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ABOUT

Who is Jess?

Hi, I’m Jessica, or Jess or J.

A little bit about me, born in Belgium and raised in South Africa, a traveler, a teacher and an eternal student at heart. Always learning and growing as I go.

I’m currently living in Cape Town, South Africa and loving it. After a few years of traveling and living abroad it feels good to stay still for a while.
 
With an undergrad in psych and a postgrad in education, I have a love for working with and creating connections with people. I have worked with children for most of my life and have been teaching for the past few years, though I must say, I often feel as though I am the one learning from them. Child-like wonder and curiosity are where it’s all at.

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Yoga has been part of my life since 2012. This love grew over the years and has taken me on the most magical journey of self-love, self-acceptance and opened up space for all the curiosity. Yoga isn’t something I simply practice on my mat, it is a way of living, breathing and being.

I believe yoga is medicine for the mind, body and soul. Learning to breathe, move and explore the world and ourselves from a place of mindfulness and awareness is where the magic lies. Knowledge is something learnt, wisdom is when you embody that knowledge into your being.

I would like to invite anyone to this platform. It is a space where you can feel safe to be yourself. To learn self love, self-acceptance and to be curious about yourself and the world. Ultimately to connect to your most authentic self. Happy and balanced.

Through movement, breath play, meditation and creating awareness of self, I will support you on your journey to finding balance in mind, body and soul.

We rise by lifting others.

MISSION & VALUES

This space is about connection, collaboration, curiosity, learning and personal development. Soul Moves with Jess offers yoga sessions in a variety of ways. It’s not just yoga, but a place to be seen, held and heard through movement, breath work, meditation and conversation. Yoga retreats will be more bespoke in style, exploring ourselves in magical places. I am also planning on creating a safe space for women to learn about themselves, exploring women’s health around menstrual cycles, hormones, body awareness and sexuality.

CONNECTION

To support you in creating a healthy connection with yourself to find balance in all aspects of your life.

CURIOSITY

A desire to learn. To explore life and our experiences through the lens of curiosity.

EDUCATION

Through the sharing of knowledge, finding empowerment, freedom and an ability to transform that knowledge into embodied wisdom. 

OFFERINGS

This is a private 1-hour session in the comfort of your home. These can also be held online or in any another place of your choosing. 

This is a two persons private, 1-hour session in the comfort of your home. This can also be held online or in any another place of your choosing.

I teach Vinyasa classes at The Loft on Kloof, as well as host Yin and Nidra evenings at this studio. I teach Aerial yoga at House of Movement.

Do you love to practice outside? This one is for you. From sunrise to sunset, parks, the beach and mountains, I bring yoga to the magical outdoors. 

These sessions take place in an area of your choosing. They are one hour long. Great for weekly practices or once off celebrations such as birthdays and before weddings.

Our physical and mental health impacts our ability to work. Bring all the benefits of yoga to your workspace.

Yoga retreats will be more bespoke in style, exploring ourselves in magical places.

Exploring women’s health around menstrual cycles, hormones, body awareness and sexuality.

For more information on any of these offerings and pricing, please contact us to enquire.

STYLES OF YOGA

Vinyasa

Vinyasa is a type of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body. From the Sanskrit ‘to place in a special way’, Vinyasa aligns a deliberate sequence of poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow. This practice enhances core stability, improves mobility and range of motion, calms the mind and reduces stress.

Yin

Yin yoga works deeply into our body with passive, longer-held poses. It targets the deepest tissues of the body, our connective tissues – ligaments, joints, bones, the deep fascia networks of the body and the meridians. This is in contrast to a Yang yoga practice such as Vinyasa yoga which targets the muscles. Energetically, Yin yoga improves the energy flow, enhancing the flow of chi in the organs. To be healthy, we need healthy organs as well as healthy muscles. Yin yoga also offers wonderful emotional and mental health benefits too, it is a wonderful antidote to our modern day, fast paced living. It allows us to slow down and pause.

Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation also known as ‘yogic sleep’ or ‘effortless relaxation’. It’s practiced lying down with a teacher guiding the session. The practice draws our attention inwards, and we learn to surf between the states of wakefulness and sleep, where our body finds its natural state of equilibrium (homeostasis) – the breath balances and becomes quiet, unconscious and conscious aspects of the mind reveal themselves, and we drop into an innate state of deep, blissful awareness.

