Chocolate, Chakras, and Catching Up

Hello there!
Happy end of April, haha! Man, does time fly when your a busy gal! April is shaping up to be my most successful month! I feel as though I am settling in to my classes as a teacher. Of course, I will always be a student, in many ways, but currently, I am enjoying finding my confidence when sitting in front of students. I imagine that if I continue to be authentic, continue to expand my knowledge, and continue to listen to my students, May will be an even better month!

In May, Modern Milk will be holding several free community classes to try to draw people in to the amazing space. If you are local or surrounding Scottsdale, AZ I HIGHLY recommend you check them out. I've bragged about them before, but it really is a great resource for any expecting and new mother! We've introduced a toddler yoga class, for babes crawling to 2 years old. I get to take Leia to it which is great, but she is still trying to find her way in the class. She is used to having ALL of mommy's attention, and while I am teaching, I can only give her so much of that attention. She notices, and begins to act out. I know that with time, this will only get better, but it can be frustrating. If another mothers child were to act out in the same way, it wouldn't even phase me. However, I have set unrealistic standards for myself and Leia, and I am realizing that sometimes having the teachers kid be the one who has a total meltdown can be good haha. I know she is picking up on the yoga though. She can now do hands at the heart, down dog, three legged down dog, tree pose, and a few pranyamas (breath work). It's amazing when suddenly your daughter will calm herself down from a tantrum by taking a deep breath! Anyways, at the end of May, I will be teaching a Chocolate Yoga class! It is my first time ever doing anything like this and I am so excited! I'm going to use a locally made, wonderfully infused chocolate and tie them in to certain yoga poses. Do a few poses, take a bite of chocolate! How wonderful does that sound?! As soon as the flyer's are posted, I will post a link here!

Things are also going great at Aloha Yoga! (BTW, it is so freeing to only be employed at 2 studios. They are in completely different areas of town and so it gives me the freedom to promote both equally). We tried doing a Family Yoga class, but it didn't stick so we are doing a VinYin style and I am SO excited! I got the idea to tie in the chakras to the classes (at least for the first 7 weeks) and the owner thought it would go perfectly with her own free Intro to the Chakras class. So far, there seems to be a lot of interested people and positive buzz surrounding the class. The first class will be on Muladhara, or the Root Chakra. I just finished creating the layout for the class and I think it is going to be great! My goal for each class is to get people in touch with each of these energy centers in the body and to find out if there are ones that are closed, open, balanced, or in disarray. Even if you don't believe in "energy centers", there are bundles of nerves exactly where each chakra is located. I've created a special sequence that will target each chakra, thus targeting those nerve bundles. I hope it is an informational and healing experience for all that attend. We've also introduced Toddler Yoga, and so far it is picking up! I expected a full class, but I am remembering that the people who need it will come to it when they are ready. Leia likes this class the best, I think because the space is huge and she has plenty of space to run around. Plus, the kids are older and more interactive! I am excited to see where this class goes as well.

Everything else in my little life is going great! I have started the regimen of prenatal, fish oils, and probiotics as we get closer and closer to trying for baby #2! I still have a "weight goal" in mind of where I would like to be before getting pregnant, but I know that if I continue to eat healthy and move my body, I will get there. My biggest problem right now is trying to cut way down on caffeine. I am realizing just how addicted to it I am and it definitely is weighing heavy on my mind. I am hoping that my doing this chakra series myself, I will find my root cause for holding onto this addicting and thus, letting it go and creating a healthier home for our 2nd babe. We are in a transitional phase, but we are ready for what lies ahead!

I am off to bed now! Letting the wind of the storm outside lullaby me to sleep. Have an awesome week everyone!

Where I Am Teaching This Week and Other Big News

Good Monday Morning friends!

While Leia is running around "brushing" her teeth (any one else have a kid obsessed with tooth brushes???) and chasing the puppies, I figured I would take a second to check in and let you know of some cool developments!

