We are in a season of letting go, shedding what no longer serves us. In nature, we witness this as trees change colors, their leaves drying and falling to the ground.
Let’s face it—letting go can be difficult. It’s often easier to cling to things that bring us discomfort or dis-ease. In Ayurveda, there’s a term for this: prajnaparadha, one of my favorite words to say, though its meaning is less pleasant. It refers to "crimes against wisdom"—when we know something isn’t good for us, yet we choose it anyway. The hardest things to release are often those to which we are mentally and emotionally attached and the root cause of disease.
Throughout my life, I've faced numerous challenges, both mental and emotional. Yoga has been instrumental in teaching me how to release this pain. Through dedicated practice, I've learned to let go of several burdens that no longer served me. I'd like to share some of these experiences with you.
Gracefully letting go: A Personal Yoga Story
While still in Yoga teacher training, I started teaching yoga in November 2016 at The Yoga Tree in Gardner, which I took over ownership in September 2019.
In April 2017, after being laid off from work, I started teaching yoga as my profession. It has been an amazing experience and whirlwind most of the time. I began teaching at many studios and corporate offices in the area including MWCC Fitness Center, the Recovery Centers of America, at IPPI, CHD and other cooperate accounts. I was traveling from Greenfield to Fitchburg to teach. By the time COVID hit us I was teaching about 20 classes a week, running workshops, managing a business, and a personal crisis. A week before the state shut all non-essential businesses down, I took what I call an "emergency" week off. I had hit rock bottom physically, mental and emotionally. I had a nervous breakdown.
Fortunately I had so many wonderful teachers working for me to take over my classes at TYT. But that week was nothing but more stress as I watched the news realizing I was going to have to shut down The Yoga Tree. I went back to teaching the Sunday before the state shut us down that Tuesday, and realized that I was not in a space to teach. In fact, I honestly said to myself in that moment, I wouldn't ever teach again, I was burnt out! I closed the Yoga Tree that Sunday.
As the weeks went by, it was becoming increasingly clear I was not going to be able to open the studio anytime too soon. I made the heartbreaking decision to permanently shut the studio down in May 2020.
"When I'm going through difficult times, yoga is my go to! I have had a strong home practice for 12+ years. Yoga has taught me how to forgive and let go of what is beyond my control. The only thing we truly have control of in our life, is our thoughts, words, and actions." ~Jennifer
In June 2020, a family reached out to me, asking if I could teach yoga to them at their home, outdoors. Although I wasn’t sure if I was ready to start teaching again, I knew it was time to rebuild my yoga business. I'm grateful that I’m still teaching my yoga girls today and sharing other fun experiences with them—they’ve truly become like family to me.
Over the next two years, I taught 5-6 personalized private yoga sessions each week. In July 2022, I officially opened The Treehouse studio in collaboration with JenZen Living Ayurveda & Yoga. I expanded my offerings to include group classes alongside private sessions. Additionally, I began providing Ayurvedic Health Counseling, warm oil body treatments, private Reiki sessions, as well as hosting workshops and retreats.
Back to March 2020, during my personal crisis, my daughter and I went for a walk. She hesitated to share some news, knowing I was under a lot of stress and struggling to find the energy to keep going. Then she told me she was pregnant. In that moment, my heart filled with pure joy, and the biggest smile spread across my face. I had never really thought about becoming a grandparent, but who knew I would get to play such a significant role in the lives of these little ones?
Like the autumn winds, my priorities and passions are shifting. As I transition into a new phase of life, I realize that in order to make space for growth and new opportunities, I need to let some things go. While I will always remain passionate about yoga and continue to teach in some capacity, I’ve decided to stop offering regular weekly yoga classes starting in November. This change will allow me to focus more on sharing Ayurveda—the Science of Life—through body treatments, personalized health counseling, workshops and more.
I will continue with monthly Reiki Restorative Yoga classes, which are perfect for Autumn and Winter. You can sign up here:
You will have the opportunity to still practice with me week through my Home Practice Subscription . Each week a new practice will be recorded LIVE and available for all subscribers. This video goes into your library of videos to practice at any time.
You will have the option to join me LIVE, typically Sunday mornings at 11AM.
I love the work I do and the path it has led me down. Along this beautiful journey of teaching, I’ve had the privilege of meeting the most amazing people. With over 3,000 hours of teaching, I’m now stepping into a new chapter as a teacher. I hope you’ll continue to join me on this exciting new journey.
Be well and Namaste,
Jennifer
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