NEW WEBSITE/BLOG/ETC

So I am moving my blog and I have a NEW website for all things JL. My schedule, workshops, retreats, etc....
it is right here:
www.jenniferlynchiemingo.com

Come see me.
Hugs all

Strength = (Kristal)

It's been far too long since I have blogged!  Today I am moved by the topic of Strength!

Yoga helps me to find that personal power... and I get messages from students and friends all the time about it too.  Today I want to talk about a very special student though....
My amazing student, friend, teacher trainee, teacher - Kristal.

When I interviewed Kristal for a spot in the hauteyoga QA teacher training - I KNEW right away she had this 'Personal Power' - This 'Internal Strength' - She almost glowed. Really.  She is one of those people who walks into a room and sparkles.

Kristal was diagnosed with breast cancer about two weeks into the program. Never have I seen her strength waiver. This is her third round of cancer. She continues to look at life as opportunity and growth. She finds strength in places other people would crumble.

I looked into Kristal's eyes last night - before she took my power vinyasa class - a class that WELL people struggle with - and all I saw was her shining light.  She inspires me to greatness. She inspires me to have strength and personal power. She inspires me to appreciate every day. Appreciate every thing.

Kristal will have a mastectomy tomorrow. Pray for her - send her YOUR strength. Think of her - and allow her to inspire you to find your personal power.

I love you Kristal. You are AMAZING.

How to move from Self Doubt - To Personal Power

While at the lululemon Summit - we began our Tuesday with a lecture and discussion about Creating a Vision for our Life.  On the road to that final product - we discussed our personal moments 'going below the line.' You know-  that little inside voice that talks negatively to you. Mine says 'You are not good enough' - 'You don't know enough' - 'Who are you to think you can inspire others?'.  What was most enlightening to me was - here I was - in a roomful of the most elite lululemon ambassadors - a roomful of the most inspiring, most beautiful, most amazing people and many of those people suffer from occasional 'self doubt' - just as I do.  This was comforting to me. The best of the best occasionally have moments where that inside voice doubts, criticizes, condemns. 

So how can we move from that space to Personal Power?  'Above the line' self - talk.  Mine says ' you are good enough' - 'you walk the walk'  - 'JL remember - perfect people are not inspiring.'

I write down my goals for my life, my vision - and I KNOW - everyone starts somewhere. The difference between the top, most successful people and those not at the top - is the personal power to make it happen. Make appointments, be inspired, connect with people on a deep level. Make a difference every day. Do things for others without EVER expecting something in return. Just be the best you - you can be....

... your success will follow.

Finding and Living Your Truth

One of the most amazing things about lululemon athletica is their culture. A culture that supports continual growth and support of all those connected to them.

As part of the Ambassador Summit in Whistler, BC - we took an entire day to create a 'vision' for our lives. We created 1, 5 and 10 year goals. We wrote them down. We share them with a stranger. Some stood up in front of 120 people to voice their 'Truth."

If you have never done goal setting - where you actually WRITE down your longterm goals - DO IT NOW! (lululemon manifesto)

sit down. Create a vision of your life - who do you want to be a part of that vision, what does your career,  your health - your personal like look like.
Then Create some hard, fast goals. BE SPECIFIC. MAKE THE GOALS MEASURABLE.


Once they are down, tell your friends. Tell LOTS of people. Then take out your calendar and start making a PLAN toward your goals. Start living your life - making these goals become your truth.

You have to believe they will happen - in your heart, in your mind, in your spirit.

Live your Dreams.  Make your life happen, don't let your life happen to you. (thank you Chip)

Help me....

There's 11 days left to vote.
I need to be in the top two....
I am currently in 8th place. Please help.

vote everyday :)

http://www.jambajuiceambassadorcontest.com/vote

Breathe Playlist 3/30

Breathe (intrumental version) Taylor swift
Breathe (2am) Anna Nalick
Every Breath You Take - the Police
Don't Hold Your Breath - Black Swan
Breathe - Erasure
Breath - Noah
Lose My Breath - Destiny's Child
Breathe - Fabolous
Breathe - Melissa Etheridge
Last Breathe - Plain White Ts
Breathe In - Frou Frou
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
Breathe - David Gray
Breathe - Telepopmusik

National Spokesperson for Jamba Juice

So at hauteyoga QA when you are super super sweaty - and the windows fog up - we begin to see the Jamba Juice logo. Boy that would be tasty right after a 95 degree JL Class!!!

