Jennifer didn’t introduce me to mindfulness or the healing power of dance and movement—what she did was more powerful than that. I’ve known that mindfulness and tuning into my body would be beneficial for my mental health, and I’ve even used dance as a creative outlet since I was a child. But journal entries spanning the last decade prove that I struggled to find a routine or practice that was sustainable and nourishing for me. “This time I mean it, I’m going to meditate every day,” or “I really need to register for a dance class again,” were common proclamations throughout my twenties. 

In hindsight, it’s clear that what was missing was the spirit of invitation. Instead of inviting myself to show up, I was straining so much to build a practice of reflection and self-care that it was always a chore—something to be tolerated for the greater good. It’s not surprising that those efforts failed. What I’ve found in Jennifer and her classes is an effortlessness and ease that I haven’t experienced before. Showing up for myself in her classes isn’t about checking something off a list or trying to get a new habit to stick. She invites me every week to come as I am and explore what I need, so I show up. She found a way to make the practice the reward itself, instead of a means to a better end.

So no, she didn’t introduce me to the idea of observing your thoughts and feelings, nor did she introduce me to the concept of using movement as medicine (though both of these are important). What she did is teach me how to build a self-care practice that brings me joy while giving me the exact nourishment I need. She invites playfulness, curiosity, sensuality, and introspection without the weight and intimidation that can accompany such nebulous concepts. 

If you are looking for a way to tune into your inner voice, craving self exploration, or are looking for a guidepost in your journey to authentic living, I would recommend Jennifer’s classes to you.