by Anwar Baksh | Jan 2, 2018
One of the five top most stressful jobs is considered to be an air traffic controller. Requiring total concentration to maintain the flow of aircraft in and out of airports controlling air traffic is key to aviation safety. At times its required to work more than 40 hour days and retirement is usually mandatory at age 56.
Having worked and lived as an air traffic controller for over 25 years, I can tell you first-hand what this type of stress has done to my body on a normal day, and how that increased during the menopausal years! After being in my head all day and sometimes all night because of work, it wasn’t easy for me to let go and breathe! My vocation didn’t offer me the luxury of having a ‘bad day’. I was expected to be at peak performance 100% of the time, and that expectation itself was enough reason for me to lose sleep.
Luckily, I discovered yoga about 20 years ago in a private class. I didn’t know it then, but years later I realized that was the day that changed the direction of my life! I was raising two sons and when they were in their early teens I brought them to yoga class from time to time as a way to introduce them to something they too could benefit from.
At the time, yoga wasn’t as popular as it is now, but that early exposure helped them and now I’m happy to say my sons still practice yoga! My yoga teacher was patient with me and kept reminding me to breath into the challenge of the posture. I have to say, I had a love hate relationship with my ‘mat’ for over a decade, and work stress was beginning to catch up with me.
My health started to show signs of wear and tear. I knew that if I didn’t find some outlet for the chatter in my mind, I wouldn’t be healthy in mind or body when it came time to retire, and I really wanted to enjoy that time! I knew it was the time to dust off my yoga mat and get more serious about my yoga practice.
Yoga on the mat led to meditation, but quieting the mind wasn’t always obtainable for my mind which had been trained as the ‘controller’. Then my yoga instructor lead me in a short Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra during savasana in yoga class. She had just returned from Divine Sleep Teacher Training with Jennifer and couldn’t contain herself! She was eager to share the beautiful restorative practice she had just learned with us.
That Divine Sleep practice was very powerful, relaxing, and I felt free! It was another life changing event for me. I purchased Jennifer’s CDs, then listened to them almost every night. It was incredible to have this new practice in my life. It has helped me rest and fully rejuvenate, and that’s had a huge effect in my life and in my health. I am thrilled to say that now today I’m completely medication free!
Our faithful dog Jake has been a family member for nearly 14 years. He loves my yoga mat, that’s his favorite place in the house to sleep! I wish I taught him a few yoga tricks, but instead he taught me how to live in the moment. Dogs live in the moment, every moment. They don’t dwell on the past or what frustrating event happened earlier in the day, he is a happy in the moment dog. Full of love and ‘dog’ smiles.
Last year I retired as an air traffic controller and studied to became a yoga teacher! More recently I had the opportunity to personally meet Jennifer and take her Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra Teacher Training and I am so grateful! She is an amazing woman who gives of herself, her knowledge and her creation so unselfishly. My hope is that I can offer this to someone and have it touch their life as much as it has touched and healed mine.
Jennifer teaches in such a beautiful way. Each day the different elements of Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra were explained to fully understand the technique and objectives of the material. Part of the training is that the students lead each other in small bits of Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra multiple times during the training, and it was heaven to both lead and receive it. I can’t begin to thank Jennifer enough! I am already leading Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra in my yoga classes and the students truly appreciate it.
by Anwar Baksh | Nov 27, 2017
Before I practiced yoga, I frequently found myself physically tense and mentally stressed, whether hunched over a computer screen or lying in bed struggling with insomnia. When an opportunity arose for me to visit Kripalu, Jennifer’s Yoga and Deep Relaxation Retreat seemed like a good opportunity to introduce myself to yoga generally, as well as to address my insomnia and stress-related tensions.
