What teaching yoga taught me...

As I pack up the remainder of my belongings and get ready to go back to the place where I love the most, I can't help but feel so much gratitude for all the lessons and experiences I've had here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Not only did I get to know some of the most warm hearted people, but I also had the opportunity to gain experience doing what I love most, teaching yoga. And I realized that teaching yoga was actually one of biggest gifts that has been given to me...

So often during class I hear myself saying "high plank, low plank, up dog down dog...." along with other sanskrit names and as I would guide students from one pose to another I also hear myself saying things like "just got for it", "flow", "let your breath guide you", "love the journey" and "TRUST". I would always try to teach from a place of light and love, hoping students felt  inspired and loved before, during and after class. But what I realized the most was that by teaching yoga, I was actually teaching myself...I began to see the students as a mirror of myself. Students at all different levels of ability with the poses and all of them walking different experiences of life, I felt I could relate to a little piece of everyone. I would see smiles, sweat and tears on mats and see the most genuine and raw interactions between others, even some of the most epic high fives in the middle of class that would inspire me to be a better version of myself.

Over the last few months, I began to feel this inner fire (which I felt had been barely alive after leaving Alaska) begin to glow and step into a new power of my own. By having the desire to help students soar to new heights on and off their mats, I didn't know I would be doing the same for myself. I began to worry less and trust more. I began to let go of expectation and welcome the unknown. I began to give up things and welcome spontaneity. I began to release fear and welcome adventure. I began to change my "cant's" into "cans". Most of all, I began to learn to listen to my heart, my inner teacher, my intuition...all of the things I wish for students to experience on a daily basis!

I feel so loved, so grateful, so happy to have had such an amazing space to fully be myself, express my heart, and live my teachings. Even though listening to my inner teacher leads me somewhere new I wouldn't trade my experience here for anything. I feel like I am going forward with an open heart, open mind, and a welcoming attitude to whatever comes next in my life...and I want to welcome it all with LOVE!

So to those who have allowed me to be apart of their yoga experience, I thank you! You have actually given me the greatest blessing and gift of all...the gift of listening to my heart. So onward I go to Alaska...stay tuned!

Hikes, Bikes, and More of Beautiful Idaho!

The last week or so has been full of getting to know things...From getting to know how to do my knew job to exploring the town it all feels like it's coming together! My job is going super great. I love the environment I work in. I am surrounded by positive people who are health centered and are passionate about healing and creating wellness! Also, one of the perks of my job is myself and David recieve free chiropractic care. I've just finished my second week of care and I am feeling so amazing. At first I was pretty sore, but that was to be expected. Not only do I feel physically healthy and awesome, I feel emotionally and spiritually balanced and healthy too! I am starting to feel like I know how to do my job  and have enjoyed getting to know the patients! Teaching yoga has been amazing! I have dedicated and strong bunch of people who are there every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6am! It's neat getting to see their strengths and improvements of a daily basis! 

When I am not at work, we've got out to see some of Northern Idaho. We went on a recommended day hike about an hour north of us here in Coeur d'Alene called Chilco Mountain. After having a little difficulty (and a moderate amount of crankiness from my end) we finally found the trail head with enough daylight to do the closest peak before dark! It was a beautiful hike and I felt a bit more relaxed and had less 'bear-anoia' that unusual since it's a little less common here than in Alaska. From the peak we had a 360 view of mountain peaks in all directions, beautiful valleys, and a huge lake! It was fun to get out and made me excited for spring and summer when the weather is warm enough to spend a few days out there! 

Chilco Mountain 

We've also been having AMAZING weather here in CDA! It's been sunshine and in the 60s allowing us for more chances to get outside and enjoy the scenery! We went on a scenic bike ride along the Centinial Trail along Lake CDA for a couple miles enjoying some stops to enjoy the views and soak up the sun! It's also really been fun just riding our bikes around to get coffee, to the library, etc...since we live to close to everything! 

Bike Trail by Lake CDA

Relaxing by the Lake

I've got out on a lot of runs lately and each time it provides me with little beautiful gems! If I run before work it's usually right at sunrise which is gorgeous! And on my days off I've taken a liking to running at this park called Tubs Hill which gets you up in a little elevation and amazing views! It feels so good that it's so easy to be healthy here! I LOVE IT! Yay! 

