Jayme Sekel Balances Fiery Inversions + Deep Twists with Seated Meditation + Long Walks to Achieve Quiet Time on (and off) the Mat
I met Jayme Sekel at Inner Power Yoga a few years ago. She’s someone I met and felt immediately that I’d known her most of my life.
In addition to a love of yoga and inversions (hers at the level of JAW-DROPPINGLY GORGEOUS), we bonded over two other things:
1) We’d both been teachers in a nearby school district with its share of systemic educational challenges.
And 2) we realized — somewhat hilariously — that we both have brothers who are hip-hop artists. This is like…not a common thing at the local yoga studio LOL. (For reference, hip hop brother a and hip hop brother b.)
Heads up! This post contains affiliate links, and at no cost to you, I will be compensated if you click a link that I’ve shared. Thanks!
Since meeting and befriending Jayme :D, she has taken the plunge, leaving her job as a classroom teacher to pursue teaching yoga full-time. AND she is now the proud co-owner, with my good buddy Jonathan Cronin, of Inner Power.
I cannot think of two better teachers, practitioners, and humans to take the reins of this yoga studio that means so much to so many in the Northern Virginia yoga community. I’m so excited for them both!!
People Who Practice, Edition 7 | Jayme Sekel
Name & age (if you’d like to share it)
Jayme Sekel, 28
When did you start practicing yoga?
I practiced sporadically in high school, but developed a consistent home practice when I started my first full-time job teaching within DC Public Schools.
My days often felt overwhelming and stressful, and I craved the quiet time on my mat, where all I had to focus on was breathing and moving.
How many years of a consistent yoga practice?
It has been about seven years of a consistent practice.
How long have you been teaching yoga?
Two years. A year ago, I chose to leave my full-time job as an elementary school teacher to become a full-time yoga teacher. It was one of the scariest and most invigorating decisions I’ve ever made.
Jayme Sekel Handstanding in Miami
Why did you start to practice?
I always laugh when I revisit my why:
I remember I saw a picture on the deodorant I was buying of a girl in Pincha Mayurasana (forearm stand) and thought, “Wow, that looks fun.”
So I went home and tried it — falling and flopping around, no idea where to even begin. I became curious and started to research different yoga videos and tutorials. I loved the challenge and sensation these new poses brought.
Although I initially practiced to “achieve” a physical pose, I, very quickly, realized how much I enjoyed that quiet time on my mat. My mind was clear and focused on breathing, moving, and exploring the different ways my body could (or sometimes couldn’t!) move. Once I found that feeling, I never wanted a day without it!
Check out the full People Who Practice series here!
What other kinds of physical exercise or activity did you do regularly before yoga? Have those activities been affected by yoga, and if yes, how?
Prior to yoga, I would go for runs or take different classes (spin, pilates, etc.). Now, I find that long walks and my daily practice work best for my body.
Jayme in Variation of Vasisthasana, Side Plank
What does daily or weekly home yoga practice look like for you? What style(s)?
I practice daily and am fortunate enough to make it to the studio really frequently, so my home practice usually consists of foam rolling and some inversion playtime.
Do you also practice yoga in a studio? What style(s)?
I practice Mysore style at Inner Power Yoga, as well as take Vinyasa classes.
I recommend setting up a tiny space to create a ‘yoga spot.’
Jayme Sekel
Is there anything you find challenging about either a consistent home yoga practice or just practice in general?
A home-practice requires a lot of discipline but is so accessible for people with…well, a life. You are able to create your own schedule, in your own space, without adding in time for travel to studio, etc.
That being said, being in your own space comes with many distractions and thoughts…did I switch the laundry? Empty the dishwasher? Always something.
I recommend setting up a tiny space to create a “yoga spot.” If possible, block out a time in which you will practice and arrive onto your mat. From there, just begin to move and work through those distracting thoughts.
For someone who’s just getting started with yoga (or a home practice…or whatever), what advice would you offer?
Don’t let this become a stressful item on your to do list! Practice because it makes YOU feel good.
Show up: breathe, move, and let whatever comes that day be enough.
For a home practice, there are so many wonderful resources online that can lead you through a class. I started practicing the Ashtanga Primary Series because I enjoyed the idea of having a set sequence to follow so I did not have to add the additional thought of what to do.
For those starting yoga at a studio, let go of the idea of perfection! There is no such thing. Show up and just see where the experience takes you. It is called a practice because EVERYONE is learning and growing on their mat.
Jayme in Sirsasana A
What’s the biggest change — physical or otherwise — you’ve noticed since you started to practice yoga?
The list goes on and on! Physically, I have developed more strength and flexibility. However, the biggest change is what I feel off the mat — more confident, less overwhelmed, and more reflective.
I think of my daily practice as a shower – a way to rinse off the tightness in my body and the distractions in my mind.
What’s your favorite pose…or poses?
My favorite poses were, for a long time, any and all inversions (handstands/Pincha/headstands). When I was upside down, I had to draw all of my attention to that moment and my breath. I loved the silence of a clear, focused mind.
Lately, though, I have developed a new love for twists. Twists were never easy for me, and I felt for a long time my breath was very restricted. Twists have been teaching me the importance of using the breath to soften into challenging postures.
What benefits does yoga offer to you, off the mat?
I remember the first time I felt yoga off of my mat. I was sitting in traffic, driving into work, thinking about the stressful day ahead.
And I started to visualize practicing sun salutations in my head. I used my breath as if I was taking the physical movement, and, after a bit, I felt a wave of relief.
I realized the power of my breath — yoga has helped me to find a sense of calm in the midst of chaos.
How do you find your ‘om’ when you’re not on the mat?
In addition to my physical practice, I practice seated meditation. Those few quiet breaths help me to reset.
I also find that similar feeling when I am walking outside and listening to the sounds of nature. Any time I am able to slow the normal busy thoughts down and draw my full attention to the moment is how I capture that “yoga feeling” off the mat.
Thank you, Jayme!!! I especially love the ‘yoga as shower’ analogy. It’s perfect when I think about the notion of a daily practice.
Be sure to check out Jayme and Inner Power on Insta!
What are ways that you capture your OM off the mat? Or how do you best find your quiet time on the mat? Comment below!
Please share & Pin this post!