Okay okay - I am a finalist to be a National Spokesperson for Jamba Juice.
I really really want to embrace the title 'smoothie drinkin', lululemon wearin' Yogini!' I can feel it in my soul. I can see it! Help me make it happen.

click this link - you can vote for me every day!

http://www.jambajuiceambassadorcontest.com/vote

I cannot wait!
Love and HUGE gratefulness to you all.
JL

Dedicated to Love - (Markus and Lacey)

Monday night playlist:

Love - DJ Cam
All You Need Is Love - Daba Fuchs & Jim Sturgess
Cosmic Love - Florence + the Machine
Love Lockdown - Kanye
Like I Love You - Justin Timberlake
luv to luv u - black/timbaland & magoo
Where is the Love - Black Eyed Peas
L.O.V.E. - Ashlee Simpson & Missy
Love - Inna
LoveGame - Lady Gaga
DJ Got us Fallin in Love - Usher
Love is My Religion - Ziggy Marley
It's Good to be in Love - Frou Frou
My Love - Justin Timberlake
Love - sara Groves

Sunday night PV and Restorative Playlists! 3/27

Hour of Power:
Om Mani Padme Hum - DJ Reverend Alsultany
Bloodstream - Stateless
Swimming - Florence and the Machine
Dem Haters - Rihanna
Just Can't get Enought - Black Eyed Peas
Undone- FFH
Moment 4 Life - Nicki Minaj
The Show Goes On - Lupe Fiasco
Je dis non! - Tikenjah Fakoly
Say When - The Fray
healing Hands - Citizen Cope
All I Need - Air
Ride - Cary Brothers

Restorative Playlist:
Moola Mantra - Deva Premal
Om Namaha Shiva - Sheila Chandra
Om Shreem Shriyei- Steve Gold
Om Namah Shivaya -Steve Gold
Govinda Jaya Jaya - Dave Stringer
The Purification Mantra - The jewel of the lotus
The Nomad - Niraj chag
Purna - Steve Gold
We are One - Kelly Sweet
Let your heart be known - Steve Gold

Saturday Theme and Playlist - THE SUN

Playlist:
The Sun 3:05 B-Tribe
Here Comes the Sun Abbey Road
The Sound of Sunshine Michael Franti & Spearhead
Pocketful of Sunshine Natasha Bedingfield
Music of the Sun Rihanna
Island In the Sun  Weezer
Blister In The Sun Violent Femmes
Soak Up the Sun Sheryl Crow
Away from the Sun  3 Doors Down
Around the Sun R.E.M.
In the Sun (Gulf Coast Relief) [Featuring Chris Martin] Michael Stipe & Chris Martin
Sun Comes Up John Legend
Daylight As Sunset Feat. Lucy Woodward (feat. Lucy Woodward) EarthRise SoundSystem
Towards the Sun Alexi Murdoch

Tap into Life's Energy - Melody Beattie
Life is not something separate or apart from you, as you once believed.  There is a power, a life force, that moves, guides, directs and inspires you. You are one with life, with life's energy.
Do things that energize you, charge your soul. Soak up the sun.  Soak up color. Soak up beautiful sounds. Immerse yourself in nature, in a world that refreshes, restores and renews.  Don't worry about the task or the day that looms ahead, the work and love and play, the problems, the choices that are on the way. If you energize yourself, restore yourself, the power to take action will come naturally like water from a spring.
Look around. what do you see that feels right to do?  Which direction do you see as the right way to go? Trust the smallest glimmer. Give in to the urge, to the guidance that's there. Do it once. Do it again. Soon you will find yourself in harmony.
You will have all the guidance, energy, ideas, creativity, power, and ability you need to do all youre meant to do. And  you will be given the power to enjoy it.

Be the Best Version of 'You' - You Can Be!

... use your yoga to find that power, find that strength, find the "YOU" inside and let that light shine to the world.