I’d never had any exposure to yoga of any sort, but luckily, Jennifer’s program, and particularly her specialties of Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra and Five Element Yoga, proved to be perfectly tailored for me. While I continued to sleep as poorly as ever during the retreat, I never failed to feel energized, even going without my usual mid-day naps! I attribute this largely to Divine Sleep, which allowed me to let go the trappings of life. Letting them fall away, I was able to take stock of my mental and physical state via the framework of the five koshas levels – the yogic map of the human being.
Being guided through the yoga nidra process with Jennifer every day allowed me to rejuvenate myself, ensuring that I got sizable doses of restoration, if not a little sleep as well! Yoga nidra coupled with the yoga practice, proved far more effective in allowing me to clear my mind of distractions more fully than other methods I’ve tried. I found that Jennifer was skilled at helping me to direct my focus to the present moment. Her precision and warmth made her a great instructor and guide, especially for someone new to yoga like myself.
Five Element Yoga made for a fitting introduction to yoga, as it linked postures, mudras, breathing, and affirmations in a manner that makes the links memorable for me now as I continue my yoga practice on my own. It also provided a guide for a direction to steer my practice as I aim for specific goals. At the beginning of the retreat, Jennifer had each participant declare a one-word intention for the week, and I chose ‘calmness’. I have to say that I have never felt calmer than in her classes.
Since returning to everyday life, I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to successfully insert some of that calmness into my daily routine! Jennifer prepared me not to only get into the habit of a once-a-day yoga practice, but also to integrate yoga throughout the day. Now I now regularly am aware of my breathing. Throughout my day I take five minute breaks from my computer screen to go through a short routine of a few postures and mudras, and have the option of replacing attempts to nap with guided sessions of Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra (Jennifer’s CDs have proven very helpful in this regard).
These integrated practices have greatly enhanced my mindfulness of the present moment, allowing me to not only find my calm but also to remain more centered. I still have the pre-existing anxiety and insomnia, and my yoga practice is not exactly where I’d like it to be yet (for one, self-compassion could still use work!) but I know I have just begun this journey. To me, perhaps the most appealing aspect of yoga is that there is nothing to chase or race to – no endpoint – just an open horizon representing an unending process of refinement and self-discovery.
by Anwar Baksh | Oct 30, 2017
This past year was one of the most challenging of my life thus far. I lost two very dear friends to cancer, and had breast cancer myself including a mastectomy. I also separated from the father of my two children. I was healing physically and mentally, but very slowly… slower than I wanted to.
Attending a yoga retreat was something that had been on my wish list for many years. When an available window opened up this past August, I grabbed it as my opportunity to go to Kripalu. I signed up for Jennifer’s retreat not knowing what to expect.
Only a week before the workshop, I was in a car accident that bruised my sternum, making it very difficult to move. I wasn’t sure how I would be able to do any yoga on my yoga retreat! The universe seemed to be underlining the fact that I needed to heal my chest, both inside and out.
As it turned out, I couldn’t have picked a better program to attend than Yoga and Deep Relaxation Retreat with Jennifer. Discovering Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra, as well as receiving Jennifer’s kind, nurturing, and thoughtful instruction was a blessing. The yoga was gentle enough that I could do almost everything, and Jennifer helped me modify when I needed to. Her assistants were equally wonderful and helped support all of us with grace and generosity.
Yet more significant than the yoga postures was the yoga nidra! I felt so embraced. Twice daily Jennifer guided us through a Divine Sleep journey. For me, each one added to the next. By the end of five days, I had accumulated peace, and had the palpable feeling that my healing process had been given a chance to activate and deepen.
Jennifer gave us excellent support material to help us bring the practice home. I find it difficult to create new habits and to make time for self-care, but I am incorporating what I learned into my daily life since that week of the retreat. Now I am able to access deep peace and relaxation when I need to find it.
I have added mudras we learned into my yoga practice, and when I wake up in the middle of the night, and my mind is racing into the past or the future, I listen to one of Jennifer’s CD’s and invite the healing to continue as I fall back to sleep calmly. It works!