"Cotton Candy" Sunrise over CDA lake!

Wake up Run!

View from Tubs Hill

Also, I've been waiting for my friend Gina (who I met in Alaska!) to visit! Without knowing I would be in CDA had planned a visit to Spokane (which is about 20 minutes from me!). I got to spend almost a whole day with her and her boyfriend Chris! We hung out, got food and drinks, and got to say good byes as they are heading to Thailand for over a month! Their excitement made me want to jump in their suitcase and tag along! I'm really excited for them and it made me inspired for me and David to plan a trip for sometime soon! 

Me and "Geenie Baby!"

That's about all the latest in my world...I am feeling like I am going to have to do something a little more exciting since all of my blogs from Alaska were full of risky adventures and extremes...but who knows what lies ahead for me! 

I am getting ready to help lead a 40 day program at the yoga studio though! It's 40 days of yoga, healthy eating, and meditation! Some of you know I've done this 2 times know, but know I actually get to help facilitate others through the journey! I am super excited as we are going to be making some big changes around our club house (oh ya, I don't know if I mentioned, but do our small and fun sized house, David and I decided to call it the club house, it's more fun!). We'll be going gluten free and dairy free! So we will see what shifts and differences we see in our lives! I'm sure you're all dying to hear about it...LOL! 

Anyways, until next time....

Lots of love !!

Jillian

"Falling" into Coeur d'Alene!

After 3,152 miles of driving, finding a place to live, getting jobs, etc...we are FINALLY here settling into Coeur d'Alene Idaho! Our final days of driving through Canada were absolutely gorgeous! The Canadian Rockies are unlike anything I've ever seen! They are huge, magnificent, and sacred! After Jasper, we headed to Banff, stuffed our faces with spaghetti, soaked in a roof top pool, and walked around. I decided out of the 2, I enjoyed Jasper more. It was smaller and less tourist swarmed. But either way, it was beautiful! 

Some of the beauty between Jasper and Banff 

Waterfalls everywhere!

Bow Lake

We found the mountain from 'Who the Grinch Stole Christmas' 

Big Ice Cave by the Athabasca Glacier!

                                          
We finally crossed the Canadian/Idaho boarder (with no troubles!) and we so happy and excited to be back in the lower 48! We jumped for joy and excitedly drove the last hour of our huge road trip! Once we got to Coeur d'Alene, we had arranged to couch surf with a nice lady named Marci. (For those of you who don't know what couch surfing is, it's sort of a place where fellow travelers open there home, or couch, for other travelers to stay for a night or two). She was so nice and made it feel so at home and we couldn't of asked for a more warm welcome to Idaho! She cooked for us, drove us around the town, and we even got to meet a new friend-her son! And the best part of it all, was she had the most adorable kitten!! She even offered to give it to us if we found a place that allowed animals (sadly we are in a "no pet" home now). 

We made it! Yahoooo!

Ash-the cutest kitten!

Our first few days were full of job and housing hunting. We had a bunch of leads and I had a few interviews set up. After a couple applications, viewings, and decisions, we got into the cutest place in the best location! It's a lot smaller than we were wanting/expecting to get into, but it had the right feeling and felt good. Our land lady is so super sweet and I can't wait to get to know her more (I am curious because in conversation it came up that she had lived out of a bus traveling Europe for 2 years!). We unpacked and moved in, which took about 15 minutes since we only had what could fit in my Subaru. 

Home Sweet Home!

Drinking Champagne and Settling in!

Teeny, Tiny, Kitchen!

The following week was SUPER exciting for me! I got a teaching position at an amazing yoga studio here (something I've really wanted to do for a long time!). The studio is gorgeous and after a week of trial classes, the students said they love me and are so excited to come to my classes! Which I am excited about since I am teaching Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6am! I am even working with the founder of the yoga studio to organize a fall yoga program that involves healthy eating, yoga, and meditation (or the 40 days Journey into a Personal Revolution for those of you who have experienced it before or seen me experience it!).  And I'm officially on the teacher website, check it out!! http://www.theyogaroomcda.com/teachers

The Studio!