Tonight's Playlist:

Intro - The XX
Dog Days are Over - Florence + the Machine
Give Love - MC Yogi
Pursiut of Happiness - Kid Cudi
Moment 4 Life - Nicki Minaj
Born the Way - Lady Gaga
Stronger - Kanye
Lose Yourself- Eminem
Live Like You're Dying - Kris Allen
Something to Believe In - Parachute
Praan - Gary Schyman
The Motions - Matthew West
Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer
We Are One - Kelly Sweet

Reading:
Be All You Can Be - Melody Beattie (Journey into the Heart - 8/7)

Step out into the cool night air. Look at the stars. See how they shine. Know that it is okay for you to shine, too.

Who told you you had to hold back? Who told you your gifts, your talents, your beauty - your natural, beautiful, loving, delightful self - was wrong? Who told you not to be all you could be?  Maybe, as some suggest, we've gotten too comfortable focusing on our flaws, our errors, our dark side.  Perhaps it;s not our dark side we fear. Perhaps we're really afraid of our gifts, our brilliance, our light.

Now is the time of light.  It's time for us to shine. We've worked hard on ourselves, dealt with our issues, gone back to the past.  We've learned our lessons well. the reasons to hold back and hide away are no longer there.  Enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Be all you can be, and enjoy being that! Don't hold back. Use your gifts with joy. Use your talents. Let your light shine for all the world to see.
Finally you are free to be all that you are and can be.

Our Yoga....

.... Every Day presents us with an opportunity to 'live our yoga.'   Every Day is a chance at a new beginning, a fresh start. We learn and we begin again....

Here is my playlist from Thursday Nite:

Om Mani Padme Hum - DJ Reverend Alsultany
Background - Lecrae
Set Fire to Rain - Adele
Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi
Undone - FFH
Something to Believe In - Parachute
Moment 4 Life - Nicki Minaj
The Show Goes on - Lupe Fiasco
Where is the Love - Black Eyed Peas & Justin Timberlake
Je Dis non! - Tiken Jah Fakoly
Say When - The Fray
Nothing - The Script
Let Your Heart Be Known Remix - Steve Gold
Purna - Steve Gold

Sunday Yogalife Playlist 3/13/11

One more Sunday left at Yogalife Greenlake. I will miss you all alot. But I will be up at hauteyoga QA on Sunday nights beginning 3/27.  6:15-7:15pm- Hour of Power, 7:15-8:15pm Restorative and guided meditation. I hope you will  consider joining me.


Om Mani Padme Hum - Dj Reverend Alsultany
Background - Lecrae
Set Fire to Rain - Adele
Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi
Something to Believe in - Parachute
Price Tag - Jessie J
The Show Goes On - Lupe Fiasco
Higher - Taio Cruz
More - Usher
Say When - The Fray
Nothing - The Script
Let the Heart be Known - Steve Gold
Purna - Steve Gold
Breathe Me - Sia

Friday noon - Playlist devoted to Japan

(sending positive energy into the world)

Om Mani Padme Hum - DJ Reverend Alsultany
Background - Lecrae
Set Fire to Rain - Adele
Swimming - Florence and the Machine
Pursuit of Happiness - Kid Cudi
Undone - FFH
Something to believe In  - Parachute
Say When - The Fray
Nothing - The script
Boston - Augustana
Breathe Me - Sia

BE Present - reading #1

from Journey into the Heart by Melody Beattie

Learn to be Present

"I haven't been able to give you much materially," he said, 'not jewelry, diamonds, gold.  But the gift Ive given you, what I've had to offer, is staying fully present for you."

Presence is a gift - staying fully present for friends, family, ourselves, our lives.  Staying in the moment, with our hearts open, will change other people's lives and ours.

So often we've learned, out of habit or fear, to be only partially present, partially conscious, for ourselves, others and our lives. We aren't certain what we're feeling: our attention and energy are diverted to the next place, the next person. We are there, kind of.

There's another way, a better way. One where we keep our heart open and know what we feel.  We take the risk of being vulnerable enough to share who we really are and to allow others to do the same.  We become fully present for each moment and each person on our path.

