teacher feature

Jess Pahl

Q-What makes being a yoga teacher most rewarding or why do you love teaching?

 A-I love the moment during savasana when I can hear someone let out a heavy sigh and know that they've found a point of relaxation. Knowing that I've been able to help someone find relief is such a gift!

Q-What facet of yoga—movement, breath, mantra, mudra, meditation, devotion, or service—feels most alive for you right now, and why?

A-Different facets of yoga feel most alive for me at different times, depending on what I need in a particular season or even on a particular day. That is one of the reasons yoga resonates so deeply with me—it is such a rich and multifaceted practice. There are days when I need movement to reconnect with my body and release stress, and other days when simply sitting with my breath feels most meaningful. At times, meditation or acts of service become the focus. Yoga offers a path for self-discovery, healing, and growth while also creating opportunities to support and connect with others. I appreciate that it continually meets me where I am and evolves alongside me.

Q-How do you hope your students feel when they leave class?

A-I hope students leave class feeling a little lighter, more grounded, and more connected to themselves. Life presents us with endless responsibilities, challenges, and distractions that can weigh heavily on our bodies and minds. My hope is to create a space where students can set those burdens down and reconnect with their breath, strength, and inner calm. I hope they leave feeling taller, both physically and emotionally, as they move through the rest of their day.