Full Moon Yoga Ceremony

Each month, as the full moon rises over the Front Range, we gather to let go of that which no longer serves us, and call in all the goodness we are ready to receive.

The night starts off with smudge cleansing and protection reiki. Then we’ll move through a set of yogic movements and pranayama (breath control) to prepare our bodies and minds for ritual. Next we chant a mantra and sit for a guided meditation. The night will close with everyone in the circle participating in a simple yet powerful wiccan folk magic ritual.

Jen designs each unique monthly yoga set intuitively, weaving together her knowledge of yoga, ritual spellwork, astrology and ayurveda. She also takes into account the seasons, weather, the social and cultural climate.

A few words about yoga, and breathing

Breath control is called “pranayama” in ancient Sanskrit (fyi, it’s not the same as breathwork). Monitoring and regulating our breath while doing the yoga poses is what makes yoga different from calisthenics. This does not mean you have to control your breath while you’re also twisted up like a pretzel; there’s a lot more to yoga than doing difficult poses.

The word “yoga” simply means “union” – referring to the union of body mind and spirit as the goal of practicing yoga. Therefore the goal of doing yoga is certainly not achieving a certain standard of physical fitness, although that’s sometimes a pleasant side effect.

Accessible yoga for seniors in Colorado

My yoga and meditation classes can be done in a chair, wheelchair, or on the floor with any props necessary. Many of my senior students start class on the floor and end it sitting in a chair. You may feel different from one day to the next, or have different aches and pains. That’s totally normal, and my classes accommodate that reality.

I offer modifications for a diverse range of ability and mobility. My goal is to create a safe space where you are encouraged to honor and accept your body as it is, in the present moment.

I also teach private yoga lessons with a focus on pranayama and meditation for those who are bed-bound. As well, I stream classes live on Zoom for those who are house-bound.

Some of my group classes are donation-based including my summer Park Yoga series - see my Instagram for more information on where I’ll be teaching those classes around Northern Colorado and the Denver area.

The power of the mind

My yoga classes include meditations where I teach mantra chanting to help with age-related issues such as cognitive decline, anxiety/depression, blood pressure, etc. Mantra is simply the act of repeating simple phrases over and over, which creates an inner stillness that functions like a mental boost - which is of particular value to seniors. Mantra chanting also stimulates the vagus nerve which regulates the nervous system, and chanting helps to anchor and focus the mind.

I take a non-denominational approach to yoga that also values and honors its historical roots. So, we may be doing chants in ancient languages like Sanskrit or Gurmuki, but I always explain the meanings and purpose of each chant.

The best thing about mantra and meditation is that anyone can do it, regardless of age or ability!

Spirituality and yoga

A more spiritually focused yoga practice helps to calm the spirit and prepare us for our next journeys of the soul. Yoga and meditation practices that are gentle and accessible to seniors and elders can be pivotal in helping them navigate their golden years with optimal health and inner peace.