No Matter What
A Journal share by Teacher Jennie Ray Hart
“I find it humorous when I make plans. It's as if there is some abundant level of control that I have over the events of my life. To put it on the Google calendar somehow makes it "so". I, JENNIE RAY HART, DEEM THIS TO BE MY SCHEDULE! Oh, OK.
I have come to find that the best phrase to use (and it works for every single thing!) is always "Oh, OK". Whether it's the 15th shoulder strengthening activity in Rachel's Yoga Build class or the call I get that my Mom's been hit by a car while riding her bike "Oh, OK" seems to work. It's the grounding acknowledgement that "I'm here and this is the situation" and it's time to do the thing...even though it wasn't on the calendar. The calendar is actually just the scaffolding to what is actually going to happen.
That said, I've been experiencing a lot of change. I could say it began a few years ago when I sold my condo and bought a retreat style property but the truth is, it began at birth. In the past 12 months I've healed from a major foot surgery, moved into a 400 square foot space above my garage, said goodbye to a few unhealthy shitzuations, trained to be better prepared to teach persons with Diverse Abilities, transitioned Mom to independence sans a driver's license, said "until we meet again" to my second father, welcomed my family back to VA, changed careers after 30 years, closed down and opened the doors of my heart back up again.
Most happened NOT because they were on the calendar. In the midst of it all, I knew my WHY.
In the meantime, you all helped me continue living my life WITH INTENTION, to remain a committed practitioner and a sober woman. I stayed true. I set my attention on what I would be/have and I was FOR IT. The practiceS of Yoga aren't only for the smooth sailing hippy dippy "it's all good!" moments in time. Physically they keep me releasing the constantly building up toxins in my body. Emotionally they ground me in my body. Spiritually they get me out of my head and back into my body where my Higher Power often speaks their words of guidance the loudest.
Do you see how I did that? It's not A singular practice. The Asana, Meditation, Self Inquiry, Breath Work...etc. all help me to set intentions and live into them no matter what variations happen to the "scheduled events".
Also, the fact that these practiceS are embraced by the community of Humble Haven Yoga keeps it a safe place for me to be in the true experience of growth as a human BEing.
Suzanne led myself and the '23 class of Yoga Teacher Trainees on a Personal Mission Statement practice as the very last item on the YTT agenda. I again got clear on who, what, where and why I am living. Honestly, it felt like an invitation to the party that IS my whole life. JRay, here is who you'll spend your time with, this is what you'll be doing, where you'll be doing it and most importantly the WHY of it all....the schedule will be what the schedule will be. You'll repeat "Oh OK" as a mantra AND still be living with Intention. In case you were wondering the "when" of this formula is RIGHT NOW.
If your life were a party could you answer the 4 W's? In 2024 there's a party called your life. Are you IN? “
Jennie Ray Hart
Jennie Ray began her personal practice having suffered many injuries and more than a few non-elective surgeries. Her recovery was enhanced and knowledge of the true transformative power of yoga was instilled. She is one of three Tier Two 750 Hour Baptiste Certified Educators in Virginia. She has also received 200 hour Certifications from Studio Bamboo Institute of Yoga (Va. Beach, VA) and Humble Haven Yoga (Richmond, VA).
It is from this “place” that Jennie Ray teaches and guides her students. The spirit of her classes can be found in the physicality but also the “take it off the mat” challenges. You will meet your edge with safety and alignment in mind. You will also be transformed in mind and spirit whether taking a 60, 75 or 90 minute class!
New to yoga? Or currently practicing & curious about learning more about the asanas (physical postures)?