My Journey with Yoga
For over a quarter of a century, the physical practice of yoga has been in my life. It started at a 24-hour Fitness gym in Los Angeles, California. I will never dismiss how anyone starts their yoga practice, as this was mine, and I was fortunate to have a knowledgeable teacher who seeded the principles into my mind as a young 20-something. However, I only began to walk the path of a yogi, living a life deeply intertwined with the principles and practices of yoga and Vedic philosophy twenty years later. My journey has been one of profound self-discovery and transformation, guided not by formal training but by an intrinsic connection to the lifestyle and its deeply integrated wisdom.
Through the ebb and flow of attending classes and practicing at home, the yogic lifestyle has become an integral part of my existence, shaping my life and beliefs. Yoga, for me, transcends mere physical exercise. It is a spiritual practice, a form of meditation, and a means to connect with my inner self – a lifestyle.
The Power of Surya Namaskar
In my work, I often integrate different aspects of yoga into my therapeutic practices. One of the most powerful tools I recommend to my clients is the practice of Sadhana, particularly through Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation. This sequence holds a special place in my heart and practice due to its symbolic representation of life’s rhythms and cycles. Surya Namaskar is more than just a series of physical movements; it is a dynamic meditation that aligns the body, breath, and mind. It embodies the principles of expansion and contraction, mirroring the natural rhythms of life.
The Surya Namaskar sequence is a powerful practice that I have come to deeply respect and understand over the years. It begins with a deep inhalation, inviting the practitioner to open and expand. This is followed by an exhalation, guiding the body into contraction, purging the breath, and any stagnant energy. The rhythm of the breath and the cyclical pattern of expansion and contraction are the essence of the practice, in my opinion.
Living the Yogi Path
The principles of expansion and contraction are not only central to the practice of Surya Namaskar but also to life itself. Life is a continuous cycle of growth and release, of taking in and letting go. By incorporating these principles into a daily sadhana practice, we can create a blueprint for navigating the rhythms of life. When we become accustomed to the natural ebb and flow of expansion and contraction, we can move through life with greater ease and less resistance. We learn to embrace periods of growth and abundance, knowing that they will be followed by times of rest and release. Conversely, during times of contraction, we can trust that expansion will come again.
To me, living as a yogi means embracing these principles in every aspect of life. It means cultivating awareness, presence, and balance. It is about being in tune with the natural rhythms of the body and the universe. Through my practice of yoga and meditation, I have learned to listen to my body and honor its needs. I have discovered the importance of the breath as a tool for grounding and centering. And I have come to understand the profound impact of aligning with the cycles of expansion and contraction.
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Vedic Philosophy
Jana Johnson follows the path of Swatantra, which encourages one to find their own technique or practice leading to self-realization. Drawn to a variety of spiritual traditions and healing methods, she stands out with a unique commitment to living the teachings she shares.
With a journey that started in the early 2000s, Jana is a sought-after energy worker and psychospiritual counselor who also leads classes, workshops, and retreats on topics related to integrating spirituality into daily life. She holds credentials as a Psychospiritual Counselor, in Pranayama, and Ayurveda, and has immersed herself in Hindu and Vedic studies. She is currently a Managing Director and Faculty teacher of the Helix Institute & Collective, a training program for counselors integrating science, psychology, and spiritual wisdom.
Jana draws inspiration from various teachers and mentors, with special acknowledgment to Shrinandan in India and her first teacher, Julie Winter in NYC. Currently based in Bali, Jana feels a deep connection to the creative energy of the land and is honored to share her accumulated wisdom and experience at The Yoga Barn.
