YOGA CLASSES

From Federal Fields to Yogic Realms: My Journey to Finding True Service

Jessica Otieno | JUN 11, 2024

I always knew I wanted to HELP people, but for years, I had no clear vision of what that should look like. HOW? I often asked myself.

I recall sitting in a conference several years ago among a group of workforce professionals. One attendee passionately declared, "I just want to help people, and this is how I can help them." It struck me that many of us share this deep-seated desire to help others. Of course, there's a lot to unpack around this—whether it's projecting the help we once needed onto others, or perhaps it's about aligning with our soul's purpose. But the real question remains: How do we truly help people? This desire manifests in countless ways. Who do you want to help? How do you want to help them? What do you want to help them with?

My early childhood trauma left me disconnected from myself in many ways. On the outside, I appeared confident, driven, competent, and physically fit. But internally, I wasn't in tune with the subtler aspects of my being. My emotions often overwhelmed and controlled me. I felt motivated and determined (survivor!) but completely stressed, overworked, and completely void of joy. Despite finding joy and gratitude in my work, I knew it wasn't truly aligned with my purpose. I felt constrained, unable to fully express myself or honor my intuition.

In my professional role, I had to play small, follow bureaucratic rules (and more) that hindered our ability to truly serve. I lived as two separate people—the professional Jessica who showed up for work, and the genuine, true me.

This dual existence was draining. Imagine knowing you're meant for great things, yet feeling out of place, unable to be your authentic self, always having to reform and perform. It felt terrible.

I never intended to make a career in federal workforce development. Yet, without a clear vision for myself and carrying generational fears and trauma, my logical brain convinced me it was the right path. My 15-year federal career taught me much and provided stability as I raised my daughter. It opened my eyes to many world realities, helping me uncover greater truths about life, and how our society functioned.

Meet Workforce Development Specialist, Jessica Otieno, 2009
Meet Workforce Development Specialist, Jessica Otieno, 2009

However, what I desperately needed was to reconnect with all aspects of myself—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, pranic (life force). It wasn't until I deepened my yoga journey that my life began to transform.

This journey has been rigorous, yes, but profoundly rewarding. I've discovered parts of myself I never knew existed, and rediscovered parts of myself that got lost somewhere along the way. As I've learned more about myself in a holistic way, my life has realigned with who I truly am at the deepest level of my soul.

I’ve even had some good laughs with friends that yoga carried me through two of the toughest divorces I could have ever imagined. Talk about life-shifts.

Now, I show up fully as myself. I'm learning to integrate the professional Jess with the most authentic Jess, bringing lessons from each into harmony. This integration has freed me, brought immense joy, and shown me unique ways I can help others through my own vibration, mission, values, and purpose.

Am I fully there yet? No, not entirely. But every day is a step closer on my journey, and I'm lightyears ahead of where I once was, or even where I imagined I could be. Is it easy to step out of your shadow and into the light, embracing your true self and purpose? Heck no! But I no longer feel like two different people.

The feeling I have now, connected to my heart and my soul, touching lives everyday, helping others in my own unique way: It's truly magical.

Meet Jessica Otieno, Yoga Life Coach & Healer, leading the 2023 Women's Summer Serenity Retreat
Meet Jessica Otieno, Yoga Life Coach & Healer, leading the 2023 Women's Summer Serenity Retreat

If you're seeking transformation and hoping to rediscover your true self, join me. Whether through yoga life coaching or our upcoming group coaching programs, there's a path for you here. Together, we can explore the depths of your potential and align your life with your deepest truths. Let's embark on this magical journey together.

To learn more about our programs and how they can assist you on your journey, please reach out. Let’s embrace the transformation that awaits us.

💕 Much love and Many hugs,

xoxo

Jess

P.S. 🌟 Spotlight on Father's Day: Celebrate Bonds & Bends! 🌟

This Father's Day, we're offering something extraordinary for you and your special someone—be it your dad, your child, or a dear friend. Join us for our Father’s Day Partner Yoga Extravaganza, led by the inspiring father-daughter team, Marty and Jo-Jo Steine.

When: Sunday, June 16th, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Cost: $40 per pair

This 75-minute session is packed with fun, accessible yoga poses that improve flexibility, alignment, and deepen emotional connections. It's an ideal way to spend quality time together, exploring the joys of synchronized stretching and bonding through breath and movement.

After the yoga session, we'll gather for donut holes and delightful conversations during our casual social mingle. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and make new memories with loved ones.

🔗 [Link to register]

Make this Father’s Day unforgettable with a gift of wellness, laughter, and connection. 🧘‍♂️💕

Jessica Otieno | JUN 11, 2024

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