“Jennie is one of those rare, authentic people who practices what she teaches. She has done her own work and is matter-of-fact & unshakable. I can tell her anything and it is received without judgement, just an open heart. She is able to hold space for me even in my darkest moments.” ~ M. E.
Although I have lived through many difficult times – a lot of loss, grief and depression, and learned a lot through suffering – I do not identify with that ‘story.’ In fact, my teaching is based on dis-identifying with the ego story and remembering who we truly are as spiritual beings. We are not defined by our suffering . If anything we are defined by what we learn through it. The ancient teachings of Yoga enabled me to do this, and to remember my true Self as Joy and Love. I believe we all share this longing to remember who we are and how we can live in Love, and I am here to help you do that!
But let’s back up…
Years ago my life was anything but joyful. I had a rocky marriage, a colicky baby, an unstable career, and no sense of purpose. To make sense of it all and to try to find meaning, I started studying spiritual psychology and yoga philosophy. Eventually, I developed a coaching practice, combining the best of my spiritual psychology training with the centuries old wisdom of the classical yoga teachings. This is the basis of my Spiritually Focused Yoga Therapy through which I help others reclaim their hope, faith and love.
I believe that this all begins with the right questions.
By asking the right questions, we find the right answers. My book, SPARK CHANGE has 108 of them! I ask a lot in my coaching sessions. Here are some of my favorites.
Who are you really?
I am a wife, mom, friend, writer, teacher, student, meditator, surfer, and hiker. But I am also love, light, energy, laughter, joy, breath, spirit, stillness and so much more.
What Gives Your Life Meaning?
Practicing love at full capacity, serving in the best ways I can, and continuously striving to evolve spiritually.
What do you know for sure?
I know we are one big human family in this crazy journey of life together. I know change is not easy for anyone, but when we are really ready, it can happen in an instant. Most importantly, I know that we find joy when we act only, and always, from Love.
What are you committed to?
My deepest commitment is to spiritual growth, my marriage, and parenting – which to me are all one in the same. They are the journey of awakening, the challenge of compassion, and the path of pure devotion.
Now some questions for you…
Are you ready for a greater connection to self, others and Life?
If you are, I will be a great coach, fearlessly honest and gently challenging to keep you accountable. You can expect inspiration to move toward greater levels of authenticity, resilience, and compassion, all with a spiritual focus for your optimal integration and wellbeing.
What is holding you back?
Together we will build on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. I will help you release any patterns, habits or beliefs that are keep you from full capacity living. I promise, you can heal the pain of the past, cope with the stress of today, and launch into a new level of loving life!
Do you want to live in fear and anxiety or courage and power?
My approach to coaching is non-conventional and multidimensional, grounded in mind-body and spiritual practices. If personal transformation is your goal, I will provide practical tools, a lot of encouragement, and of course a soft shoulder.
What is your creative gift and purpose?
If you don’t know the answer, let’s discover it together. I will hold the space for you to remember your divine essence and its reason for being. You are here for big things, much love, and a lot of joy!
“Jennie does not pretend that yoga, or anything for that matter, is easy. She admits that things are rough sometimes, and that yoga gives us the way to work through it.”
– Katie Bouton, Founder & CEO, Koya Leadership Partners
More about me
Mind
My spiritual teacher is Paramahansa Yogananda. He wrote the classic Autobiography of a Yogi. If you haven’t read it, you must! It changed my life and instilled in me the understanding and love for meditation. His wisdom guides me daily.
Additionally I have been blessed to study with Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi), Nischala Joy Devi, Joseph LePage, Richard Freeman, Gary Kraftsow, Rama Jyoti Vernon, Richard Miller, Bryan Kest, Beryl Bender Birch, Amy Weintraub, Neil Pearson, Krishna Das, Shakti Gawain, Anodea Judith, Sat Bir Khalsa, Antonio Sausys, Erich Schiffman, Mukunda Stiles, Marc Halpern, Maria Mendola, Durga Leela, and Max Strom.
Body
I practice all forms of hatha yoga – Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin, Restorative and so much more. My favorites are balances! I do them on the cliffs in Hawaii. (It makes my husband very nervous.)
I am also an avid hiker and have done over 70 hikes on O’ahu. I especially love the challenge of rock scrambles and ropes.
My really happy place is surfing. I grew up in Southern California playing Beach Boys music, but I was in my 40’s before I tried surfing myself. I wish I hadn’t waited so long! I have a purple 9’6″ board with an Aum symbol on it.
Hour long daily walks are where I do some of my most creative thinking. Occasionally you may see me singing Italian opera while walking.
Spirit
Yoga meditation is my spiritual practice. I try never to miss a day. This time focused on silent attunement to God keeps me connected to my highest Self. I call it ‘my appointment with Love.’
I also believe that every moment is an opportunity for spiritual practice. One of my favorite quotes by Yogananda is “Make your love greater than your pain.” Life certainly gives us enough “opportunities” to practice that! (insert eye rolling face here)
The Yamas and Niyamas from the Yoga Sutras are my 10 step guide to staying in right alignment. I write about them extensively in my book True Yoga and return to this guide for life again and again.
Credentials
- Nautilus Book Award winning author:
- Spark Change: 108 Provocative Questions for Spiritual Evolution (Sounds True 2020)
- Breathing Love: Meditation in Action(Llewellyn Worldwide 2018)
- True Yoga: Practicing With the Yoga Sutras for Happiness and Spiritual Fulfillment (Llewellyn Worldwide 2016)
- Yoga Therapist:
- C-IAYT (Certified Yoga Therapist) International Association of Yoga Therapists
- 25+ years experience in Yoga Therapy, Meditation Studies & Self Development
- Founder & Director:
- Essere Writer & Artist Residency, Tuscany, Italy
See more
International Retreat Leader
Workshop Developer & Facilitator
Yoga Teacher Trainer
Contributing Writer
- Books:
- Yoga Therapy Across the Cancer Care Continuum (2021)
- The Foundations, Tools, and Practice of Yoga Therapy: A Comprehensive Textbook (2021)
- YOGAful Life: 80 Yogis Speak on the Meaningfulness of Life (2021)
- Love: The Ultimate Answer to the Meaning of Life by Nicolae Tanase
- Magazines:
- Energy Magazine, Mantra Wellness, Co Yoga + Health, Light of Consciousness Magazine, Awareness Magazine, Huffington Post, Mind Body Green, Yoga Therapy Today Magazine, Yogapedia, Urban Wellness Magazine, Yoga Digest, Common Ground Magazine, Yoga Hawaii Magazine, Elephant Journal, and more
- B.A. in Journalism (Cum Laude) – Pepperdine University
- Master’s Degree work in Spiritual Psychology – University of Santa Monica
- Certified Process Therapist: Somatic Therapy/Body Centered Psychotherapy – Shalom Institute
- Animal Chaplaincy & Communication Studies – Compassion Consortium
- Yoga Studio Owner: Stillness in Motion Studio for Yoga & Wellness, Newburyport, MA
- Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher:
- E-RYT 500 (The yoga therapy components of my teaching are based on my C-IAYT credential not derived from my status with Yoga Alliance Registry.)
- Yoga Alliance Workshop Presenter: Incorporating Pranayama & Meditation in General Classes
- Professional Member: International Association of Yoga Therapists, Yoga Alliance,National Association of Professional Women and the Screen Actors Guild
- Trainings: Inner Peace Yoga Therapy and Integrative Yoga Therapy
Someone you can trust
“Jennie is one of those rare authentic people who practices what she teaches. She has done her own work and is not afraid of the tough stuff.”