On top of LOVING my teaching job and getting to know the students, I got a position at a chiropractic office, who ironically partners with the yoga studio I work with. It is an amazing place and I fit right in! It is centered on holistic health, incorporating all aspects of health (healthy spines, nutrition, emotional wellness, etc.) into care. I will be working in the front, greeting patients, assisting them with care plans, and eventually taking xrays and scans. It is such a positive and happy environment! I remember telling David " I finally found people who are just like me! Maybe even more positive and excited than me!". It's a really amazing place, full of wonderful and healing energy! The patients are so great too! I am just so happy and feel like Idaho has opened a space for me that fits and feels great! So for that, I am really grateful! And one of the best parts of my job is the schedule is Monday-Thursday, so 3 day weekends every week!

Beautiful Sunset on Lake Coeur d'Alene!

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch!


We've been here 2 weeks so far, and it feels super good to be settling in! We've also been cooking a lot! It's been fun, creative, and most importantly delicious! Everyone here we've met has been so nice and welcoming! I'm excited that we're settled a little more and spend our time off exploring and getting to know the area! I even think we're going to get out on a hike today! Thats about all I have going on right now! But I am very excited that in 2 weeks I'll be in Portland to reunite with all my beautiful girlfriends for a girls get away weekend in Portland! Miss them so very much!

Mmmmm....Yummy.....

Til next time,

Lots of love! 

Jillian

Jasper-- it's beauty, it's niceness, and it's... mountain goats!

Geez, am I still on the road? It's been 8 days since leaving Seward and today was the first day I thought to myself "I might be over this road trip". We're only about 9 hours away from our final destination (or so we think/hope) in Coeur d'Alene, ID. But, there is two beautiful last stops on the way! Jasper and Banff National Parks in Alberta, Canada. This whole drive has been absolutely gorgeous and unique! We've covered mountain ranges, deep valleys, the grand parries of Canada, but my favorite so far has been the beautiful mountain ranges and Jasper has some of the greatest! The Canadian Rockies are amazing!

Our view from the first place we stayed.

We got here late last night when it was dark out and we'd somehow crossed two times zones so instead of being 7pm it was 9pm... (still not sure what time it really is here). After spending way too much on a room, we watched an episode of breaking bad (it was way to intense for me!) and fell asleep! After waking up and seeing how beautiful Jasper was in the day light we decided we wanted to stay an extra night, but needed to do so a little more frugally. We found a big list of private accommodations in the visitors center and found a room for only $65, DONE! After asking around a bit, we found a popular day hike (that wasn't closed for Grizzly Bear sightings)  called Sulphur Ridge. It was about a 45 minute drive to get to the trailhead and surrounded by beauty!

On the trek up.

This is my "It's a bear!!!" run

Some views from the way up.

The hike was about 6 miles total and we took our time going up and down. Once we were about half way, the views were breath taking! Huge mountain faces and big valleys (which we think were carved by glaciers!) were within sight most of the trek up. As we twinkled toe'd up the mountain (I had my bear bell on my shoe to make some noise), we found a great resting spot to have some water and enjoy more spectacular views! Sitting towards and looking North, we heard some rustling in the trees...both David and I thought "Oh crap, it's a bear"....In my mind, I try to think of all the bear safety techniques you learn hiking...

As we turn around, we find it is not a bear, but a herd of about a dozen mountain goats! There were some adults and some little babies which were so cute! One of them started to walk off away from us and I assumed that once we made some noise they would all scurry off. But these mountain goats must of been hungry or really used to people because one came right up to us. We got a little freaked out and David pulled out the bear spray just in case it was going to charge us, but luckily we started to walk off and it didn't follow.

The Goats

Creeping in...

Closer...

CLOSER...

TOO CLOSE!

We continued to make our way to the top of the ridge and the last little bit was the steepest. It has been 7 days since I've even raised my heart beat or got any exercise so I was feeling pretty  out of shape, but finally we made it up! The views from the top were some of the most amazing I've ever seen! Miles and miles and miles of mountains all spilled out in all directions. It was really neat to be able to look down onto trees and see for miles while imagining what this place was like 10,000 years ago! All and all the hike was amazing! The views and the chance to finally get some exercise.

