Jen Haddix
As a long time weight lifter and dancer, and years of being someone who used physical activities as a way to escape my self, yoga came into my life at a time when I desperately needed it most but didn’t realize it. I would attend the most vigorous classes, working on headstands and arm balances and sweating like crazy, thinking I was only there for the workout, not realizing that I was preparing myself to embark on a journey with spirituality that wasn’t even in my scope of vision.
Attending yoga teacher training taught me far more about myself than it did about teaching yoga. I delved deep into all of my health problems, insecurities and childhood traumas with new eyes...approaching each challenge I’ve ever faced from a new place of love, compassion, forgiveness and gratitude. I fell more in love with the concepts of yoga than I ever imagined I would, and they have changed my life. Through practice, awareness, gratitude and forgiveness, I have began to heal bi-polar disorder and a life full of self hatred that comes from a very difficult childhood.
I love a vigorous physical practice as much as the next person. I love to do and teach headstands, fun flows and challenging arm balances, but yoga is FAR more than that. Yoga is a tool that can bring you so close to your true self that you will realize YOU have the power within to heal everything that has ever ailed you. Yoga is a path to awareness, gratitude and sense of self...and these are some of the most powerful tools for a happy and peaceful life.
I want to spread the healing message of yoga to as many people as I possibly can. Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what happens on the way down. It is my biggest hope that “lack of flexibility” is no longer a reason for people to be intimidated by yoga. Yoga is intended to be a personal practice that lifts the veil on every single thing we’ve been taught that isn’t true about who we are, all that is required of you is that you show up, over and over and over again.
