Today is Valentine’s Day and it though it wasn’t a traditional Valentine’s Day, it was a special and good day. I spent this weekend back at VIDA Hot Yoga leading weekend three of our 200-hour yoga teacher training. My day at 7:30a teaching led Ashtanga primary series to my teacher trainees. Teaching Ashtanga is SO different than teaching power and these early Sunday practices feel so special and sacred. I love it and find to be a wonderful change of pace and great way to pay homage to where power yoga came from.

We got a little post-practice treat when one of the TTs brought chocolate covered strawberries in for the group. This was my breakfast, haha.

Another one of the TTs brought cupcakes and wine for everyone on Friday night so it was a sweet weekend! 🙂

I am enjoying this group so much and every weekend gets better and better as we all get to know each other on a deeper level and feel more comfortable in the training environment. I find that every TT group that I work with has its own unique vibe and personality and it challenges me so much as a leader to adapt to that. It helps me to stay flexible and open to learning, expanding and growing myself when I adapt to the pace and needs of the group.

This weekend was focused on cueing and classroom narrative/language, the fundamentals of assisting, assist training, adding flair to sun salutation B, asana breakdowns, practice teaching, discussing the Yamas, the Gayatri mantra and MORE! I am so lucky to do this work.

I feel so fortunate that VIDA took a chance on me to lead their studio’s first yoga teacher training back in 2018 when Finn was just a baby. The studio has become incredibly important to me and it’s an honor to be a part of the community. I am so looking forward to growing with VIDA as we open our second studio this summer and consider future opportunities and expansion.

Finn spent his Valentine’s weekend enjoying his first skiing experience. He may not look thrilled here but I have been assured that he had an awesome time.

I got home from Tennessee around 8:15p and immediately put a frozen barbecue chicken pizza from Whole Foods in the oven. I was dreaming about it my whole drive home. While it was cooking I assembled a chopped Southwestern salad from Whole Foods to which I added tomatoes. This was an excellent Valentine’s Day dinner! 🙂

Finn is usually here when I get home from training weekends but since he had his ski trip, I’ll see him tomorrow. I can’t wait to see him but I’m appreciative of the rest tonight after such a long and intensive weekend. <3

I’ll close this post by sharing a photo and quote that I posted on Instagram tonight. This quote is from Bianca Sparacino of Rainbow Salt.

“At the end of the day, I hope you remember this — the Universe does not take away without giving. The Universe does not leave you empty. It always balances the scales within you. For all that it destroys, it creates. For all that falls apart, something is coming together Please, just trust the timing of your life. Please, just remember you will never lose what is for you. The right things will always connect.”

Sending all of you a whole of of love and appreciation for being here. This life thing is not easy for anyone and we are all in this together. What we are going through/facing/dealing with doesn’t always make sense but there is so much power in sharing not only the highs but the lows and the hard and messy stuff. The more that we can wrap each other up in love, support and acceptance, the stronger we will all be for it.

xoxoxo,
Jen