Jennifer laid down a path for me to communicate with myself, and with the Earth, that I find helps to ground myself. Now I feel more connected to my inner strength. My process continues. Without a doubt this workshop was exactly what I needed to help me create a foundation for healing, and find my well of inner peace.
by Anwar Baksh | Sep 15, 2017
After going through several family deaths, including my parents’, I felt very lonely and sad. I cannot explain the depth of sadness I experienced for many years. I had a constant sensation of pain in my heart, and a hollowness in my chest. Not only did I lose four family members in a five year period, but I also lost my whole country – my husband, our two children and I moved to the US in 2005.
Life as an immigrant has not been easy. I use to feel very isolated and also insecure about the future, then I began to suffer from anxiety. I spent night after night without sleep. Thoughts of past events went through my mind, which deepened my feelings of sadness and seclusion. Imagining the future filled me with stress and fear.
Our first few years were very difficult for me. We had two more children and I stayed at home caring for our four children while my husband worked long hours, even on weekends. Somehow I learned to find my way here in this new land, and helped my children to adapt to their new lifestyle.
Anxious nights not being able to sleep became my ‘new normal’. I was unable to calm myself and to fall asleep. I was restless.
Then I discovered yoga. And when I began to go to classes, I started to feel a somewhat relaxed. Little by little, I started to feel connection with my body. It was a slow process and also not easy for me at the start of it: I remember arriving on my mat with no strength or interest. I had to force myself through the practice, BUT I started noticing how my attitude was changing.
Slowly I felt inner peace, strength, and joy! Emotional balance became my norm and all my emotional wounds began to heal. Through yoga, I became stronger and healthier, happier and calm! My whole life was impacted and I felt enthused to continue my daily yoga practice.
Two years ago I took my 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training! As I dove deeper into yoga, I discovered that I wanted to help other people who have been hurt in life and want to heal up. I have begun to teach private and group classes.
I have found yoga is a journey of self-discovery, healing, finding inner joy and contentment inside, regardless of difficult life circumstances. Yoga and meditation have taught me to stay calm and strong through the difficult moments. Today, I can say that I am a stronger woman, more balanced and truly happy! I am very grateful for this transformation which has helped me to become a better person. Now I live in and enjoy the present moment, and not worrying so much about the future, or dwelling on the past.
A big turning point for me was taking Jennifer’s Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra Retreat this August because I reached levels of relaxation that were previously unknown to me. When I listen to her voice and guidance, I truly relax and rest – it’s magic! After I practice yoga nidra I feel so refreshed and renewed, with innermost bliss and internal harmony.
Now I usually do Jennifer’s yoga nidra CD around 5:30 pm because, like for many parents, my children are doing homework, and we are all tired! It’s an excellent moment for me to take 15-20 minutes for myself. It helps me calm down and re-energize. Then I feel relaxed, rested and strong as I much more calmly prepare dinner, and continue with a lovely atmosphere at the table for our family dinner together. Then comes bathing the children, and going-to-bed routine.
Now I find I actually feel re-energized to clean up the kitchen, and finally, like a gift, sit down and have a conversation with my husband! I try to go to bed around 10pm. The great news is that I AM sleeping much better! And that’s true for most nights now.
I want to attend Jennifer’s Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra training in the near future. Yoga nidra is a great tool that I want to share with people around me who are also seeking. Jennifer is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher. I appreciated her dedication to us during our retreat. I love the tone of her voice, and the way she guides the Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra.
I am so grateful to you, Jennifer! Thank you for increasing my inner peace, teaching me and helping me to sleep and restore, so I can wake up feeling well and energized!
by Anwar Baksh | Aug 29, 2017
I have never seen transformation like Sue’s and wanted to bring back one of my favorite stories from our twice annual Yoga and Deep Relaxation Retreat. When she arrived, Sue seemed somewhat skeptical, but more than that she appeared to be drawn tight inside herself, with a look on her face like she had just seen something terrible. On our second full day together in retreat, Sue’s demeanor had completely changed. I literally did not recognize this person before me, smiling from her inner light, radiant, and completely at ease. Who was this new addition to our class, I wondered? Finally I recognized that it was Sue transformed and I was delighted for her! I truly wish I had a before and after photo of Sue.
