Autumn at the Spa

Q: How long have you been here at Mohonk?

A: I began in December 2021, and each day I’m here is a highlight. I feel very fortunate to have the chance to teach what I am passionate about and share exercises and modalities that have the potential to significantly transform lives, if individuals choose to engage with and follow the practices I offer.

Q: How long have you been on your wellness journey?

A: I’ve been practicing Qigong on and off since 2000 and earned my certification in 2015, meaning I’ve been teaching it for almost nine years. My journey into meditation began in earnest back in 2000 during my Feng Shui certification, which was my first deep dive into the various meditation techniques and practices available.

Q: You designed the Balance Inside and Out class for our guests here at Mohonk. Tell me a bit about that.

A: The exercises are generally quite simple. For those who need more of a challenge due to good balance, I can incorporate more difficult movements. Most exercises focus on strengthening the lower body to enhance stability. Balancing on one or both legs, for instance, engages the nervous system, which communicates with the brain about balance and muscle memory. I draw from my experience as a dancer and Qigong practitioner to explain the importance of these exercises, including their connections to ear and visual input and the brain’s reprogramming.

Q: Autumn is often associated with change and transition. How does your “Balance Inside and Out” class help participants navigate personal changes or transitions in their lives?

A: I’m very aware of how our bodies change with age, whether you’re 20 or in your 60s, 70s, or 80s. I’ve personally dealt with balance issues due to vertigo and a significant fall, which made me more focused on maintaining my own balance as I age. I also understand that people may have chronic issues with their hips, knees, or shoulders, so helping them improve their balance, regardless of their physical changes, is incredibly rewarding.

Q: Autumn often brings a focus on gratitude and mindfulness. How does your class incorporate these themes to enhance the overall balance and well-being of participants? 

A: In my Clear Mind, Calm Heart Meditation, there is a section where I guide people to find an inner smile, a common practice in meditation. I invite them, if they’re comfortable, to think about what they feel most grateful for in their lives right now and let that sense of appreciation fill their entire body with a glowing warmth. I then ask them to set an intention, smiling into their heart, and to recognize the heart’s importance in how we respond, how generous we are with ourselves, and how loving we are towards ourselves.

Q: What physical exercises or techniques in your class are designed to boost energy and vitality, especially as we head into the colder months? 

A: I base my Qigong classes on the seasons. For autumn, we focus on the mental element, which in Chinese medicine is associated with letting go, as the leaves fall and the days grow darker. This period marks a transition from fall to winter, which is characterized by the quality of water, emphasizing stillness and going inward. It’s about being okay with not constantly doing. The exercises in my Qigong class specifically address these qualities.

Q: As we move from the warmth of summer into the cooler fall temperatures, what adjustments might participants need to make to their physical routines, and how does your class support these transitions?

A: From the perspective of Chinese medicine, as we approach colder seasons, autumn is considered a time when wind poses a hazard. It’s important to cover your neck and protect your head to avoid developing a wind condition, which can cause soreness in specific spots on your head. In Chinese medicine, this condition results from exposure to wind. Protecting the neck is crucial for strengthening immunity and preventing colds and flu in winter. Similarly, keeping the low back warm is important, as the kidneys, which are sensitive to cold and can be exacerbated by winter’s chill. I often wear a scarf around my waist in winter for this reason.

Q: Balancing physical health with mental well-being can be a challenge during the fall. How does your class integrate practices that address both aspects simultaneously?

A: I always end my Qigong classes with a brief meditation. While I’m still fine-tuning the balance aspect of the class, I consistently have participants visualize themselves filled with light and connected to the energy of nature—Earth, trees, and sky. At the end of each session, I encourage them to honor themselves with gratitude for taking the time to care for their well-being. I also remind them that it’s okay to be calm amidst life’s storms and to not sweat the small or big stuff. The goal is to navigate life without overreacting or ruminating.

Q: Thank you so much for your time, Jenna. Is there anything else that you would like to add while I have you here?

A: Oh, goodness. Well, I am just really excited to have developed a couple of new classes in the recent few months. Now, guests have more options beyond just one or two classes. For instance, we offer a class focused on balance, which many find particularly beneficial, or one on alignment, addressing habits people may or may not be aware of in their bodies. I’m thrilled to share these new offerings because they often lead to those ‘aha’ moments for participants.