Aerial

Aerial yoga utilizes a silk hammock that is suspended from the ceiling. The hammock is to provide support through your yoga flow, while also improving flexibility and range of motion. Aerial yoga is very theraputic and works deeply into the muscles and helps decompress the spine. This practice is different from your traditional yoga and opens up space to be playful and explore some fears (mental and emotional) in a safe space.

EVENTS & RETREATS

CURRENT EVENT

Yin & Yoga Nidra

Yin & Nidra evening at Lighthouse Holistic💫

*Side Body: Ida- Yin & Pingala- Yang*
“If there be light, then there is darkness, if cold, heat, if height, depth, if solid, fluid, if hard, soft, if rough, smooth, if calm, tempest, if prosperity, adversity, if life, death.

In this evening’s class we will be exploring the polarities of life: the yin and yang- light and dark- breath in and out. Opposites balance each other and without one the other would not exist. Allowing us to explore our own light and dark, the easy in life and the hard.

**Yin Yoga** is a practice that targets the deep connective tissues such as fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones. Characterized by its slow and meditative pace, it creates a space to turn inward, enhancing the connection between the mind and the physical sensations of the body. This intentional practice allows for a profound self-exploration and deeper connection with oneself.

**Nidra**, meaning “conscious sleep,” refers to a state of relaxation between wakefulness and sleep. In this state, the body is at rest while the mind remains alert. Nidra is a guided meditation technique that facilitates access to the theta brainwave state, offering a powerful space for healing and rejuvenation. Also known as NSDR, or Non-Sleep Deep Rest, yoga nidra provides deep rest and restoration.

Come join me @light_house_holistic for a magical evening and let’s explore our mind and body with curiosity and love.

What do I bring?
A mat, a blanket and a journal + pen.
Date: 1 November 2024 (Friday)
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Investment – R400
Venue: The Light House Holistic, 6th floor, The Barracks, 50 Bree street, Cape Town.

Stay curious and see the magic💫

Booking link below:https://www.lighthouseholistic.co.za/event-details/yin-yoga-nidra-evening-side-body-ida-yin-pingala-yang-3

Book Here
CURRENT EVENT

Aerial Yin and Nidra evening

To be announced

AERIAL Yin & Nidra

Aerial yoga melds traditional yoga principles with the use of a suspended silk hammock, creating a graceful and fluid practice. It’s one of my favourite feelings being held and supported by the hammock.

Yin Yoga is a practice that focuses on the deep connective tissues such as fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones. Known for its deliberate and meditative pace, it provides the space to turn inward, fostering a connection with both the mind and the physical sensations of the body. This deliberate approach allows for a profound exploration and connection with oneself.

Nidra, derived from the term “conscious sleep,” refers to a mental state between wakefulness and sleep. In this state, the body is relaxed, while the mind remains alert. Nidra is a guided meditation technique designed to facilitate access to the theta brainwave, providing a powerful space for healing and restoration.
Yoga nidra is also known as NSDR, aka None Sleep Deep Rest

Come join me at House of Movement for a magical evening and let’s explore our mind and body with curiosity and love.

What do I bring?
A mat and a journal + pen.
Date: FRIDAY 22nd NOVEMBER 2024
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Investment – R400
Venue: House of Movement, Cape Town.

To BOOK or inquire please DM me or at 0836536182.

Stay curious and see the magic💫

Book Here
UPCOMING RETREATS: Stay tuned for more info

TESTIMONIALS

What They’re Saying

“What an enriching experience! Jess is a fantastic yoga teacher - calm and caring with so much knowledge. I'd recommend her yoga classes to anyone. Jess' classes don't only contribute to physical wellness, but also creates a space to re-connect with your thoughts. Thank you Jess!”

NicoleneUnder Amour

“Yoga with Jess was amazing, felt rejuvenated and felt inner peace, could feel the positivity and good energy.”