First, here is where you can find me this week:

Wednesday 4:30pm, Prenatal Yoga at Ha Yoga Tempe, Az

Thursday 7:00pm, Yin Restorative at Aloha Yoga and Hula, Chandler, Az

 Saturday 10:45am, Restorative Bliss at Aloha Yoga and Hula, Chandler, Az

Sunday Prenatal 10am and Mommy and Me 11:30am at Modern Milk. Scottsdale, Az

Mommy and Me 1pm at Spa Lamar, Scottsdale, Az

I have linked my yoga facebook page, please like the page to receive updates and schedules!



Now for even more exciting news!!
Starting March 20th, I will be teaching Toddler and Momma Yoga at Aloha Yoga! I am SO excited to be able to incorporate Leia into my teaching, and to get her little friends and mommas involved!!! So keep posted for updates on that!

I have to go, Leia is letting the puppies lick her toothbrush...so gross.
Namaste!

Classes Taught This Week **New Class Alert**

Hi friends! Is it seriously almost the end of January? HOW!? Wow time flies! I will say that so far, I am living up to my New Years goals! I could do better, and will do better, but I am happy with the progress I've made thus far! How are you doing with your resolutions?

I've added a new class to my schedule starting this week! Yin Restorative Thursday at 7pm at Aloha Yoga! Here is a little bit about Yin Yoga from an excellent resource, yinyoga.com:

Yin Yoga has the same goals and objectives as any other school of yoga; however, it directs the stimulation normally created in the asana portion of the practice deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues (which we are calling the yang tissues). Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of asana practice.


Suitable for almost all levels of students, Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine.


We will do a yin style at the beginning of class, and then follow with a restorative practice. In restorative yoga, nourishing poses like childs pose, legs up the wall, and supported bridge are held anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes to create ultimate relaxation and release! This will be the perfect after work flow to get you ready for bed and rested for your Friday morning!

Here is a link to my facebook page where you can find more information on the class:
Jenessa D'Elia Yoga


Here is my schedule for the whole week:

Prenatal Yoga at Ha Yoga
Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm
More info here.

Yin Restorative Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula
Thursday 7pm-8pm
More info here.

Restorative Bliss Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula
Saturday 10:45am-11:45am
More info here.

Prenatal Yoga at Modern Milk
Sunday 10am-11:15am
More info here.

Mommy and Me Yoga at Modern Milk
Sunday 11:30am-12:30pm
More info here.

Mommy and Me Yoga at Spa Lamar
Sunday 1pm-2pm
More info here.


I hope to see you at one of the many offerings here! Have a fabulous weekend!
Namaste.

Classes This Week!

Welcome to another fabulous week in January! 2015 has been a great year so far, I must say! I was getting worried, wallowing in self doubt about what I am doing and this journey as a yoga teacher, prenatal yoga teacher specifically, and everything has be confirmed and reassured by the Universe! I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I love it! Are you still sticking to your resolutions? Mine are a daily work in process, but I am happy with my progress! I am attending more yoga classes, and doing more practice at home. I am learning and diving even deeper into class planning. I am eating better, taking probiotics and vitamins again. Life is good!

Here is where you can find me this week!

Wednesday 1/14/2015
Prenatal Yoga at Ha Yoga in Tempe, 1940 University Dr. Class starts at 6:30pm! This space is wonderful and you will immediately feel at home within this group of women. Nikki (owner/prenatal yoga teacher/doula extraordinaire) has started such a warm and wonderful prenatal/mommy and me program. Most of the women meet each other in prenatal yoga and then continue to stay connected in mommy and me yoga. I love it there. Check out the website (here) for more info!


