Jessica Baker Yoga

We cruised for the first time ever, and got a rare photo of everyone smiling for the first time ever. It was a great trip, where we learned how we vacation (some the same and some very different 😂), but our crazy and unconventional family is something I love so much!

Come practice with me!!!! I miss all of your faces, and this is my first public offering in a while, and I’m so happy to be back. A little flow, followed by some tennis ball work. This Saturday from 11-12:30 pm.

It was the best of times and the worst of times (only because it so so freakin hot)! Proud of myself, my team, our captain (who is 77 and it was his last one), and everyone who ran this last weekend. The community was incredible, the volunteers and community members who kept us extra hydrated, sprayed water on us, and handed watermelon, popsicles, and gummy bears- you are the real MVPS. You kept us going, and I can honestly say, kept me from passing out!

And now, I’m gonna rest, as for two days, I slept about 1 hour. 😂

Just seeing if I could still stand on my hands a little… success. 😂

My work life has changed drastically over the last two years, and so has my practice. The ebbs and flows of life always happen, with different seasons, people, and events. One thing that is always consistent is how my practice has helped me roll through the changes with more grace and resilience.

To all of my students who I haven’t practiced with in some time, I’m still here. Im making it a goal to get a few public offerings on the calendar in the next six months. I miss you, I see you, and you’re not forgotten, just as my body hasn’t forgotten my practice. It’s always there. 💓

This is not the half marathon post I thought I would be sharing, but here we are….

I had the intention of running this for my papa, as many of you know, he has been fighting a long battle with cancer for 12 years exactly this coming May 2nd. This last month he has been placed on hospice, after fighting for so much longer than modern medicine thought possible. His heart had more to live for… his wife, his daughters, but mostly to see all four of his grandsons enter this world. In his prime, he was one heck of a track athlete. A decathlete, long distance runner, and the first Prefontaine memorial award recipient. He, too, went to marshfield high school.

I struggled with whether to run or not, as my training was virtually non existent, with the roller coaster we have been on the last few months- but decided I’m doing it for him. I went and saw him in bed before I left on Saturday for Eugene, and he woke up briefly to tell me to “run like the wind, baby.”

Yesterday, as I crossed the start line, I felt him, a wave of emotion as tears rolled down my face. My family made the commitment to have me finish the race before telling me. I ran faster than expected, as he was my legs. I crossed the finish, snapped a few photos and opened my phone, and collapsed on the track to the news of his passing. Laying on the track that legends run upon, I knew he was there. The kindness of a stranger stretching next to me, comforted me, as I told my story. He listened.

I made my way to the med tent, where more strangers took care of me, and gave me a quiet place to finally talk to my sister and mom. My sister told me, that he passed right at 7 am, right as I started. I have never believed more in God than now. The most bittersweet moment of my life.

If you’re still reading this post, I’ll leave you with these words from my dear friend and brother who shared this with me post race.. “Peej and I shared that love of track and field.. he loved the rhythm of footsteps, the chasing of goals and dreams and the spirit of competition. Today I think he decided to run with you.. at UofO.. through your footsteps.. your beating heart.”

Now and then… tonight, Trevor’s birthdays swipe ⬅️ for his birthday three years ago, and our very first picture together. Happy birthday to the one who makes me laugh, enriches my life, and rolls with all the punches.

I have no words… come back to me at a later date. Best game!

I am much quieter on the social media front these days, and I’m not mad about it at all. At times I miss the community, engagement, and creation. I don’t miss the hustle culture of constantly having to post, to cultivate content, new workshops, new clients, boost engagement, etc.

Don’t get me wrong, as I do like it, and I still see the value, I just got tired. ☺️ this is just me, popping in your feed, reminding you I’m still here, and still active. Yoga, movement, and mindfulness are still very much a part of my everyday life, but just not as much forward facing… more behind the scenes. Yesterday, I got to start my day leading a team in this room, with a gorgeous tree behind us, and it set the tone e for the rest of the day. So much so, I felt that I wanted to share.

I’m planning a few things in the next couple months, to share and connect once again. As soon as it’s set, you’ll all be the first to know! Meanwhile, still here, still happy, still getting it all done!

P.S. hence why there’s been more daily life activity on my feed… the kids, family, friends

Starting off PTO with a bang!!! Recovering from an awful sinus infection, but rallying for the boys to have one fantastic 4th of July. Day one in Seattle now. So excited for a much needed break.

My life has changed a lot in the last year, in the ways of my everyday life, and what the social media account portrays. There used to be lots of yoga posts, events, challenges, workouts, and workshops.

Today, I post less often, my stories are more of my children, less of my work/yoga practice. Well, I’m still hustling between work, kids, extracurricular activities, and about a billion other things on any given day. It’s less hustling with special events, classes, or retreats and more behind the scenes on my computer. In all respects, I’m happy.

Took a second after a mindfulness practice the other day, to see if I can still get upside down. 😂 let me tell you, that handstand practice feels a whole lot more unbalanced, but the body remembers.

Still here, still going strong! Pics of 40th birthdays, tball and soccer, and summer shenanigans coming soon! 😂