Yes, there are times when it isn't safe to be open, when the energy of a circumstance isn't right for us. But that usually reveals a lesson and dictates a choice.  It may be time to learn, time to leave, time to feel, time to choose.

Learn to release all that stands in the way of you and the present moment. Learn to let go of all that blocks you from being fully present for yourself and others.

Give the gift of presence to yourself and to the world.

Be Present - Reading #2

from the book, Until Today! by Iyanla Vanzant

You cannot be fully present in your loving if you are happy sometimes and sad most of the time, if you are afraid to leave while you are wondering if you are going to be left.  You cannot be fully present in your loving if you are wondering why you should stay or how you can go without hurting or being hurt.  You are not present in love if you are afraid to tell the absolute truth about who you are, what you need and what you want. Under these circumstances, you are not present in love. You are hiding!

Love does not hide anyone! Love stands tall in the truth of what it is for everyone to see and receive it. Love does not tell half of the story, some of the time.  Nor does love avoid telling its story just to save time and feelings. Love is respectful, honorable, noble and honest. Love is gentle, compassionate, willing to share and able to comfort. Love speaks boldly yet softly.  It reaches far without losing ground.  You know that love is presnt when in the midst of the storm you can find something, some one thing, to laugh about, smile about and hold on to.

You are not fully presnt in your loving if you are blaming and not accepting your share of the responsibility, if you are not acknowledging your part in whatever is going on or your pain about it. You are not and cannot be fully present in your loving if you are not expressive gratitude for all you have receieved, if you are not supporting or sharing your vision for yourself.  You cannot be fully present in your loving of another if you are still making excuses for not being presnt because you are in a great deal of pain!

Until today, you may have made excuses for not being fully present in your loving relationships.. Just for today, be devoted to being fully present in all of your relationships. Share the truth of your thoughts and feelings. Share the truth about yourself.

Today I am devoted to finding the courage to be fully present in my relationships!

Be Present

What does it mean to 'be present?'

You know how your mind usually goes a million miles a minute? The 'I'm doing this thing... but thinking about the next?'  Buddhists call this 'The Monkey Mind.'  In yoga - we try to release the monkey mind and come into the 'center.'

Through breath - and quite honestly - practice and training... we begin to still the mind.  To me, that doesn't mean 'being without any thought.'  It means 'directed thoughts.'  Maybe one phrase or word to keep you directed and thinking about one thing (this is called a Mantra).  Or maybe it is just thinking about the breath.  Or maybe thinking about your body and relaxing.  It is totally normal/natural to be in a meditation - and for a moment being 'present' or thinking about one thing - then all of the sudden the mind goes - 'what was that noise?" 'I'm Hungry." "I wonder what _____ is doing?" -
again all of these thoughts are normal. But when meditating just 'notice these moments where you leave the present and gently coax yourslef back. The more often you do this, the less often you will drift.

Being 'present' in life, in relationships - is much the same.  When you are talking to someone... be TALKING to that someone. If the mind wonders away - bring it back. When you are in yoga class... BE in yoga class.  When out to dinner, or working, or vacationing... BE THERE.

Most of you know my personal 'Be present" moment that changed everything for me.... But I will rehash it anyways...

Just days after 9/11... I was on a beach in Santorini, Greece - with 7 of my closest friends... literally in paradise. I sat up from my seat and said, "Hey everyone - where are we going on our next trip?"

My sweet friend Matt replied, 'JL, how about enjoying this one first."

This struck me so hard.  What was wrong with me - Id just experienced the horrific events of 9/11 and STILL could not enjoy THIS moment. I was in one of the most beautiful places in the world and I was still looking to the next place, the next experience.  I am forever grateful to Matt for saying what he did that day on the beach. It struck me like nothing else ever had (up until that point) - and it is this: Your life will pass you by - if you aren't LIVING in the NOW.  The past, the future... all are there. But the present... is fleeting.  Live your life... Be present. Embrace what is before you now.

Saturday Theme - Reading

From 'Until Today!'
by Iyanla Vanzant

(dated January 17)

Each of us must face a moment in our lives called 'the breakdown moment.'  This is the time when you must stand toe to toe, eyeball to eyeball, with the very thing you have tried desperately to avoid.  In that moment, you will want to find a way around, over, under or out of having to do what you are faced with doing.  You will do anything, say anything to avoid having to go through what is facing you.  You will want to run and hide. You will get weak, almost faint. You will believe you are going to be sick. But you won't be! What you will be is on your way to greatness.

