI

"To enjoy the freedom of being. To make beauty, to love, to exult in the goodness of life, to celebrate the Supreme through art/music, to serve by adding more joy and laugher to life~SHAKTI." (taken from the Anusara Yoga Master Immersion manual)


Monday, June 28, 2010

"My heart called me to action and I followed"~Julia Butterfly


So time for 'part' of the vision to happen~First, a journey back to 'Haramara' with D.R. and his wife Bronwin. This trip like the year before was magical! A week of physical yoga, mindful yoga, open hearts, beautiful people and a whole lot of love AND....amazing food! A week to rejuvenate, reflect, feel inspiration, manifest, embrace love and confidence and............. to ignite others dreams and visions. I came back to Haramara feeling the fire within but needed to set the flame within and ignite my dream to a higher place and so I did. After journaling and writing about my true desires and so much more my intention for this year is, "INHALE SHAKTI, EXHALE SHRI, IGNITE!". This is just one small way (well not so small) of manifesting a lot of beautiful and magical things within my life for 2010 and the people around me.

After I returned from Haramara it was time to put everything in action.....what name to choose, what colors, logo, schedule and overall what kind of atmosphere did I want 'jalaBlu' to have. Well, the name was easy......the word 'blu' or 'blue'...we spell it 'blu' is just a fun word to say ......and I love how it rolls off your lips~I love the ocean, it's a powerful and mystical part of mother nature and so, 'jala' means water in Sanskrit. My dear friend Astrid was the artist behind the logo and my first post cards to fly around Colorado and announce jalaBlu. I will figure out how to attach the logo to this blog soon but in the meantime I will explain.......It resembles a peacock feather but means so much more.........there are dots above the logo (7 to be exact...a lucky number) and these are shakti (powerful energy), then there is a green area that stands for Urdhva Dhanurasana (yoga pose: back bend...and my favorite), there is a black arch that stands for an open invitation to open hearts...open minds....and an entrance to a new doorway, there is also a blue arch resembling a giant wave/ water and the peacock feather idea is 'strength'.....So, that is the logo idea and the name idea. Now the true definition of 'jalaBlu'......dadatada.......

1. A place of union and unbounded exploration of the heart; a gathering oasis. 2. an opportunity to explore body alignment and mindful living through yoga. 3. an invitation to express diversity and openness. 4. a sacred place to embrace creative minds, community and bliss. [jalaBlu]

"inhale shakti, exhale shri, ignite!"

love and shri~
jenna and 'jala'

Friday, June 25, 2010

So much in just one year~

OK....so to continue with how 'jalaBlu' ignited. So, after traveling for 6 months in Asia I decided to come home to the States ...well, actually right around this time last year. Take note: a lot can manifest in one year...:)! I wasn't sure where to go, what to do and I pretty much came back with nothing (money wise). Hmmmmm at the age of 38 I was well....some people may say lost but to be honest it was quite the opposite. My world and mind seemed beautiful. I was open minded to endless possibilities and there was something inside of me that was new....comfort, confidence, more love for myself and a lot of clarity. Remember the quote that I carried with me in 2009?...let me remind you, "To embrace clarity and a grander love for myself ....ignites the power within and all around." I was watching everyone around me stress out about such little things in life, people not observing the beauty in front of them or friends forgetting to just be so thankful for the love that surrounds them ~ through a loss of a beautiful friend and guru on my traveling journey in Asia it has blessed me with the awareness....."life is too short so embrace each moment". I also realized that anything is possible if you believe in yourself....may take a little time, may be scary and may be a long path but if it's what you desire than it's worth the risk and patience. YOGA!!!!!! The more I started to take workshops....attend retreats or just regular classes I could feel that love within my heart or that fire within each time....Kind of like when you start to fall in love with someone or something. Since I was a little girl I loved to dance and took many classes (12 years and still dancing): jazz, tap, Luigi, modern, hip hop........and for me yoga is another way of dancing....being in tune with your body and expressing your emotions through movement. This is a beautiful thing!!!!!!! One thing that is forever within ones life is your body~I look at it as a divine temple and one that should be explored. So through yoga it is a form of dance and a way to honor and embrace my own body. It's amazing how many people are actually out of tune with their own bodies and this is just one of the many gifts of giving within the yoga teacher world.

OK...so, a bit off track but part of the story. Once I get past how jalaBlu ignited, this blog will hopefully be a daily blog for the studio......inspirational thoughts, intentions, students and workshops that come our way to the small land of Buena Vista, CO. Maybe this will inspire another amazing soul out there or just encourage someone to try yoga and to me that is just another blessing in the yoga world. "It's never to late to start yoga!"

