Getting to Know Us: A Blog Series (Jenn)

”Yoga is the dance of every cell with the music of every breath that creates inner serenity and harmony.”

 

 If you are in need of deep stretch and a deep rest, you’re going to want to book a class with Jenn! It’s common to find sleeping yogis on their mats at the end of one of her classes, which are a haven of calm in every way.

 

Jenn is a native of Jacksonville and Family is EVERYTHING to her! When she’s not leading classes at Jax or working as a Data Engineer II with Memorial Health Systems, you will find her spending time with her kids, grandkids, family and friends. She also loves being a student (especially in Ashtanga yoga) and to be outdoors: hiking, working in her yard, kayaking or bicycling.  

 

Jenn first tried yoga over 20 years ago when she and her husband were looking for a good stretch after spinning and road cycling.  Yoga quickly became so much more than a good stretch.  It became a way of life on and off the mat.  Jenn says that “Yoga has been there each and every day as I make my way through this wonderful journey we call life.  Yoga has introduced me to some of my now closest friends and taken me to the most amazing locations.  Japan being one.” 

 

 In the Fall of 2021 , Jenn decided to take the opportunity to expand her personal practice through the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training offered at Jax.  She initially took the training for her own personal development - having no intentions to teach. What she found during her training was a love for sharing the yoga experience with others.  She has been teaching yoga for about 2.5 years now, and we are SO GLAD she decided to teach - she has a natural ability to create the most soothing environment and flows, and she reminds us all to take time to just be still.

 

Since her initial training, Jenn has completed 2 Mindful Yin Yoga Trainings, and  a  Winter Self Care Training.

 

 Jenn loves to bring her analytical skills to her classes, helping us all understand the WHY of how the practice is working within our bodies. She says “I am a nerdy yogi.  I love to share what I know! AND, I am always reading and studying yoga: philosophy, history, science, energy, body mechanics, poses, practices, and mediation just to name a few.  My approach to any practice / class I teach is to be where you are in that moment and use the pose to get into the body.  Every day is different so find the version of the pose that works best for you at that given time on that given day.“

 

 While Jenn can proficiently curate and lead classes of multiple styles and all levels, she is most known around here for her Vin Yin, Yin and Rest classes. She says “ I am a big believer that Rest is one of the most productive things that we can do for ourselves.  Rest is also one of the MOST challenging.  Therefore, I find the best compliment from these classes is when a student comes out of savasana completely relaxed.  Some students are so relaxed they actually fall asleep.  HOWEVER, I love the challenge of teaching the more advanced yoga classes.  It allows me to challenge my practice as a student and a teacher.”

 

 She chooses to share her wisdom and love for people and the practice at Jax because she says “Jax is my home away from home!  As I said Family is EVERYTHING! Jax is Family! Not only for me but for my grandkids as well.  Jax offers something for everyone.  AND, t’s so much more than classes.  Jax is friendships, connection, community…it’s family!”

 

 You can connect with Jenn on FB and Instagram.

 She currently teaches:

 Monday’s @ 4:30 Vin Yin (Jacksonville)

 Tuesday’s @ 12:15 Rest (Jacksonville)

 Wednesday's @ 6:30 All Levels (every other Wed in New Berlin)

 

And she’s always subbing, so you’re sure to meet her if you attend long enough!

Stuart Smith