Saturday 1/17/2015
Restorative Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler, 4939 W. Ray Road. Class starts at 10:45am. If you have never taken a Restorative class, you are missing out! In Restorative yoga, you are held and supported by props (blankets, bolsters, blocks, and straps) while you sink deep into postures held for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. The idea is that as you relax into these poses, the muscles release, and you are able to breath new oxygen and new blood circulating into these areas of the body. It is completely rejuvenating, and an experience that can't be missed. Today also marks the beginning of Aloha's 30 days of yoga for $30, where you are able to take up to 17 classes a week! That is pennies on the dollar! Find more information here! The winner of the challenge will receive a FREE additional month of unlimited yoga classes! The studio is gorgeous and serene, like practicing on the ocean water. Check them out!


Sunday 1/18/2015
Mommy and Me Yoga at Spa Lamar in Scottsale, 5115 N. Scottsdale Rd. Class starts at 1:00pm!  There is a wonderful group of mommies that have been attending these classes! Age range for babies is asked to be 6 weeks up to crawling. I wanted to create a class where mothers could gather, bond with their babies, and move their bodies. Of course we need to keep our babies entertained as well, so we have fun singing and clapping, which is great for babies development. It's a fun, light-hearted class that will make you laugh and relax! Babies are in charge, so if at any point you need to feed your baby (breast or bottle), change them, rock them, etc....it is absolutely welcomed and supported! We end every class with a 5-10 minute savasana in which you can breath and relax with your baby! I ask that you bring whatever makes you and baby comfortable! We have blankets at the studio, but burp rags, toys, and stuffed animals are always welcome!



Starting January 25th, I will be teaching Prenatal and Mommy and Me at the AWESOME new place opening up called Modern Milk. For more information on this wonderful new meeting ground for mothers and moms-to-be, check out the website here!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love as a "job". It is wonderful to love what you do and do what you love! Namaste friends!

Things To Look Forward To In 2015

Hello! I just wanted to let you guys know of some exciting changes happening to my schedule for the New Year!
First, Saturdays at 10:45am with now be Restorative/Yin Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula. The class will still be a safe and soothing practice for expecting mommas. A restorative class is a great way to start the weekend feeling renewed and recharged! Yoga gurus say if yoga were a buffet, restorative would be the dessert bar :) But this class won't make you gain weight, just love!

I will also start teaching Wednesday evenings at the newly expanded Ha Yoga in Tempe! Classes will be Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm. I will have more information on both of these classes in the upcoming weeks!

There are no classes scheduled this weekend as I am assisting the wonderful Gila Shire in the Prenatal Yoga Course at SWIHA. I think there is still time to register (the first portion of the class starts tonight, at 6pm). This class was life changing for me and my career. I highly recommend it, whether your a yoga teacher looking to add a new teaching skill, someone passionate about women's birth rights and natural births, or just a momma wanting to have more information about safe yoga practices while pregnant! It is a beautiful, informative, powerful class that I highly recommend!

That is all for now, hope your week has been a great one! Write soon,
Namaste

Where you can find me this week Saturday Nov. 29th-Sunday Nov. 30th.

Hi all!  Here are the places you can find me this week:

Prenatal Yoga at Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler

Also, Prenatal Yoga at Spa Lamar in Scottsdale

Both have groupons and holiday packages available, so make sure to stop by and check out the discounts and deals!

I have another exciting announcement! I was asked to assist in the 20 hour prenatal yoga course at SWIHA! This is just so awesome because I was in love with the class and it really solidified my want to teach prenatal yoga. The instructor, Gila, is an excellent mentor and one that I look up to deeply. She is also a doula, which I hope to be one day. You don't have to be a YTT student to sign up for the class, in fact most aren't! If you want to learn about natural birthing, breastfeeding, natural parenting, safe yoga poses for pregnant women, and so much more, consider signing up! You will not be disappointed! You can register HERE. I will be teaching a 30 minute prenatal sequence as well during the course.

Classes taught this week: November 16th to the 23rd.

 This week, I teach tomorrow, November 16th Prenatal Yoga at Spa Lamar in Scottsdale, 1pm-2:15pm.

Then Saturday, November 22nd I teach Prenatal Yoga at Aloha Yoga & Hula in Chandler, 10:45am-11:45am. Please share with anyone you know who is expecting! There are no previous yoga requirements, and as long as you are cleared for exercise by your doctor, you are welcome to come! Poses are always modified for the individual! Hope to see you there my friends!
Namaste!