In the breakdown moment, the very thing you have feared, resisted, denied will stand before you, shaking its finger in your face and sticking its toungue out at you.  It will show you things about yourself that you refused to see or acknowledge.  It will tease you, taunt you, push you, pull you to the verge of breaking down. In fact, that is its purpose.  In the breakdown moment, your defenses break down. Your fantasies shatter. Your excuses fail.  Your resistance erodes.  In that moment, when there is nothing standing between you and the thing you fear the most, you will be forced to step into your greatness, because that is what life is demanding of you.

Until today, you may not have realized that you are totally able, perfectly prepared, full capable of doing the very thing you have convinced yourself you could not do.  Just for today, be devoted to doing just one thing that will help convince you.

Today I am devoted to stepping into my greatness!!

Latest Playlist (Including for Saturday Class)

Om shreem Shruyei - Steve Gold
Background (featuring C-Lite) - Lecrae
Set Fire to Rain - Adele (21)
Something to Believe in - Parachute
Words I Never Said - Lupe Fuasco
Say Aah -Trey Songz
Buzzin' - Mann
Black & Yellow - Wiz Khalifa
Born this Way - Lady Gaga
Price Tag - Jessie J
Higher - Taio Cruz and Travie McCoy
More- Usher
Nothing - The Script
Someone Like You - Adele (21)

Choices, Changes, New Beginnings...

Every Day is a New beginning. Some more dramatic than others.  If we are present, truly present... we live for those new beginnings... we embrace and don't look back.  As I mentioned in my last post though, letting go is a challange for me.  Still, being present is something I strive for, something that MEANS alot to me.  It is a mantra for me.  BE PRESENT. BE PRESENT. HERE AND NOW. THIS MOMENT.

After four years teaching at Yogalife Greenlake... I am leaving.  It as been an amazing time of growth, of friendships, of connections.  I created and grew my 'New Year's Day Mala' while at Yogalife.  It is a HUGE part of the teacher I have become.  It will remain a part of me, of my teaching... just perhaps in a new space.  Connections I have made will follow me... in my heart, in the real world... in life.  Growth I have experienced is always a part of who I am.  Students who have learned from me, connected to me... may let go, or follow me. I am open to it all.  I love them all.

It's interesting how this is just a part of my growth and change this year... It is so huge, yet only a part of the whole.  I am forever trying to be strong. To be the 'best me I can be.' Trying to offer my students what I have learned, how I am learning to be strong, how I am learning to be present and most importantly how I am learning to let go.

I am so grateful to all of you; Who have taught me. Who have loved me.  Who are in my heart. Always.

Letting Go....

Let it Go
by Danna Faulds

Let go of the ways you thoughts life would unfold;
the holding of plans or dreams or expectations-
Let it all go. Save your strength to swim with the tide.
The choice to fight what is here before you now will
only result in struggle, fear and desperate attempts to
flee from the very energy  you long for. Let go.
Let it all go and flow with the grace that washes through your days
whether you receive it gently or with all your quills raised to defend
against invaders. Take this on faith; the mind may never find the
explainations that it seeks, but you will move forward nonetheless.
Let go, and the wave's crest will carry you to unknown shores, beyond your wildest
dreams or destinations.  Let it all go and find the place of rest and peace
and certain transformation.



This has always been one of my favorite readings.  I struggle more than most with 'letting go...'
Friendships, homes, pets, relationships, jobs, cities... all of it. I hold on more than I need to.
The funny thing is - I have 'let go' eventually - more than most. I guess I just need alot
of practice.

It never gets easier. This letting go....
But I am trying to learn, to trust, to surrender and to believe.....

