YogawithJen

I am a Yoga teacher in Anchorage, Alaska teaching creative, thoughtful yoga at my private 1-2 person studio or at your home, workplace or retreat.

I also offer workshops around town and teach studio classes on occasion. In Sanskrit, yoga means "yoke" or "connection." It means unity. This page is a place for inspiration, connection and education about yoga and life. I believe in breath. I believe in nature. I believe in movement. I believe in stillness. I believe in change. I believe in powerful conversations. I believe in yoga. Remembering h

ow to breathe - I began practicing yoga in earnest in 2005. I now practice when I awaken in the morning, in the wilderness, in the airport, on beaches, in hotels, at home, and even on my paddleboard. I practice yoga while driving in my car and walking down the street, because yoga re-taught me how to breathe, and now when I move through the world, I move with attention. I actually breathe! My first time on a yoga mat - I found yoga at a time in my life when my children were 3 and 5 years old, and I felt lost in motherhood - I was a mother now, but what else/who else was I? I attended a yoga class hoping it might help me "find myself". When class began I struggled to keep up with the cues and the pose names, feeling a step behind everyone else in the room. Fifty minutes later, we were finally almost done, and all I could think as I entered the final resting pose Savasana, was that after a few minutes it would be over. All I wanted to do was to bolt, to leave the room and never come back. Then something happened. As I lay on my back in stillness, water began streaming out of my eyes. It was tears, but unlike "crying," it happened without effort, the tears forming small rivulets down my temples and puddling onto the mat. I had never felt such relief. I had no idea what was happening to me, but afterward I felt so much better! I was hooked, I had to come back for more. And so I did, for years. I learned how to find this sense of relief in my physical body, my mental state, my deeper Self. My ever-evolving yoga practice - Over the years, I have explored many different styles of yoga - Evolve Yoga, Slow Flow, Hatha, Iyengar-inspired Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Yin, Yoga tune-up, and more. During this exploration, I noticed that no two teachers were the same. They developed their own unique approaches, and their personalities infused the classes they taught. In 2013, I decided that it was time for me to share my own style of yoga with my community, and so I became a Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher. I received my training at Yandara Yoga Institute near Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico and followed this up with a Mentorship with Kimberly Greeff at Evolve Yoga in Anchorage, AK, where I also began teaching. I attend as many workshops as I can, Lynne Minton and Sarahjoy Marsh among the most recent with whom I have studied. I believe that our yoga practice is constantly evolving, and every time I learn from a master yogi, I bring something new and refreshing back to my own practice and to my students. My teaching journey - Since December 2014, I have been teaching yoga in studios around Anchorage, Alaska, private yoga, group yoga at the workplace, and karma yoga in the small coastal community of Seldovia, Alaska. If personalized one-on-one private yoga at your home or my studio, or private group yoga at your workplace or home sounds appealing, please give me a call at 907-240-0206 or shoot me an email at [email protected]. My current studio schedule is here. My other passions - When I am not teaching yoga, I write and consult for small businesses and organizations, hike and walk the beach, bike, attend concerts, dance until I'm sweaty and silly, sail, kayak, travel, volunteer for my kid's schools and activities, and spend time in our off-the-grid cabin. I am also a Certified Life Coach through Coach Training Alliance.

Watch Stay Om Yoga: Volume 1 Online | Vimeo On Demand

09/06/2020

Hello yoga friends! I'm emerging from a hiatus from teaching (and practicing). Yes, even yoga teachers sometimes slack off and lose their daily practice (at least this yoga teacher does). It happens. It's nothing to beat ourselves up about. When I take breaks from regular yoga practices or teachings, my body usually starts to scream at me to "get back on the mat!" When this happens, I find myself returning to old friends, like a pair of comfy house slippers or an old cozy sweatshirt. is one of those places I go. I love Eion's calm voice, his silly humor, the ocean settings, and mix of yogic breath/intention/meditation/buddhism/surfing and movement. This new series is particularly lovely! A combination of yoga, tai chi, buddhism and just plain Eion-ness. I highly recommend it :)

Watch Stay Om Yoga: Volume 1 Online | Vimeo On Demand In this time of social distancing our stress, anxiety and fear is going through the roof. Yet, we need to face life now more than ever with a calm mind, a loving…

30/03/2020

Okay, so tune in on Zoom for a yoga class at meeting id 922-253-6016. At 9:30am tomorrow (Monday 3/30) and every Monday after that (at least for a few weeks). It’s been a while, I’m excited to “see” you there. If you have a yoga mat, that’s great! If you are able to grab some of the following, super: a chair or a wall you can get next to, a couple of yoga blocks or large books can be helpful, a blanket and a pillow or cushion. But if you can’t get those things organized, that’s ok! Just bring your beautiful selves.