Getting to the top!

After our hike we headed into the little townsite of Jasper to check things out and grab a bite. We ended  up getting some burgers and delicious Guiness. After stuffing ourselves, we walked around, checked out the local gift shops, I drooled over all the maple syrup, and got some maple sweets! We can't get over how nice Canadian people are...seriously, they are the nicest folk around! Anyways, we are tired and need some rest! We are going to head to Banff tomorrow which is only about a 4 hour drive, but there is lots to see on the way!

Jaspers beautiful gift to us tonight!

Hope you are all doing great! And I will have my cell phone on again once we are back in the states in a few days!

Lots of love!

Jillian

Snow, Bison, and More Hot Springs

Each day of this road trip is beautiful. From most memories I have of road trips as a kid, all I can remember is being impatient, fitting with my sister about how had more room on the sides of my brothers car seat, and every 10  minutes asking my parents the dreaded question of "are we there yet?". However, as most things go, road trips change a bit as you get older (and I'd like to think myself as wiser, but that's debatable..). This road trip was created and planned (or lack there of) with adventure and excitement in mind. And so far after 5 days on the road have been just that. After chasing the Northern Lights, we've made out way to Liard Hot Springs in Canada. I'm not sure whether it's Yukon or B.C because the AlCan weaves in and out of both. 

In the last two days, we've experienced a lot and I feel myself settling into the traveling more and more, letting go of worries. Two night ago, we crossed the Alaska boarder into yukon territory, Canada, saw a bear cross the road, and found a spot to camp. It was pretty flippin  cold as we set up camp and after my rainy camping experience  on guide trip with exit glacier guides, I felt like I needed to toughen up and stick this one out (even though I really didn't want to!). We had plenty of blankets and stuff in the car so we made our tent snug as could be inside with blankets, down jackets and a big down comforter. Also, I tried to recreate a tarp structure I had watched my exit glacier friends put together a week earlier. It turned out not as impressive, but would do the job to keep our tent dry as possible. We made it through the night and when we woke, we were greeted by snow! Brrrr! We packed up as quick as we could and got in the car & were on our way to Whitehorse! 

                 Our campsite we woke up to...

We arrived in Whitehorse and had an earlier dinner and a resturaunt in a hotel (recommended by the people we bought salmon from on the side of the road). We ate our meals and I wondered how much it would be to stay there for the night (we planned on getting a place to crash because our camp gear was wet from the snow). Turned out, it was only $100/night or $120/ night for a room with a jacuzzi! So the choice was obvious! We ran upstairs and we in disbelief how nice the hotel was! We felt like a king and queen! The room was complete with king size bed, fire place, couch and chairs, big tv, bath robes, and of course the jacuzzi! We lounged, soaked, let our camp gear dry out, and relaxed the rest of the day and night! We woke up late, made tea and coffee and checked out from the beautiful place. I was so grateful for the warm dry and cozzy place to stay!

                  David with the big Canadian! 

    Lounging while watching cartoons! 

After leaving paradise, it was onward to the longest stretch of the journey. It is 23ish hours of driving from Whitehorse to Jasper. We covered about 7ish hours the first day. We made a stop in Watson Lake when a peculiar park caught my eye. It was made out of old license plates and street signs. It was really neat to stroll around looking at the different places seeing places we knew and ones we've never been to! After strolling and having lunch it was back in the road to our stop for the night Liard Hot Springs! 

              Street sign alley (i just gave it that name) ;)

        In front of 2 Idaho signs-Riggins & Lewiston! 

          David found his home town! Sierra Vista, AZ

                          Wandering around

We continued on the AlCan and saw a big warning sign for buffalo on the highway. Sure enough we saw lots! We even saw baby buffalo! It was so neat, these things are huge! 

       One of the pictures that we tried to take! Buffalo butt!

  By Liard River, fall is is full swing up here and it's beautiful! 

We made it to Liard Hot Springs, got a camp ground and took a nice relaxing soak in the hot springs! I was relieved that the temperatures here are not as cold! So snow shouldnt be an issue! :)

Time for bed! Long day of driving ahead! 