So, I decided to land my wings in Buena Vista when I returned for a couple different reasons. Most importantly, all my friends have migrated here from the Vail area and I was only going to hang out for the summer and spend time with them. Well....obviously the summer has now turned into fall and winter and now summer again (full circle). So, yoga was on my mind and I knew I had to somehow keep going with that intuition. I was a fitness instructor for 5 years so I knew I had no trouble of teaching in front of people, being motivational and optimistic and more than anything I have always wanted to help people and to make them feel good. I had expressed this to several friends that I wanted to teach and as always they encouraged and gave me the support I needed. My friend Barb who owns the magnificent cafe "The Evergreen" said, "Why don't you teach some classes in the apartment behind the Evergreen?"....hmmm, didn't know there was one back there....and my mind felt something or knew something before I even saw it. So, I took a look and then the magic started to really ignite...the vision! Many people would have not seen what I saw when I looked at this place but it all started to come together.

Many places in Asia (or yoga places) had the same description.....a yoga studio but so much more! Most of the people who owned the places would also actually live there, a place of gathering (potlucks, music, other group oriented discussions, yoga classes, women groups, etc....). The apartment (which is now jalaBlu) needed work (mostly paint) but I could imagine it coming together. The upstairs would be a small yoga studio (fits about 15) and the downstairs would be the gathering oasis along with the outdoors. And so, this is where it started and manifested. At the end of October I started choosing colors, working on my logo, working on the name, ordering supplies (mats, blocks, etc...) Just making it happen! A few friends and family took the time to help which was so amazing and still the support of them is needed every day in this 'jala' Jenna journey.

So, starting this all all in October was also the one year anniversary of going to 'Haramara' (Mexico yoga retreat with Darren Rhodes and his wife Bronwin). It was coming up again in November and even though I wanted to go again so badly I knew financially it just wasn't going to happen. However, I just kept thinking about my next intention for the new year and how it had such an impact on 2009. Well, to keep the story short, sweet and a bit of a secret....an angel (actually two angels..:)) came out of no where and blessed me with the gift of going to Haramara again.......tears of joy and a magical moment in my life (as there are many).

The colors are next and the journey to Haramara to spark the fire~

love and shri~
Jenna and 'jala'

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Dream of jalaBlu~How did it ignite?

Inhale shakti, Exhale shri, Ignite!~

The word manifest is probably one of the strongest words within my own vocabulary. It has a meaning that is so magical and can ignite many blessings within ones life, truly! In 2008 when I thought my world was falling apart, I decided to go to a yoga retreat in Salulito, Mexico (Haramara). I had taken a random workshop with Darren Rhodes (known in the Anusara yoga world) in CO and oddly enough when I looked at the website for Haramara I saw his name and the exact week I wanted to go, "perfect"!!!! Little did I know that 'D' would become one of my main yoga teachers in life~AND.....introduce me to the word 'manifest' in one of the fullest ways......! I have told 'D' that he is one of 'the master manifestor'......in life. So, during Haramara (the yoga retreat) we would practice yoga A LOT but not just in the physical form, also in the mindful form. We would write in our journals, share with others....'D' would ask us life long questions that would leave us with blank faces or hearts and minds that were battling with what is right to write....laughing......When your faced with the question, "What do you desire in life, what do you really want, who are you, what are you waiting for, etc...." and then 'D' would say ..."ok"....5 minutes to write....My first thought was, "5 minutes"?????? "are you kidding me"?.....No,he wasn't. No time to think with the mind, write with the heart and so I did. And so, this is how jalaBlu began even though at the time I didn't know the name (jalaBlu), I didn't even know what it was going to be but somewhere inside of me I started to write, write, write and write. My intention that I left with that year at Haramara was "To embrace clarity and a grander love for myself, ignites the power within and all around".

After Haramara I traveled through S.E. Asia for 7 months (Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan). If you have interest my blog is: www.jennagoestoasia@blogspot.com . I carried this intention with me the whole time.......kind of knowing what it meant and not knowing what it meant at all and not expecting it to mean SOOOOOO much. Traveling by myself was so powerful in so many ways and even now as I think back it's still having such a great impact on my life, my beliefs, my love for life and the way I choose to live. To sum up traveling alone...well, you have a lot of time to get to know yourself and look deeper within. Some things you don't want to know but they confront you and you invite them in....:)

I started yoga 9 years ago when I was a fitness instructor in Vail. Yoga really started to impact my life when I was in my mid thirties and when I lost my job as an Assistant Designer yoga was my way to heal and think about my next path.....Well, that path was traveling....:) Throughout my travels in S.E. Asia I studied yoga in Thailand and Indonesia and started to realize that my love for yoga was really never ending and unconditional. I knew that I was like a humming bird, wanting more sweet nectar and that I just wanted more more and more~! Something clicked within my heart desire during my travels and during my thoughts of "What do I desire, what do I want, etc...." I realized that I wanted to teach yoga and deep down inside I wanted to make yoga a HUGE part of my life~I wasn't sure how but this is when I started to 'manifest' the dream of jalaBlu without even knowing that I would own a small little yoga studio in Buena Vista, CO. So this is just the beginning~

love and shri~
jenna