Latest Playlist 1/27/11

So much feedback that this is the best playlist yet!
Enjoy friends:

om shreem shriyei Steve Gold
Cosmic Love - Florence and the Machine
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
The Show Goes on - Lupe Fiasco
Dark Fantasy - Kanye West
Fly - Niccki Minaj and Rihanna
F**kin Perfect - Pink
Higher - Taio Cruz
Hold it Against Me - Britney
Who's that Chick - David Guetta and Rihanna
More - Usher
Nothing - The Script
We are One - Kelly Sweet

MLK Day Playlist

MLK U2
Wake up Everybody - John Legend, The Roots
How I got Over - The Roots
A Dream  Common featuring Will.i.am
Where is the Love - Black Eyed Peas w/Justin Timberlake
Funny the Way it is - dave Mathews
The MOtions - Mathew West
Stronger - Kanye
Beautiful Day - U2
Power - Kanye
Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer
Be the Change - MC Yogi
Strength, Courage, and Wisdom  India.r.e
Hamba Nathi - Overtone
Just Breathe - Pearl Jam
We are One - Kelly Sweet

The Noodle

The reason this blog is called, JL's Yoga World... and Beyond! - is because I wanted to be able to write about things in my life - not directly connected to yoga. Though my whole life is yoga right?

My sweet son, Ben, will turn 8 years old on Wednesday.  He was sent to me from God,  from the Universe. I have no doubt. This child helps me grow everyday - as a mom, a yoga teacher, a friend and as a person.  Every day - he amazes me. Every day - I am grateful he is in my life.

Many of you know his birth story because it is so much a part of my yoga story. But just in case you don't - here goes:

Back in 2001 - right after 9/11, Greg and I were, like many people, reassessing our lives. We were living the 'High Life' in San Francisco. Making loads of money - spending WAY more than we had... just living for us.  But we were incomplete. We wanted more.  We had already been trying to have a baby for two years - since our wedding on 10/9/99.  It just wasn't happening.  Greg was laid off on 9/12 and we were struggling.  I felt like I was losing my 'soul' in TV News. I was becoming someone I did not recognize.  I told Greg I wanted to change. I wanted to be a mom and a yoga teacher.  Together we planned our future.
But it took a few months - until March of that year - when Greg was offered a job here in Seattle. This was our chance. I quit my job and applied to Yoga Teacher Training.  From March to June we lived apart as I closed up one life to begin anew in Seattle.  On a weekend in May, Greg flew back to SF to help me sell our stuff in a yard sale - Clean slate, ya know.  A couple came asking for baby things in the yard sale. We said we had none - that we 'had not been blessed yet.'  They asked us if they could hug us and pray for us. Look, Greg and I are not religous people - but we agreed.
Three weeks later, I found out I was pregnant.

Ben is an old-soul in many ways. He asks questions about God, about reincarnation, and about being a baby and how he 'chose' us as parents. I really believe he did.  I often will share little 'Ben-isms' in Yoga class... he is brilliant in many ways. But yet - still a little kid. He is complicated and loving. He is funny and cozy.  He has even invented a few yoga poses that I use in class.

This week - I honor my wonderful, loving son - Ben. He is the light of my life. Oh yeah, and I call him 'noodle.' :)

New Year, New Horizons

It's been far too long since I 'checked in' with you all.  It was a hectic holiday season.  I worked nonstop - and it was awesome! Thanks to you all who made it in to see me and for making yourself a priority at this time :)

So much is happening....

Today hauteyoga QA revealed details of a teacher training program that will begin in March. Silvia Mordini and I will co-host, co teach, the four month program. Details will be here by days end:

http://www.hauteyogaqueenanne.com/

I am deeply honored and excited to embark on this new journey.  I hope (and know) we will have an amazing group of trainees to join me on this trip :)

In just over two weeks... I will lead retreat in Sayulita, Mexico.  Leah and I have an exciting plan this year for those joining us - Extra treats like a 'Body Prayer' workshop, an opening Cocktail party and much more!! I cannot wait!

Finally, I always look at Yelp and other feedback type sites to see what people are saying about me and hauteyoga.  I try to be on top of it  The sensitive side of me gets a bit wounded, but I try to open up and hear what each person is saying and do my best to continually improve. As my students are truly so so important to me. I am here each day on the mat to guide them (you) and bring joy and happiness into their (your) life.  I will strive to be better each day. I hope you will continue to be open to me and my teaching... because I love seeing you all.

Hugs - love and Light -