Jody Tull de Salis is a certified therapeutic yoga instructor with 16 years of international music and yoga teaching experience in Europe, India and the USA. She received her Masters Degree in Music Education from Columbia University. Her company, Be in Awe (based in Ann Arbor, Michigan) features Thai yoga massage and certification and Ayurveda consultation and treatment, Yoga Therapy and certification, Naked Voice Singing Fields and "Traveling Asrham" adventures of self-discovery.
A word from Jody
I first encountered yoga during a long airplane ride from NYC to LA. As I wasn't feeling well, the woman seated next to me suggested I stand in the aisle and focus on my breath, while bending all the way over to the right, and then over to the left. Moments later, I felt 200% better. She recommended a book called “Richard Hittleman’s 28 Days to Yoga”. In LA, I went straight to the bookstore and purchased the book, which launched me into a new way of life and my life’s passion.
On the 28th day, to the day, I happened to be walking by the Sivananda Yoga Center (in NYC), on my way to a singing lesson, where a yoga intensive was to begin the next day. In the first of a lifetime of synchronistic connections, I had vacation days already arranged – and I registered for the course. It was during the first day of that Sivananda Yoga Intensive that I effortlessly released pent- up tensions I never knew I had, creating a profound transformation in the way I felt inside my body.
Looking back, I have come to realize that the severe bullying I received in my early life was embedded which generated a steady stream of inner pollution -- toxic self-talk. Through this journey of self-discovery, i.e. Sivananda Yoga and Naked Voice singing fields, my body, mind and spirit generate more positive thinking. Using the faculty of attention, called the Witness Consciousness, I am learning, more and more, to live and be in a supportive place where my authentic voice resonates and can be heard - most especially, by me!
Twenty-five years ago, I began this journey that has led me into excellent health, well being, inspiring friendships and wonderful work experiences. The yoga stretches and breathing exercises, combined with the insights and ideas that come as a result of my practice, have in every way shaped my life. My yoga practice has deepened my connection with my faith, myself and my ever-expanding community; it has taken me to vistas I couldn’t have imagined possible. Yoga students frequently hear me say the only thing better than taking a yoga class is teaching a yoga class. I am humbled to be part of the lineage of yoga teachers, that imparts such simple, yet profound, wisdom.
The Sivananda style of teaching yoga is gentle, meditative and collaborative – the body, the mind and the breath all work together to remove obstacles (busy mind, negative thinking, body tension) so that energy can move through the body, unobstructed. When that happens, all of the senses come to life; colors are absolutely vibrant, smells are rich with fragrance and the sense of taste is enhanced, along with an inner sense of peace and well being. It is the opening of a blossom.
This calling takes me from the States to Canada, England, Europe and India, always returning to my base in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Yoga is a process that builds strength emotionally and physically while tapping into a reservoir of sweetness and energy like a fresh breeze and refreshment. Helping awaken these riches in others is what I love most about my work. When people ask me about myself, I often say this path, beginning with yoga (literally, and metaphorically, on a journey to voice training), saved my life. One of my favorite quotes is “Be the change you would like to see in others” (Gandhi).
Leading retreats that offer an opportunity for yoga students to deepen their listening practice, while connecting with nature in the most beautiful parts of the world has become a corner stone of BE IN AWE called Traveling Ashram. This inspiration came during my first moment in Soglio Switzerland. Absorbing its beauty, I instantly knew that in years to come Sogiio would be home to an annual retreat. In its fifth year, our coming together is a celebration of self-discovery, while experiencing the splendor of this place. Part of the synchronicity was meeting the owner of a beautiful yoga studio who, along with her yoga teacher, chose Soglio as the perfect retreat for their yoga training. Most of our yoga classes are held in Hermine’s idyllic Swiss studio with its ever-so-pure energy. Our accommodation is in a big Swiss house, with amazing artefacts collected during the owner’s travels throughout the world. It is no coincidence that their teacher’s teacher was Swami Sivananda – also my teacher’s teacher. The village and surrounding areas, most especially Sils, Stampa and Chiavenna (Italy) -- all part of the magic of the retreat -- are part of the experience we attempt to capture in the photos. Though we get such positive feedback from the photos, there is nothing like experiencing it first hand.
One inspiring feature is the people who find their way to our Soglio retreat. Some come solo, some with partners, some with family clans. All bring a wonderful sense of adventure and a lifetime of experiences. We welcome all. We only ask that participants have a thirst to contribute to their own health and well-being as well as to the health and well-being of the group, which is why this is a non-smoking and mostly alcohol-free retreat. It is a region of such relaxed elegance. It is a time to step into a simple routine that is nurturing and nourishing – a Homecoming in the Swiss Italian Alps.
It is my aim for you to feel totally rejuvenated, because of our retreat, and for you to take back home a new point of reference for feeling fantastically alive -- an experience which you can bring home and refer to, in your day in, day out, everyday life. For you to step into total relaxation, renewal and refreshment, while enjoying -- becoming one with -- the stunning beauty of the Swiss Alps, is the purpose of our Yoga, Meditation and Chanting retreat. Rupert and I look forward to welcoming and getting to know you during this mega-adventure. This retreat is about you and your journey, as you expand into the reality so that what you take in and connect with is a gorgeous, vibrant reflection .
In addition to completing the Naked Voice Facilitator's Training with founder Chloe Goodchild, I had the good fortune of experiencing Sister Stan's Sanctuary in Dublin. I felt and saw my dreams for Be In Awe realized! We at Be In Awe share their commitiment to:
*Promoting Balance and Harmony
*Developing and providing opportunities for individuals and groups to explore their inner wisdom and spirit; to live harmonious and balanced lives; to realise their full potential and to work towards the building of a caring, inclusive and fair society.
*Honoring a way of being for people seeking time and space in their busy lives.
P.S.
I will always be filled with gratitude towards the woman on the plane for her generosity in spirit, which has served as a guiding light for me. Such kindness, from someone who asked nothing in return, is at the heart of yoga.
And to Swami Saradananda, my first yoga instructor who, in exchange for voice lessons given to her in my Park Ave. apartment, offered unlimited yoga classes. Little did I know that, all these years later, my life work would embrace the healing sound of yoga.
And, to Chloe Goodchild, founder of Naked Voice Singing, (http://www.theNakedVoice.org) who through her magical connection with Anandamayee, (http://www.stillnessspeaks.com/ma_anandamayee )initiated me and fellow-Naked Voice facilitators, into the courageousness of truly seeking a new way of life -- by letting go of that which no longer serves. A rite of passage that is absolutely necessary to empower others. Thank you dear and amazing Chloe along with Anandamayee.
And to Neive, Sister Stan's tireless presence at the Sanctuary in Dublin, (www.sanctuary.ie) who took time to welcome colleague Mary Hicks and me into the reality of their vision -- the Sanctuary. It Rocks. WOW!!!! Wow. Oh, my gosh -- Wow.
And to my new "singing" teacher G.S. Sachdev. In this, as with all teachers, I feel so Blessed.
"When the student is ready, the teacher appears."
Thank you...thank you...thank you.
