Q&A with Jolene
Jolene is someone you can learn from, grow with, and be yourself around. She teaches MY Core and MY Hot Flow at Midtown Yoga. She holds gracious space for you to show up, connect your mind and body, build strength, and always gives a one-of-a-kind flow! Get to know more about Jolene and her ideas on finding balance, popularization on CBD, and what started her yoga journey by reading her Q&A below!
Q
What life events started you on your path to becoming a yoga teacher?
A
I did not start practicing yoga until after I had children and decided to leave the corporate world to be a ‘stay-at-home’ mom. Initially yoga was a workout but it did not take long for me to realize the full spectrum of benefits that a regular practice has to offer. Regardless of where I am physically or emotionally my mat is a place where I can come home, check in and move without judgement or expectation. I signed up for teacher training under Emily Wallace to deepen my own practice, unsure of if it would ever lead to actually teaching yoga. Two weeks through our intensive training program I knew that I wanted to teach and I haven't looked back.
Q
What's one important life lesson you try to share as a yoga teacher?
A
I want all of my students to understand that life is a journey of self acceptance. There are ups and downs and everything in between. We spend most of our life in the “in between,” so try not get stuck always looking forward or back. Give yourself permission to live with patience, grace and know that you are exactly where you need to be. Do not get so busy planning your future that you forget to live your life.
Q
Do you have a personal go-to practice to get you through busy/stressful times?
A
Movement is my gateway to feeling. When I get stressed out or anxious about something I tend to put my head down and one foot in front of the other. Mindful movement pulls me out of auto pilot and reminds me to experience and feel. Yoga is my top choice but swimming and indoor cycling are close seconds.
Q
What are some of the challenges you've experienced as a yoga teacher?
A
Teaching did not come naturally to me. I am an introvert and being open and vulnerable with a room full of people was really really tough at first and honestly it still is.
q
How do you feel about the popularity of CBD? What health and wellness benefits do you notice within your own practice?
A
I use CBD oil medicinally on a daily basis. It helps me with my mom anxiety (it’s a real thing, friends), it helps me sleep better and it also helps me recover from workouts faster due to its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil is only beneficial if you are using a high quality oil on a regular interval. CBD oil does not make you feel high or euphoric so there is no reason to take it recreationally (before a yoga class for example). I am an advocate for Green Compass, a family owned and operated CBD oil company located just outside of Wilmington, NC, so if you have questions let me know!
Q
You are a wife and a mother of two. How do you find the balance?
A
Honestly I am not sure balance is something that can be achieved on a day to day basis, I let that go along time ago. I have lived to learn that every day, every week, every month and every year will bring a unique number of blessings and challenges. I know that I need quality family time, spiritual inspiration, movement and me time to make the hustle work. I really think the key is knowing what you need to feel balanced and giving yourself the space and time to check in.