I wanted to know more about Sue and her life. She shared with the group that she suffered from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Not only is Sue a veteran of the US Military Operation Desert Storm and a Police Officer with promotions to Sergeant and Detective Sergeant with the Port Authority of NY/NJ, but she was also a first responder at the World Trade Center on 9/11. It was not until 2010 that, struggling to cope with the effects of PTSD, she decided to take a leave of absence, and dedicated her life to healing herself. When someone makes the focus of their life their own healing, I always get choked up. There is nothing more powerful and sacred than listening to our highest self and responding. There is no more tender a relationship than that. I hope you enjoy Sue’s story.
The World Trade Center was my breaking point. It took nine years to finally say I’ve had it. I was upset, depressed, with many health issues, carrying extra weight, and asked ‘why is this happening?’ I was 100% shut down.
They tried biofeedback with me. Sitting in a chair in a dark room with sensors on my fingers and forehead — it was supposed to teach me breathing. But I could not do it under those circumstances, which triggered me. Other things are triggering as well, like being in a stadium or on a cruise. Everyone is enjoying themselves and I am in looking around at all the potential things that can go wrong and thinking about how will I get everyone out alive.
I had been living with pain in my body every day since 9/11. We do not know what we inhaled that day and since 9/11 I’ve had medical issues that occur in people much older — for example I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my mid 40′s. I was on medications for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), fibromyalgia, insomnia, and so on. I needed to find another approach. I had seen colleagues suffer and actually die from taking pain meds incorrectly. Beyond fearing for my life from the side effects, the whole medication thing was not working for my body or mind.
So I searched, and I went to a yoga class, even though in the military and police world there is so much negative stigma around it. And as it turned out, in the yoga class they tried to kill me! I had to stay at home the next day I was in so much pain. That was not the right kind of yoga for me.
I had been getting the Kripalu program guide in the mail for years. I had a CD of Richard Miller’s Yoga Nidra, but it was too wordy and difficult for me to follow. Then my friend Barbara who is a volunteer at Kripalu invited me up, and I saw Jennifer’s Divine Sleep yoga nidra retreat in the catalogue, and it sounded just right for me.
The whole time I was in Jennifer’s retreat I had No Pain!!! It was the first time that I felt good for an entire week! No stomach ache or muscle pain. In ten years of all the meds and doctors, no one suggested yoga and yoga nidra for pain relief! I was amazed that I was not sore even though I was moving and doing yoga. Now I know what is possible.
Not only did my friend Barbara and the students in the retreat notice a big difference in me, but I felt those changes in myself. And the effects have been longer lasting. People still tell me that I look much calmer, and I actually don’t get as agitated or excited. I currently see two therapists and they both smilingly said, “What happened to you?” I made my life better and in reality it’s making everyone’s life better.
The girls I used to work with said, “There is something different about you.” I told them – don’t laugh – yoga nidra – it works! Without even trying, I lost six pounds during the retreat and my weight has not increased since. I had been binging before and that has not happened since the retreat. I have seen big changes. In the military we were given alcohol to drink when we’d return from the field, and that was the idea of how to deal with the terrifying things we witnessed.
In my profession there’s pressure to be the tough guy and we’d joke about yoga. But now I see how it has changed my life. I hemmed and hawed and should have done it long before, but I did not know what I needed. Now I know. I am thinking I’d like to help Vietnam vets and returning vets with PTSD, because if this could help me, it could help them too.
What an impact the retreat week had on me! I now have a practice I can do at home. And when I returned home I was happy to receive Jennifer’s newsletter to remind me not only of the mudras and affirmations, but also of the peace that is already inside of me. I need it now as we lead up to the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. And after that I am already planning to go to Jennifer’s September retreat.
~Sue Keane
