Life According to Jenny

I just completed a 30 day yoga challenge - 30 days - 30 classes. I really needed to set a goal and accomplish it as my life has been less that wonderful lately. It was something I needed to do for myself.

The challenge was offered at Moksha Yoga Edmonton and while I had many different teachers, my favorite is Jenny. She is a dynamo - imagine the Energizer Bunny after 10 cups of Espresso - that would be Jenny on a low day!

During one class I paid close attention to what Jenny was really saying and realized she knows the secrets of life! So - here are Jenny's lessons - first for yoga, then for life and then for my life. Keep reading and see if you agree.

Jenny's yoga class lessons:

Be Gentle - don't cause any pain - accept where your body is at today - no pain/no gain doesn't apply here

Pause - take a moment to set your intention for today's class

When you are ready - move with your breath

If you are stuck - don't get frustrated - notice your 'stuck' point, breathe into it and let it pass. If it doesn't pass today - realize tomorrow is another opportunity to work on it

From the neck up be calm and relaxed, from the neck down work hard - When doing difficult poses relax your face and work your body to refine the pose. Furrowing your brow or clenching your teeth, won't make a difficult pose easier

The greater the struggle - the sweeter the surrender - find your edge and challenge yourself. If you've gone too far, back off. But once you've done your best, surrender, let your body absorb your progress and celebrate your achievement

Jenny's Life Lessons:

Be Gentle - Recognize you are not perfect and don't expect to be. Accept where you are and work from there - what you do shouldn't hurt - love your body and your mind

Pause - Calm your mind - we have all day to be busy and concerned with what is going on around us. Take some time to focus on what you are doing now - be in the moment

When you are ready - recognize that your mind and your body are a team and they want to work together to improve your health. Move ahead when you are physically and mentally ready

If you get stuck - don't get frustrated - Figure out what is holding you back but don't let it rule your life. "This too shall pass"

From the neck up be calm and relaxed, from the neck down work hard - Worrying about things will not help your body stay healthy

The greater the struggle - the sweeter the surrender - The harder you have worked for something the more you should revel in your success. Accept your due and be proud of yourself. Don't move onto your next task without absorbing the benefits of this one.

Jenny's Life Lessons for My Life:

Be gentle - I have body image issues. I like to put my mat behind the door so I can't see myself in the mirror. I realized it's okay to do that, but at the same time even if I'm not happy with how my body looks, it's still wonderful. It carried me through 30 yoga classes in 30 days - how's that for a great body!

Pause - A very good friend of mine was recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. She has been deteriorating rapidly. On some days my only peace of mind was on the mat

When you are ready - I quit doing things because I felt pressured to get them done and started doing them when I was truly ready. What a great way to decrease stress! Who knew? (Obviously Jenny!)

If you get stuck - don't get frustrated I have been struggling with the stereotypical mid life crisis, wondering what I should be doing with my life. My big question is, "Am I making a difference or just taking up space?" Well, I finally realized its okay to be stuck at this place in my life and that eventually I will be ready to make a decision and move on - being frustrated is so passe! "This Too Shall Pass" is a great motto. When my son Alex went through a stage where he wiped snot on all the walls, I thought I would go crazy.... looking back I realize it was a very short stage in his life and it's over now (Thank Goodness!)


From the neck up be calm and relaxed, from the neck down work hard Your brain can't always help and is sometimes a big hinderance. Let go and just flow!

The greater the struggle - the sweeter the surrender The yoga challenge was fabulous. I was concerned I wouldn't reach my goal and I would let myself down if something 'important' came up. Things came up, some of them important, but I didn't let them derail me. I adapted. Now, rather than rushing ahead to set another goal, I'm still enjoying the sweet smell of success (which actually smells like really sweaty yoga clothes!)

Namaste Jenny - and thanks!