Yoga

Timeline

Spring 2004- Jackie began yoga classes with Barbara Feldman through Boston University.
Fall 2006 and Spring 2007- Zen Meditation Student Retreats at the Cambridge Zen Center.
Fall 2006- Substitute Yoga Teacher- taught both beginning and intermediate classes at Boston University.
January 2007- Zen Meditation course with Mark Houghton, zen master.
Summer 2008 to Spring 2012- Boston University hatha yoga teacher, beginning level classes.
Fall 2010 to Spring 2012- Taught both beginning and low-intermediate courses at Boston University.
Summer 2011- Volunteered weekly yoga classes for Rosie’s Place, a homeless shelter for women in Boston.
Summer 2012- Graduated from Kripalu’s 200 hour yoga teacher training certification with Brahmani Liebman and Jashoda Edmunds.

Philosophy

I am a Kripalu yoga teacher, which to me means:

Kindness to the body, mind, and spirit;
Respect for the boundaries of our bodies and for the beings with whom we share this planet;
Integrity in actions, speech, and intentions;
Playfulness, yoga is fun, after all!
Awe of the miracle that is life;
Love of the divine light in all beings; and
Universal connectedness; a desire to serve all beings with an open heart!

Essentially, my practice is about listening respectfully to the body so that I can heal and open my heart to better serve all beings I encounter. My classes are focused on the breath as a means to meditation in motion, and ultimately, healing the heart.

As a teacher I wish for each student to have a positive and meaningful experience by:
– keeping you safe. I offer props as a means to stabilize the body so that postures are comfortable and without unnecessary strain, provide contraindications and modifications of postures, and respect your boundaries moment to moment.
– Allowing you to listen to your body. I encourage my students to make each class his or her own practice, which means coming in and out of postures as necessary and resting when needed. I also guide moments to integrate postures where students can make any physical gestures or motions that are necessary.
– Honoring your being. Expression is encouraged! I hold a safe space that allows you to feel and express the way you wish without feeling judged.
– Listening to your needs. I ask my students how they are feeling and what they wish to learn or experience in a class.

I teach both group classes and in home one-on-one sessions in the NYC area; please contact me via the contact page for any questions and to set up an appointment. Jai Bhagwan!