Why Prenatal Is So Beneficial

Hi friends!
So you may have figured out that I teach prenatal yoga...and you may have even noticed that I am pretty passionate about it. You also may be wondering why I think it is so beneficial. Sure it's good to move your body and "exercise" right? Yes, but when you are pregnant, the specific movements that you will find in a prenatal class can not only impact your new body, but the life growing inside it as well.

Say whaaaat.

I know. So, here is a little (by all means NOT inclusive) list of why you should consider doing Prenatal Yoga when you are pregnant:

Breath Awareness
This is something you should find in any good yoga class. There are three parts to yoga: asana (poses), meditation, and breath. Bringing attention to the breath has a calming effect on the mind and thus the body. When you are asked to focus on your breath in class (you will usually be taught a breath such as Ujjayi or 3 Part Breath)your drawing your attention inward. Your breaths are deeper, more penetrating. You bring awareness into filling the belly, expanding the rib cage, and lifting the chest. Your oxygen levels literally power up! Amazing. For pregnant women, this can mean bringing the breath back into tight spaces that have been replaced by a growing babe. Having awareness and control of the breath also comes handy when it comes to labor and delivery, regardless of your birth plan. Taking yoga class early in your pregnancy will help you to learn about breathing techniques sooner and help you to use them when it is time to deliver your baby.

Strengthening of the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a hammock of muscles that form a bowl attached to the pelvis. This muscle supports the vital reproductive and digestion organs, as well as the baby during pregnancy. Why is knowing this important? Well the weight that accumulates on the pelvic floor while pregnant weakens it, which can cause a multitude of problems down the road including prolapse or sagging of the uterus, bladder, and rectum and urinary/stool incontinence. Yikes right? In prenatal yoga classes, you are taught how to strengthen your pelvic floor with the asana and breath. After you go through the process of delivering and stretching all those muscles, you can use these techniques to strengthen them back up. Even if you are having a cesarean section, there is still weight put on the pelvic floor during pregnancy, so these exercises are still very beneficial to you.


Aches, Pains, & Circulation
It's no secret that your body will change while pregnant. Your center of gravity will shift as you get bigger, your blood circulation will be directed towards the baby causing swelling in the extremities, and your shoulders and backs will ache as the number on scale goes up. Fun stuff. So how does yoga help? Well for starters, we work on poses that will ease tension in the typically painful areas of the body during pregnancy. Hint, there are a lot of hip openers! Which are juicy poses for everyone, not just expecting mommas. Hip opening poses such as pigeon, goddess, and bound ankle pose release the lower back, stretch the adductor muscle, and relieve tension. Balancing postures such as tree pose, warrior 3 at the wall, and warrior 2 increase blood circulation throughout the legs, decreasing the chance of blood clots forming and swelling. These postures, modified and done safely, will provide the ultimate relief for any aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Restorative yoga, again modified for a pregnant woman, can also provide deep relaxation and releasing of the muscles.

Prenatal classes are also fun! They are a chance to meet other moms and they provide a moment to bond with your growing baby. They pull together movement with breath and meditation to form a truly unique experience. Check out your local prenatal classes!

You can find myself teaching at Spa Lamar in Scottsdale and Aloha Yoga in Chandler.
Tempe moms, stay tuned for Prenatal coming to you very soon :)
Namaste!

Prenatal Yoga At Aloha Yoga and Hula

Hi there!! I hope everyone is having a lovely day!
I wanted to share that I am teaching the first Prenatal Yoga class this Saturday, November 8th at Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler, Az!!

I hope to see my expecting mommas there!

Slow Flow Yoga

Hi Friends! Tonight I am teaching a Slow Flow/Yin Yoga class at Aloha Yoga and Hula in Chandler! Please come by to relax, renew, and unwind! Something we ALL could use a little more of!