Follow up from Jess

Jess, Thank YOU so much for reading and writing back.  As a former journalist myself, I completely understand your position. And more-over appreciate all the work it takes to do a comprehensive article like this one.   I guess I was just 'put off' by the title on the cover, "seattle's ultimate yoga guide." Seems like missing a major player like hauteyoga QA would be a big oversight in an 'ultimate guide.'  But again, I do understand. I truly hope you do come my class. And I hope you will consider our amazing studio when writing future pieces. If you have any questions at all.. please don't hestitate to ask.  I have been teaching in this city for nearly 10 years. (and I was a TV Journalist for 10 years too :)) Merry merry and Happy holidays to you too. Jenniferlyn Chiemingo Jennifer, Thank you so much for taking the time to read my yoga story and send us a note. I certainly appreciate your feedback. I did a lot of research (and took a lot of yoga classes) in the making of the article, but I regret that I was not able to make it to many studios—including hauteyoga—which I have every reason to believe are wonderful places to practice. I will absolutely  drop in at the earliest opportunity and, rest assured, I will be telling as many yoga stories in the future as my editor allows. Thank you again for your note and have a wonderful holiday. Best, Jess Voelker.

Something Important is Happening Now

for you Brit!

(from journey into the heart - by Melody Beattie)

There's never a time when nothing is happening.  Something is always taking place. Growth is occurring/ We're evolving, transforming, working things out, incorportating our last lesson, preparing for our next.

Something is happening. We just don't always see it. And that's how it is meant to be.

When we see, when we know too much too soon, it's easy to let our heads get in the way. We think we have to control, have to force, have to make it happen, we have to do something/

In a gentle but wise way, the universe takes into account our fears and our natures.  It doesn't let us know too much too soon.  It doesn't spoit the surprise. It doesn't want us to spoil it either.

open your heart to the universe.
Trust that something is always happening.
And often, its much different thank you think.

:)

Seattle Met Article 'Yoga for Life'

My email to the writer:

Jessica,

I really enjoyed the premise of the article, "Yoga for Life."  In Seattle, the yoga scene is amazing - diverse - and healing.  But its hard to imagine why such a mammoth article about Seattle yoga does not even mention hauteyoga QA.  The 'hot' yoga studio features two styles, Power Vinyasa and Hot Hatha and has some of the most amazing, well-trained instructors in the city. Often you can come to this beautiful, boutique style studio and see a line out the door of yogis and yoginis trying their best to get in.

Opened in June of 2009, the yoga community that can be experienced here is like "Cheers - where everyone knows your name" - for yogis.  Nearly every night, experienced and newbie students flock to class in this amazing studio.  You can even sign up online to avoid being turned away. And as one of my students put it - "its always warm and sunny on Queen Anne."

I'd love to welcome you to any of my classes - for free. Please come, let me know when and I will give you a wonderful, life changing experience. My treat.

Much love and light,

Jenniferlyn Chiemingo

Director of Yoga - hauteyoga QA

To Give and to Get....

I am amazed at the amount of 'Light' in my life.  My mom always told me ' You give and you get, ten-fold.' She still convinces me when I am down, that it all will come back. Give, give, give.... 
My husband, Greg,  once told me - ' You should give gifts without any desire for getting back.  That would be a bonus, not a requirement.' 

I decided a while back - both Mom and Greg are right.  And guess what? They WERE right.  I try (and don't always succeed) to give in my life. Just to give because I WANT to. Because I already GET something by giving. I give little treats, I give big treats, I give my heart. All (well most of the time) because I want to, not have to... and I have never received more in my life, than I do now.

I have love shown and given to me virtually every day.  I get the most thoughtful, heartfelt gifts.  Gives of edible treats, gifts from the heart... all kinds of gifts and love.  I am so grateful. And in this season... I want to thank everyone in my life.  all my students who show me love, my family, my friends.  Look inside your heart. Give gifts because you want to... not because you have to.  Give gifts because it makes you feel good.  Give gifts without any expectation of getting back.  You will get back. I promise. Just not the way you thought.....

Latest Playlist 12/6/10

Om Mani Padme Om - DJ Reverend Alsultany
Space - MIA
Pickup Truck - Kings of Leon
Fading - Rihanna
Dark Fantasy - Kanye
S&M - rihanna
Rocketeer - Far East Movement
Sing - My Chemical Romance
Hot tottie - Usher
Talk That - timbaland
Light up the Night - BEP
Rhythum of Love - Plain White Ts
I couldn't explain Why - Citizen Cope
Silence - Delerium
Jai Ma - Suzanne Sterling

Solstice

The winter solstice is approaching. December 21st.  The Paegans celebrated the holiday of coming out of darkness. So much of what they did revolved around when they could grow food and survival.  Coming out of darkness meant warmer weather, longer days, more sunlight.  This is important for survival.  Even looking at the Christian holiday of this time - it is birth - rebirth really. This is a time to Celebrate.  The Islamic New Year is this Wednesday.  We can all be united. All races, all religions - united in New Beginnings. Rebirth. Coming out of the Darkness.

It is this sentiment that I approach the change of season.  The days will begin to brighten and last longer. The world is anew.  I will attempt to come out of my darkness.  I will always try to live life to its fullest. I am recommitted to this goal. No one, nothing can change or take away my light. I will shine and give my light to others.

I was laying in bed this morning thinking about my reading last night. A reading I will share again today. Every day there is a choice. Every day it is YOUR choice alone. Live your life. Free yourself from the darkness. Choose happiness.  This is our chance to begin anew. 

My workshop Body Prayer (12/18 at hauteyoga) is meant to solidify this goal. Let go - begin your new journey of life without the  weight of  the past. Heal old wounds. Create new goals.  Express gratitude. Love yourself.  Find new strength.

Open your heart to the light.

Transforming Practice

Can Yoga - all styles and methods of Yoga - transform your life?  Yes.  But you have to allow it.  I have recently had several conversations about my evening classes and the "fun" environment. Is this yoga transforming?  Again, my answer is yes.  Many many people come to my classes who would not otherwise practice yoga at all.  Little by little, I share yogic philosophy in a way that is understandable and not overwhelming at all. BE PRESENT. LET GO. AHIMSA (non-violence).  FORGIVENESS. Simple truths that students hear without shutting down.

This month in the Yoga Journal (the ad with me faded in the background is on the back cover again!) - there is an article called, "Miraculous Practice" by Karen Macklin. Worth a read. The article cites the dramatic ways the practice changed several students' lives'. 

But just yesterday, I was feeling overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that I am constantly giving.  Then one small thing happened and I snapped.  I had to retreat to my yoga practice and teachings for insight on a few levels.  Can I be human? Can I get overwhelmed and be angry?  Is this still ok, when I try to be the best yoga teacher I can be? Can I let go of what happened and move on? can I forgive myself and the person who angered me?  Can I be present enough to teach my classes, hear my students needs and be the best mom/wife I can be today?  I try. Every day. Every step of the way. I really do try.

All I can say, is thank GOD I have Yoga in my life to keep me guided and allow a space that I can love and forgive myself. And Give to my students.