We welcomed high school students and teachers to the studio in January for a special Wellness curiculum at Brooklyn Ascend

As I begin to quiet, and reflect on my 2018 thus far… let’s just say one month down and eleven more to go. It has been a bit of a bumpy start, but I feel this Super Blue Blood Moon, with this Leo Lunar Eclipse is bringing some clarity to this journey/life of mine. It seems like, more than ever, this is the time to slow down, and PAUSE! Post holidays, it’s freezing and there isn’t a lot of sunshine. Why should I fight the rhythm that is being offered from the universe?

I sat with the moon and my crystals in my backyard. I sat with the cool breeze slapping me in my face. Wow…what a time to be a BLACK WOMAN! That is what came to me - this black girl from Canton, Ohio is living her life. I love that I have created a safe space for folks to let go and fucking exhale. If you need to cry, sweat or cuss, these walls are gently wrapped around you, reminding you to “inhale…exhale….inhale….exhale”. I can share this, because I have the same moments myself. I have been told by some pretty phenomenal people that I need to slow down but I don’t know how. I always think Hell, well who is going to guide the ship if I do that? Well, if you don't listen, things around you will force you to!

I rocked a migraine for four days. I have never felt that much discomfort in my life, including having three children naturally. I had no choice. I had to clear my calendar and rest. It did a number on my ego. YES…MY EGO!!! That was a hard pill to swallow. I had to surrender, and ask for help. I actually slept. I had a dry January, and I had a chance to sit… and JUST BE! In these moments of quietude, I realized that I am on the right path, but I have to take moments to PAUSE. Those moments need to happen before my body shuts down. I also need to floss and drink more water. I usually practice what I preach, but now I have to take this to a whole different level.

Jyll has been teaching a free yoga class every Saturday at Bedford branch of Brooklyn Library

With that being said, what a perfect time to restart my New Year… February 1st BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!!!! Absolutely, I feel an extra surge of power. The time is now! I am standing on the shoulders of some powerful black women. I also have three young women watching me. I know I have to be a voice for those who don’t have one and I will hold space for those who are searching for their PAUSE. It's also important for me to continue calling out bullshit for what it is. We can have different views as people, but BE KIND! I will be that chick to throw glitter all over the world, but I can completely get my Kali on!

As a woman of color, it seems like I always have to go that extra mile (even in this yoga game), but hey, that is what we do. We hold up the world. If you don't believe me, Google it. You can also follow me on IG @itsjyll. I’ll be posting Black History tidbits throughout the month of February. And don’t forget to support small black owned businesses!

Always and in love,

Jyll

Flowing into February at Urban Asanas