28/03/2020

Oh my. Coming out of the dark and teaching a class on Monday at 9:30am! It’ll be on Zoom. I don’t have the link yet, stay tuned. Really looking forward to getting back on the mat with you all. Namaste!

13/08/2019

I’m back in Anchorage - super busy starting a new business so not teaching studio classes yet, but if you’re interested in Private yoga, ping me!

Yoga for anxiety and depression - Harvard Health

07/06/2019

I know I can sound like a broken record about this. But please, if you’re feeling depressed or anxious, give yoga a try. There are so many different types, don’t give up if the first class doesn’t resonate. Yoga turned my depression around. It’s not gone forever or always, but it is so much less prevalent.

Yoga for anxiety and depression - Harvard Health A growing number of studies indicate that yoga may be a beneficial treatment for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

07/04/2019

Teaching for 3 MORE WEEKS of yoga at Open Space:
-- Mondays at 6pm and
-- Tuesdays at noon.

After that, I'll be taking a hiatus for the summertime, my son's graduation, family visiting and all kinds of exciting new ventures to be announced soon!

So, practice with me! - Open Space's studio is bright and sunny, with plenty of fresh air rolling in the windows. I teach a strengthening and supportive class, with some grounding breathwork, gradual and steady movement, a little balancing practice and plenty of restorative savasana. Appropriate for ALL LEVELS of yogis, really!

26/02/2019

Please NOTE changes in my teaching schedule for Spring/Summer 2019:

- After 2/27/19: No more 6:30am Wed. Sunrise classes

- After May 7, 2019: I will be making my annual MOVE to Seldovia, AK until mid-August 2019. Check out the Open Space drop-in yoga schedule to see what happens with Jen's class slots for the summer.

If you wish to reach out to me via email, please do! [email protected]. Keep up to date on my teaching and subbing schedule here: http://www.yogawithjenak.com/drop-in-classes.html

Drop-in Classes I am teaching private yoga at my home studio in Anchorage, Alaska, at Open Space Alaska or at your home or business. I am also teaching three classes a week at Open Space Alaska. You may...

18/02/2019

Friends - I am going to be launching a new summertime yoga opportunity - sooo excited about it!! If you have practiced with me, I’d really appreciate if you could write a comment here (in the “recommendations” section) - if I run with this idea, I will be promoting it a lot through this site and my website. Namaste, with so much gratitude, ❤️ Jen

10/02/2019

A truly open community. I hope to see you there - whether at one of my yoga classes or one of the many other offerings.

Why do we provide our drop-in classes "on donation"?

Open Space believes that you are already a member of our community by walking through our doors and choosing to do your yoga, dance, meditation, or other practice with us. We're all in this together. And in our part to support our Open Space community members, we recognize that each person is on their own unique path in life. Membership dues and fees are not feasible for everyone who wants to maintain healthy self-care practices that our space provides.

We do have a suggested donation of $15 to $20. Many of our members can afford this or more, and we invite them to use thoughtful discernment when providing a donation. Others cannot quite afford that suggestion every time they come to us, and we graciously receive their offerings according to their ability. We simply ask you remember your donation pays for use of the space and the instruction. If you can buy a latte for $3.50--how much more is the hour of yoga in the atmosphere Open Space provides worth to you?

On-donation is a trust-building exercise between patrons and Open Space. We hope you find it empowering and inclusive. I know I have in the four years I have been coming here. To know I could still count on the classes Open Space hosts even when facing hardship in my own life has always drawn me back.

~Summer
Open Space Desk Ninja

02/02/2019

This, my friends, is why we practice squats in yoga classes. So that we can speak with turtles at their level. 🙂

02/02/2019

It's now easier to send YogawithJen a message.

How a Yoga Teacher is Saving First Responders Across America From Depression – With Downward Dog

01/02/2019

It's for everyone!

How a Yoga Teacher is Saving First Responders Across America From Depression – With Downward Dog Yoga is not just good for stretching – it is saving police officers and firefighters from depression and anxiety in cities across America.

23/01/2019

Have you been thinking about coming to my 6:30am Sunrise yoga at Open Space on Wednesdays? Now is the time! A new year, a fresh start, returning light. I would sooooo love to see you here next week. We start class next to a warm fireplace - yes, real fire! And awaken each part of our sleepy bodies and minds, preparing to slide down the second half of the week with grace.