Lots of love! 

Jillian 

Aurora Chasers

It's day 3 on this epic road trip home (well soon to be home). The first part of our journey was dedicated to the Aurora Borealis AKA Northern Lights. I, being the geek that I am, gave David and myself the name of "Aurora Chasers". We finally finished packing our things, packing them into the car, and left Seward. We headed north and landed for our first night in Talkeetna. We walked around the cute little town for just a bit and then went to my family's lakeside cabin. They were not there, but gave us permission to hike into the property and camp and use firepit. So we did! We parked the subby in the driveway and hiked the mile (yes, their driveway is a mile long!) and began to set up camp. David started the fire using flint (show off!) and made dinner using our camp stove! First nights menu was wild salmon tomato basil camping dish from REI (it actually was really tasty with crackers), but we still hungry so we also had some super yummy tortilla soup! After dinner we got to see two bald eagles soar together right in front of us! It was so amazibg! I set up the tent and sleeping bags and sitting by the fire for a bit headed to bed. I had some bear-anoia (paranoia of bears) for a little bit but changed to wolf-anoia when we heard wolves from the other side of the lake howling at the full moon. Looking back, it was actually super awesome to hear them and were lucky we did! At first I didn't think I'd make it through the night because I was so cold, but after some tears, complaining, and sweet David giving me some of his clothes I managed to dose off for a bit! We woke up, made some tea, and packed up to get back to the car because we are freezing! 

Our car studded with everything we own! 

          Evening walk in Talkeetna! 

Making a fire! 

       Cooking our salmon dinner. 

We spent the next few hours driving north to Fairbanks! It took us a lot longer than expected because of a lot of road construction, but we made it none the less. After wandering around town for a bit we tried to devise a game plan on where to go and how to see the northern lights. We had originally planned to camp outside the city (because you can better see the auroras outside the lights of the city). However, when we arrived in Fairbanks, it was just over 30 degrees. I had a breakdown...I froze the night before in 40 degrees and I really didnt think I could make it in 30 degree weather...even if we were car camping. So after some patience by David as I freaked out, we found ourselves heading out to Chene Hot Spring, about 50 miles outside of Fairbanks. We got a little dry cabin to stay in to keep us warm and decided to go for a soak in the hot springs. 

Turns out soaking in hot springs was EXACTLY what we needed. I stayed in for about 2 hours letting the hot water melt away any worries. It felt so good on my soar muscles and helped me relax a bit! We headed back to the cabin, brushed our teeth and got ready for bed. As I was settin my alarm to get up during a few times during the night to look for the northern lights, David runs in and says "come here!". I throw my shoes on and my sweater and ran outside! 

BOOM! There they were! To the north, over a mountain gleaming a faint green. They started off small but began to move a little across the sky. We jumped in the car to drive to a better viewing point. Once we found one, we got out of the. At a d just stood in awe. I stood there thinking that I couldn't believe I finally was seeing them! There they were dancing in th mountain. I almost imagined them as the moved like a slow rolling wave that it was Alaska's way of waving good-bye to me and giving me a blessing for the road trip ahead. I was so full of happiness as they became dim and we drove back to our cabin. 

We were SO lucky to have seen them last night! We had a number of factors against us, overcast forecast, full moon, and tree coverage. But we got to see them despite all that and that's all I could ask for!! It was the cherry on top of all my Alaskan experiences, full of magic and beauty!

Cabin owners dog we played with for a bit this morning! 

We are currently on the Great Alaskan Hwy (AlCan) heading for the Canadian border. As we drive, we are getting sprinkles of snow mixed with sunshine. All the trees are in full fall beauty, radiating beautiful oranges, yellows, greens and reds! 

I'm havig a great time (especially after sleeping in a warm cabin which I am so extremely grateful for!) and our next big stop is Jasper where we hope to meet up with our friend Carl! 

Mom & all those beautiful people who worry about me- we're driving safe, have plenty of gas, etc. ;)

P.S-sorry for any typos or grammar errors, this post was written from my small iPhone! :) 

Til next time! 

Lots of love!

Jillian