Dharfeur HendricksAdidas Cape Town runners

“I think Jess did an awesome job knowing that the session was once off. She didn’t focus on doing the perfect yoga poses but more on mindfulness and that was perfect for me as a runner and as a business owner during these Covid 19 times. Just to remind ourselves to be more present in the moment.”

Brent JanariAdidas Cape Town runners

“I have been doing a weekly online yoga class with Jess since January 2022.
As a beginner, I am really enjoying Jess' attention to detail and specific instructions on each movement. I appreciate the growth and improvement of body and mind experienced in each class.
Jess is easy-going and friendly, often including her dogs in the class 🙂”

MelissaPrivate client

“As it is my first time experiencing the beautiful practice of yoga, Jess has been a wonderful, gentle instructor. I am part of a work-group where people have different levels of mobility And Jess always encourages only to do what our bodies allow and I love this!”

SherezaanThe ARES Group (Under Armour, Birkenstock & Crocs)

“Jess is such a fantastic instructor; we love each session with her.

She guides the class according to our needs and each session we gain so more confidence and understanding of our own bodies. She has a calmness to her and that spreads so quickly throughout the class, we feel safe and no judgement.
Since starting yoga again – post heavy lock down protocols. I have seen a difference in my overall mental and physical health. One session per week makes such a big difference. I went from having little to no deep sleep to a full hour of deep sleep - post our yoga session with Jess.

We really love having that one day per week to just come and leave all the work stress behind and just be.

Thank you Jess and we want to keep strengthening our relationship with you.”

Love the ARES Group(Under Armour, Birkenstock & Crocs)

“I began yoga sessions with Jess in July 2021. What started as a plan for me to build up some strength and flexibility has been that and SO much more. I never imagined that my sessions with her would soon become the highlight of my week.
Every session is tailored to suit my goals or needs. She helps correct my form and posture but at the same time encourages me to be more comfortable with my body, to step out of my comfort zone and be ok with not being able to do everything perfectly.
She creates a safe space for me to embrace thoughts and feelings that are weighing on my mind and is willing to listen and chat about it if need be.
Her passion and enthusiasm is contagious while her care and support is deeply comforting.
My sessions with Jess have had a huge impact on my life and have become essential in my weekly routine.”

Cath HanburyPrivate client

“Jess has the most incredible way of creating a sacred space that allows you to quieten your mind and move inwards - where you are able to tap into your body and heart space.
She guides with a mindful presence and carefully crafts her sequencers with intention and thoughtfulness. What a beautiful evening of Yin and Yoga nidra. Thank you Jess!”

Kelly Rae

“You owe it to yourself to attend one of Jess’s classes or workshops! Jess’s thoughtful curation to each class she teaches is tangible. Her sequencing creates a safe space for alignment, exploration, and curiosity to flourish. In addition to her technical and robust knowledge of the practice, Jess’ holistic approach creates a warm, caring and uplifting environment in which to practice yoga. Thanks to her gentle instruction during a recent Yin & Nidra workshop, I was able to deeply connect with my mind, body and spirit. Leaving her classes will no doubt leave you feeling blissfully grounded. Gift yourself and Move your Soul with Jess.”

Melody P

“I recently joined one of Jess’s Yin and Yoga Nidra evenings and what a beautiful and magical evening it was. Jess does an exceptional job at guiding and holding space throughout the session. I would highly recommend!”

Tshiamo Mangwedi

“I urge you to check out Jess’ aerial yin and nidra class! You will find yourself on a soulful journey guided by Jess’ smooth energy, calm clear voice, and a supportive swing that helps you float into a meditative swoon. It is a wonderful way to explore yoga and the Self.”

Sarah Miller

“I cannot express enough how much I enjoy the corporate yoga sessions with Jess. She is a truly wonderful instructor who brings a positive energy and expertise to every class. Her commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is exceptional. The small class size allows for individual attention, and Jess is always attentive to everyone's needs and abilities. Her knowledge of yoga and ability to guide us through the practice is simply outstanding. I always leave her sessions feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I highly recommend Soul Moves with Jess.”

Michelle Nieuwoudt

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Get in Touch

Stay curious and see the magic

Contact Me

Address

Cape Town

South Africa

Connect

T: +27 83 653 6182

E: soulmoveswithjess@gmail.com

 

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