I arrived home about an hour ago from spending the weekend in east Tennessee. I wrapped another 200-hour yoga teacher training with the team at Vidya Yoga and Fitness. It was our fourth training since we kicked off our very first one in September 2018 and our second training in 2021. We ran one from January-April of this year and this one ran from August-November. I have made 26 426 mile round trips up to Kingsport, Tennessee in the last three years and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career.
(my first TT group in 2018)
It hasn’t been easy to travel 3+ hours away to go to work but this studio and these people have been a huge reinforcement in why I love teaching yoga and what it means to me to empower other people to teach it. It’s been incredible to watch the studio and its community grow to where it is today and I’m so excited for what the future holds for Vidya Yoga + Fitness. They are opening their second location in Johnson City, TN in early 2022 and expanding their offerings to include hot barre and a killer new fitness/HIIT/strength format. Very much looking forward to cheerleading their growth.
I left just after lunch on Friday to head to Vidya. I like to pack a sandwich to eat in the car and this one was extra tasty. I have been craving banana peppers lately so I picked some up at ALDI last week. They were a great substitute for sweet pickles on my turkey sandwich that had lots of mayo, avocado and colby-jack cheese. Will be eating this one over and over again.
Also, note the Aquaphor in my console. I am 100% addicted although I will say that original Aquaphor ointment is 10/10 better than the lip repair. They are different formulas.
I taught a 75-minute hot power yoga class when I arrived and then led a 45-minute Osho dancing and shaking meditation with my TTs. It was my first time leading it on a full moon and I think it made it extra powerful. I checked into the hotel feeling like a noodle and had a packed dinner from home of lentils, quinoa, roasted cauliflower, turkey burger, sweet potatoes, braised cabbage and Cedar’s Feta Dip.
I packed everything up on Saturday morning for our 8a start. I had a bag of food, a bag of clothes and toiletries and a backpack with my books and laptop. Prepared for a 12-hour day!
Here’s what the day looked like:
- 8-9a – hot power yoga practice
- 9:30-11a – anatomy final
- 11:15a-1p – power yoga standing sequencing lecture
- 1-2p – lunch (I went to get cupcakes and took a walk while talking to my mom)
- 2-3p – standing sequencing group work
- 3-4:30p – assist training
- 4:30-5:45p – arm balance workshop
- 5:45-6p – meditation
- 6-7:30p – pizza party
Our pizza party featured on GIGANTIC pizza, a cookie cake and a bubbly toast. I was lounging in my bed at the hotel watching Downton Abbey by 8p. Can you believe that I am just starting Downton Abbey!? I watched season 1, episode 1 last night. My mom and grandmother assure me that I’m going to love it! I had the TV off early to read and was asleep by 10. I got a solid eight hours of sleep which were much needed leading into our final day of training.
Here’s another glimpse of what our day looked like!
7:30-9a – led ashtanga practice
9:30-10a – altar building for our close of training – lots of tears (me too)
10-11a – The Four Agreements book discussion (this book is a game changer, you must read if you have not)
11a-noon – end of class/floor sequencing + floor assist training
noon-1:30p – group lunch
1:45-3p – five kleshas and four branches of avidya lecture
3-4:15p – creating yoga magic in your classes lecture
4:15-4:45p – breaking down altar and commencing training
I got on the road shortly after five to head back to Charlotte.
My sweet Finn had a very fun day with his amazing nanny. I get him back at noon on Sundays so on teacher training weekends she helps me our from noon to 8p or so. Today she took him to the Renaissance Festival!
These pictures only begin to show all that they did and how much fun that he had. You guys, he rode a camel all by himself and opted not to have her join him. He embraced the whole day with such an adventurous spirt.
Sometimes I really struggle with guilt over not being a part of these experiences and fun days that Finn has. But then I remind myself how much I love my work, how much I need to work and how grateful I am that Finn gets to lead the life that he does with two families AND a nanny that loves him because that’s pretty awesome.
On that topic, I just finished eating some leftover homemade spinach pie that she left in the fridge for me. What a wonderful thing to come home to at 8p on a Sunday night.
I am off to shower (I haven’t had one since 6:30a at at the hotel!), get a good night’s rest and hang with Finn tomorrow. I am taking the day off of work and hoping to get some QT with my boy and some holiday decorating started! 🙂
QUESTIONS
Do you like/enjoy your job?
Anyone else lip balm obsessed? What are your faves?
Have you watched Downton Abbey?
I am a mom of 2 and work long hours some weekends as well. Working weekends is never easy feeling like you’re missing out on kid stuff. Staying off social media to stop comparing (eg oh look, this weekend that family went to a farm together, that family went on a picnic, therefore I’m SAD etc.) is a big one for me. Like you, I also love my job so that makes it easier too! It’s hugely apparent Finn is so loved and leads an amazing life!
Andrea – thank you so much for this comment and sharing your experience. I definitely think checking myself when it comes to social media and comparison is hugely important. I appreciate your kindness. <3
I appreciate the breakdown of your days, it’s interesting to see all that goes into a yoga training weekend. The days sound so intense yet fulfilling, and I imagine these are the experiences that allow you to fill up your cup and continue be the best role model and mother possible for Finn!
I also hope you love Downton Abbey, those first few seasons especially are so amazing!
Thanks Rachel, you’re right. They are intense but it’s my favorite work to do. It’s nice that it’s all condensed into intense weekends so you can dive in and then come up for air.
So excited to dive into DA!
Agree about the original Aquaphor and also obsessed! At this moment I keep one on the coffee table, one in the kitchen, one in my lululemon everywhere belt bag (which I literally wear everywhere!), one in my car, one in my bathroom and one in my nightstand. I can’t be without it!
Haha, we are two peas in an Aquaphor pod! I am forever slathering it all over Finn too…sometimes after he falls asleep!
Guilt has no place in your life Jen – you are a dedicated mama! It is very obvious that Finn feels your love and commitment to him! Those PJs on him are SO cute!
Thank you so much for your kindness Susan! <3
If you haven’t tried the La Neige overnight sleep mask (pink jar) from Sephora it’s amazing. One jar lasts for about a year and it truly is unbelievable!!
I have not! Thank you for the recommendation. Off to check it out now!