Meet Jana Kilgore: A Special Mini-Interview
To put it simply, we continue to be in awe of and inspired by how skillfully Jana Kilgore helps us to access the deep well of wisdom offered in Yogic and Ayurvedic teachings.
With 20+ years of learning and teaching in multiple holistic health and wellness modalities, Jana brings her vast experience and knowledge forward as an E-RYT500 yoga instructor, licensed Ayurvedic specialist, herbalist, clinical nutritionist, holistic private chef, licensed massage therapist, and Reiki Master. She weaves her diverse experiences together creating offerings that help students access knowledge and tools for living life skillfully and in harmony with Nature.
Jana's kind heart and down-to-earth character create a welcoming space for inquiry, and she teaches with ease and profundity from her depth of understanding and many years of embodying the principles of Ayurveda. Her ability to communicate complex teachings in a digestible, articulate, and precise manner coupled with her personal life-long dedication to these practices make Jana an unparalleled instructor and healer.
We hope you enjoy this special chat with Jana! You can meet Jana in-person and benefit from the wealth of her knowledge in Ayurveda & Yoga by joining us in Yosemite this June 19-23.
“Time outside and being in Nature...that’s always been where I’m happiest. But my pain and limited mobility issues made it not fun, so my pathway has been ‘what do I have to do to be able to play outside and do fun things for as long as I possibly can?’ ”
Photo by Patrick Bremser
Welcoming Jana Kilgore, Balanced Rock WildYoga Teacher Training Lead Instructor
(00:00:00 - 00:04:07)
The conversation begins by introducing Jana Kilgore, one of our lead instructors on the Balanced Rock WildYoga Teacher Training faculty, all-around powerhouse in the holistic health world, and one of our favorite human beings! Jana begins by sharing the evolution of her path as it weaves into her own healing journey, and how the various modalities she’s studied has shaped her growth as a practitioner and teacher.
“If you have a yoga practice, you’re teaching yoga, you’re embodying it as much as you can...layering in the practices, the principles, and the tools of living Ayurvedic medicine and wisdom is only going to enhance your experiences and also create a lot more sustainability.”
What is Ayurveda?
(00:04:15 - 00:06:25)
Jana illuminates what the word “Ayurveda” means, how it’s translated, and how it relates to the Vedas and the Yoga system.
“Ayurveda is often called the ‘sister science’ of Yoga. My understanding at this point 20+ years in is more that Ayurveda is the Mother. [Ayurveda] is the Mother or Grandmother of the Vedas, and Yoga is one of the daughters.”
Photo by Patrick Bremser
“One of the things I’m most excited about in this 5-day immersion-style training is that we will really be able to live the tools that we are sharing. To be able to live and embody practicing Yoga, informed by the teachings and principles of balancing through Ayurveda.”
What are some of the aspects of the upcoming Yoga & Ayurveda program that you’re looking forward to?
(00:06:25 - 00:08:20)
Jana speaks to the highlights of this upcoming 5-day immersive training retreat: the teachers, the location, and the beautiful and profound ways in which we can live and embody these practices throughout our five days together this June.
Why do you think learning about Yoga & Ayurveda is important?
(00:08:20 - 00:11:23)
Jana shares why she believes so deeply in the exploration of both of these practices together, how these pathways have traveled to the Western world, and how both invite us to be better in touch with ourselves and Nature in a harmonious and embodied way.
“At this point, it’s very much time for yogis to have this greater understanding - this huge great gift - of what Ayurveda is. It individualizes our yoga practices, it helps us to practice more skillfully [...] it allows us to create and cultivate peace, harmony, and balance within ourselves as we’re all spinning on this little globe through the cosmos.”
From left to right: Jana Kilgore, Patrick Bremser, and Heather Sullivan in Yosemite’s high country
Jana shares two ways you can integrate the wisdom and power of Yoga & Ayurveda into the present moment
(00:11:23 - 00:17:36)
Jana shares her top two recommendations on how you can integrate Yoga & Ayurveda principles into your life right now. We close with sharing how you can connect with Jana by visiting her website, following on Instagram or Facebook, or attending one of her upcoming events.
We’re so grateful to have had this special time to speak with Jana, and we can’t wait to have her in back in Yosemite this June!!!
MEET PAULA
This mini-interview was conducted by Paula Wild, our WildYoga Advanced Studies Program Manager and one of our Lead Trainers.
You can learn more about Paula by visiting her bio on our team page!