Stress less JEM

04/22/2023

YOGA & WINE anyone? It's been awhile, friends. I'm not doing stress management speaking anymore. BUT I've been asked to TEACH YOGA for a fun event on May 7th in Woodinville. I'd love to see YOU there. Details here: https://www.evite.com/event/026DVHJ3DVG3MEZASEPN3FTTPMX2VY/

Self-care for a GOOD CAUSE! Yes yes yes. Space is limited. RSVP on the e-vite. Take care of YOU. xo jessie

You're invited to Yoga + Wine Fundraiser for Camp Orkila - Click here to RSVP

12/24/2021

MUSIC is my muse...for cooking, dancing and ugly sweater headstands, of course. The music in this morning's yoga flow was wonder-full! If you missed practice because of holiday libations, you can watch the replay anytime. (Merry Christmas).

Here's the MUSICAL PLAYLIST:
"Strength from the Inside" by Above & Beyond
"Some Other Day" by Solcal
"Slow Down" by Jonathan Ogden
"I'm in Love-9 Theory Remix" by Kevin Graybill (dance to this!)
"Flesh of My Flesh" by John Lucas
"Winter Snow" by Audrey Assad
"Mystery of Faith" by New Life Worship
"Breathing Space" by Sacred Earth

09/29/2020

There are many techniques I’ve shared regarding minimizing stress, but not this. Until now. Because, this morning, life felt heavy so I do what I always do.

I head outside, take a moment to look up at the trees, listen to the birds, sip my coffee and then say “Good morning God.” Right away, I sense that I’m not alone in the crazy.

I open my Centering Prayer book—the same one I’ve read for two years now—and read a passage. Then I reflect through journaling. But here’s the best part—I close my eyes, take a deep breath and become still in the presence of God (like savassana).

In my spirit, I can let go of the heavy and, in its place, RECEIVE: peace, love, and an all-consuming awareness of Emmanuel—God with us.

During centering prayer this morning, a gentle, quiet whisper of LOVE filled me so intensely that tears streamed down my cheeks. And I thought...shame on me for not sharing this practice sooner.

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”- Psalm 46:10

09/22/2020

Pause. BREEEEEEEEEAAATH. Repeat. 🙏🏼

09/19/2020

What a little fresh air can do...🙏🏼
(And unexpected guests too 😉)

09/15/2020

Soooo many words of wisdom about how stress impacts the body in this book! Here’s a passage from Shapiro’s book that might resonate with you too:

“Imagine you are trying to squeeze some toothpaste out of a tube but you’ve forgotten to take the top off. What happens? The toothpaste has to find another way out. This usually means that it’ll come out the bottom or perhaps force a hole in the side—wherever is the weakest point. Now imagine that tube of toothpaste is YOU. You’re under pressure and beginning to experience psychological or emotional stress. But you don’t take your lid off by recognizing what’s happening and taking time to relax or deal with your inner conflicts. Eventually it (stress) has to find a way out so it’ll find your weakest point—whether through your digestive system, your nerves, your immune system or your sleep patterns. Pushed down it becomes depression, illness, addiction or anxiety; projected outward it becomes hostility, aggression, prejudice or fear.”

Sound familiar? I know...especially now.

What do we do about this?

If you’re experiencing less than pleasant sensations in your body because of extra stress, your body is trying to get your attention. 🙏🏼

The nicest thing we can do for ourselves is to take a moment to listen. To open our lids. To identify what things are actually CAUSING the stress. And physically—and emotionally—releasing whatever is out of our control. Dance it out, run it out, beat it out on a pillow. Find your release and tell your body what you’re letting go of.

Then sit quietly and listen. How do you feel? What else is your body saying?

It might just say: lay down. Or eat an apple. Or go into your bedroom, close the door, take five breaths and come back.

We’re all under pressure but there’s no need to allow things we can’t control put a hole in how we show up to life. You’re not a tube of toothpaste. You’re a beautifully complex human with a unique personality and unique circumstances.

I hope you know how strong, resilient and important you are. Take it day by day, friends. Day by day! ❤️

09/02/2020

Online schooling: the struggle is real! I may have strategically placed yoga mats next to my son’s desk 🧘‍♀️ ...and my son’s desk next to the bar for parent teacher conferences 🥂.

To all the moms and dads helping kids through the crazy, I’m thinking of ways to show up for you in this space 💪🏼.

07/06/2020

Drishti is the bomb 💥. It’s Sanskrit for “focused gaze” and makes all the difference in how we show up to our moments.

In a handstand, if you shift your gaze towards your fingertips, you can find the sweet spot to balance. 🙌🏼

In life, when things feel like they are falling apart, shifting focus to what is true, noble and good can change everything. Anger can turn to peace. Frustration can turn to contentment. Sadness to joy.

My daughter and I experienced this yesterday. While on a friend’s boat (beautiful day!), something happened and she lost it. Full on Meltdown. Once feelings were addressed, I let her know that sticking with the sadness was her choice.

Then I shifted my own drishti cuz kid whining gets me like 😳. I jumped in the water. I chose JOY. And, eventually, tears turned back to smiles.

Small shifts in focus (drishti) can create huge waves of change.