I was first introduced to yoga in 1998 with a dvd and a mat in my living room. Several years later, I stepped into my first class and my eyes were opened to a whole new world. Although my practice was sporadic for many years, yoga was always there in some way, either through mindful breathing or just simply doing a few asanas every day. Thanks to some major life shifts in recent years, not only did my practice transform to a daily one, but my whole life’s path shifted. The day I walked into the studio at Asheville Community Yoga, a spark in me quickly lit and that fire has been burning at full speed ever since. I have completed the 250 hour Teacher Training at ACY and am thrilled to share my love and passion for this practice in this loving studio with this amazing community. I am lucky enough to say that the training and yoga has completely changed my life. For the first time in my life, I have found my calling and am so happy to be able to walk this path, not only here in Asheville, but in the studio.

I am a native of Omaha, and moved here in 2002, after a five year stint in Seattle. These mountains are the only place I can honestly call home, and feel so fortunate to be able to live here and establish my roots. I have been a hairstylist for 20 years and am fortunate enough to have a career where I can help people feel beautiful on the outside. Now, combining that with yoga and helping people feel beautiful on the inside as well, I don’t think I could be any luckier! I am most happy traveling the country and Canada in my 1973 Volkswagen Bus and seeing all of life’s magical beauty. You also can find me in the woods hiking, mountain biking, and camping at every opportunity.

I look forward to sharing my love and passion for yoga with you on the mat!

Jill’s classes:

Kundalini Yoga (All Levels, Beginners Welcome)

Mondays from 8:00 to 9:15 am

Kundalini as taught by Yogi Bhajan

Kundalini is most commonly referred to as the Yoga of Awareness. I like to refer to it as raising our vibration and consciousness to help us reach the highest version of ourselves. Kundalini is a sacred knowledge and power, and is often referred to as the Mother of all Yoga. Kundalini has been around over 5000 years and has never been manipulated or changed in all these years. The practice of Kundalini Yoga balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, brings an awareness to the impacts of your habits, and enables us to harness the energy of the mind and the emotions. This practice will be accessible for all levels and I will be teaching kriyas (sets or sequences) that include (chanting) mantras (repetition of words or sounds), meditation, mudras (hand positions), pranayama (breath work), and asanas (poses) that all have a desired effect and outcome. I invite you to come experience an ancient lineage of yoga that has been scientifically researched and proven to heal and uplift the energy we posses deep in our bodies.

Meditation (All Levels, Beginners Welcome)

Wednesdays from 6:15 to 6:45 pm

Meditation is Medication for the Mind, Body, and Spirit. This Meditation class is suitable for all levels of meditators and is quite welcoming for those new to meditation. We will explore different forms and techniques of Meditation, and we will also experience different styles of Pranayama, which is breath work and essential to Yoga and Meditation. We will also learn different points of concentration to help you dive deeper into your practice. No need to be intimidated by the idea that you need to “shut your monkey mind off” during meditation, when a thought itself can become the point of concentration. Meditation is an opportunity to do a deep self exploration by letting thoughts arise as they do, and letting them reveal the truth by connecting with your breath and letting what happens, happen. Over time and with practice, you will find the mind naturally quietens as your practice deepens. Enjoy sharing this scared space we are all so fortunate to have and come sit!

Gentle Flow (All Levels, Beginners Welcome)

Fridays from 12:15 to 1:15 pm

A nice way to start the weekend with this midday slow flow class, starting with connecting to our breath and really tuning into the body and it’s needs. In this practice we will move slowly and mindfully, giving time to listen to our bodies and focusing on moving through the poses with the breath. This class offers a nice combination of seated and standing poses, and is suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners looking for a slower and more relaxing flow. We will celebrate the gift of being able to sit still in meditation for a few minutes and of course, ending with a generous savasana to help guide you into the weekend.