JELENA GAJDEL

My name is Jelena and I’ve been an athlete as far back as I can remember. I also used to join my Father for yoga and meditation practices as a toddler. But at the time, I didn’t quite get it. 

The pandemic was a time of disconnection, and like many others, I came out of it searching for understanding, connection and meaning. I was bored and frustrated with my full-time job and in desperate need of some inspiration. So I enrolled in yoga teacher training at Yogaspace and poured myself it's practical and philosophical teachings. It was transformative. I found community, friendship, and purpose. I also developed a yoga practice I love and learned how to share it with others. 

Being in the first group of graduates at Yogaspace’s new location after the pandemic was my good fortune. I began teaching Community classes and pretty quickly developed a strong following. I was passionate about what I was teaching and loved where I was teaching it. The studio became my second home. I started teaching regular classes at Yogaspace within less than a year of graduating and was hired to teach for Coloured Soul Yoga in Etobicoke and Breathe Yoga Studio in the Junction. 

All the while, I was taking 300-hour specialization courses. My yoga classes began to build momentum, and I was hired by Renni Mental Health Clinic. 

I now specialize in Restorative and Vinyasa Yoga and teach weekly at Yogaspace, Breathe and Renni. I still have my full-time job and I mostly love it, but teaching yoga gives me serious meaning, purpose and that inspiration I was missing.

My hope is that I may guide others into finding their own version of the joy and meaning that this beautiful practice has given me.

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