28/12/2018

Melissa Jones is in the house!! At Open Space - she is a guest teacher subbing for me during my 2 week vacation January 7th through the 18th. Go practice with her, what a treat! It’s my usual schedule, just a different teacher -
Mon 1/7 & 1/14 @ 6pm,
Tues 1/8 & 1/15 at noon and
Wed 1/9 & 1/16 at 6:30am.

P.S. My classes are resuming on January 7th with Melissa. I will be back teaching on the 21st. Thank you, Melissa!!!! ❤️

20/12/2018

Have a beautiful warm koselig/hygge/solstice!! I’ll be teaching again starting the week of January 21st, and will teach Mon 6pm, Tues noon and Wed 6:30am the rest of winter and spring. Can’t wait to connect again at Open Space in the New Year!

09/12/2018

Teaching yoga - TODAY @ 5:00pm at Open Space. I'm subbing today, who will I see there?

28/11/2018

Fun fun fun!!! And community. And art. And dance and lots of ❤️

21/11/2018

Arms up, everyone! ❤️ this :)

13/11/2018

Being kind to yourself and to all beings feels so good, trying to practice it more. Especially the part about being ind to myself....

09/11/2018

Teaching Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Open Space!

29/10/2018

I've been thinking about rivers. Rivers of water, rivers of emotions, rivers of feelings, rivers of experiences. Sometimes we flow with it. Sometimes we feel swept away in it. Sometimes maybe we need to get out and sit on the bank and observe it. Hmmmmm I think I may have found a theme for the yoga classes I'm teaching this week :)

08/10/2018

UPDATE! I am so sorry to say I’ve had a family emergency and can’t teach this week! So this offer will be extended to next week, the week of 10/15. FREE YOGA! This week only - the first two people who arrive for any of my three yoga classes at Open Space get in for FREE! Monday@6:00pm, Tues@noon, or Wed@6:30am. http://www.yogawithjenak.com/drop-in-classes.html

03/10/2018

Fireplace, sunrise, yoga - what a way to start the day! Join me for "Head Shoulders Hips and Flows" on Wednesdays at 6:30am for this drop-in class. We start slow and quiet and awaken our bodies, minds and souls in this experience created for ALL levels to start your day off warm, grounded and vibrant.

26/09/2018

What a way to start the day! (Yes, that is the nearly full moon shining in the window). You asked for it - a SUNRISE class! 6:30am every Wednesday - who's coming to join me?

25/09/2018

Thank you Leigh Lubin, I love this!

At the meeting point that unites apparent opposites, we find a third plane of existence. Balance is not a place, it is a whimsical experience between effort and ease.
*
Sutra 2.46 - Asana must have the dual qualities of alertness and relaxation - T.K.V. Desikachar
*
This month's full moon fruition blog is all about finding a moment of balance. We all have individual balancing points of the perfect amount of stimuli, restoration, effort, sleep, activity, and nutrition and those change with season, age, time of day, when we're on vacation, when we're visiting family, and in relation to each other. That is a lot of variables.
*
No wonder many of us are out of balance!
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Check out more and how to find a moment of balance at http://yogacurrents.com/2018/09/24/sutra-2-46/
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Happy fall and equinox!

21/09/2018

Stepping out of our comfort zones can be daunting. I know some of you practice yoga at Open Space but you don't know who I am....and some of you who have practiced with me elsewhere don't know Open Space. I invite you to give it a try! Stretch your boundaries. What do you have to lose?

I promise you, the studio at Open Space is inviting, warm, intimate and healing; and my yoga style is accessible to all levels, can include some laughter and some relaxation and some sweat.

So, pick a time THIS WEEK, I can't wait to share yoga with you!

MON 6pm; TUES noon; WED 6:30am

17/09/2018

YogawithJen - THIS WEEK Fall Teaching Begins - https://mailchi.mp/3b39c38e4ac1/yogawithjen-this-week-mon-6pm-tues-noon

17/09/2018

YIPPEE!!! Fall teaching schedule at Open Space begins this week, Monday 9/17:

MONDAYS @ 6:00pm
TUESDAYS @ noon
WEDNESDAY (starting next week 9/26) @ 6:30AM

Hope to see some of you there!

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Have you been thinking about coming to my 6:30am Sunrise yoga at Open Space on Wednesdays? Now is the time! A new year,...

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Telephone

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Website

http://www.yogawithjenak.com/