Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Calderon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I feel yoga was the magical tool where I can recall I had my first awakening moment. It gave me the opportunity to discover and explore myself on a deeper level that I was not aware of. The effect it had on my mind and nervous system were impactful and quite honestly felt life-changing. I began to notice my frustration level slowly diminishing and I was able to let go of things that normally would bother me. The breath work and meditation practices were what made my transitions and transformations possible but it certainly took a lot of discipline and patience to get to where I am now… and it continues to this day.
From the time I was very young, my loving and authentic-self was buried by my ego. My ego molded the idea that I need to prove my SELF, my WORTH, and I needed to be accepted by everyone I encounter and if I was rejected and criticized I would not be worthy or deserving of love.
I was constantly on stage from the minute I woke up. My “perfect ego” would put me together and send me off into the world. When my ego was fed, I felt satisfied, strong and powerful. When my ego was hungry or starved, I felt unappreciated, unloved, unworthy and physically sick.
These judgments and high expectations I put on myself created lots of stress and anxiety. I was constantly letting myself down and beating myself up with negative talk. This inner chatter really started to wear me down. I became overwhelmed and frustrated which made me anxious and short-tempered. My workaholic tendencies did not help since I prioritized my graphic design career over my health and happiness most of the time. Although my passion for nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle was there in my heart, my need to prove myself was getting in the way. Fear reigned supreme!
At this point, my digestive system became dysfunctional and fried! I would go on binges of healthy eating just to get “back on track” but until I would relax my mind and let go of whatever it was I was holding onto; a project that I “failed” at, a comment that was made, etc… nothing would really work. I was exhausted! After years of battling my GI issues, skin issues, and my internal emotional drama… something had to change. The physical work was easier to handle but at this point, I needed more than food to heal the damage.
Over the years, my practice of yoga and healing modalities gave me the courage to stand up for myself. To do what serves me before what serves everyone else’s “impression” of me. Through this journey into healing, I have become aware of my patterns and have worked at shifting from my ego mind into my heart. The more authentic me has resurfaced and I embrace all of my experiences as part of my path.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve certainly had some struggles and challenges along the way and the common theme throughout has been falling into the dreaded human (ego) fears. Fear of not being good enough in my craft, in my relationships, in my (fill in the blank) or when I go into survival mode, do not trust and/or try to control situations. I have learned to be very AWARE of these feelings as they arise. Once aware of them, I can step back, reassess the situation, ask myself if this is the truth or an illusion and ultimately not make any big decisions until I feel back in alignment with my heart and guidance.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My work in Atlanta (and remotely) has evolved from teaching yoga and meditation to energy work using Reiki healing and more recently over the past year into becoming a Shaman. Bringing healing and wisdom from nature, animals and all the elements as guidance on our path. Helping others to connect back to their roots, their hearts, their joy.
My focus and passions are through inner child awareness, soul purpose, trusting intuitive guidance and connection to your body, mind, and soul. I share this as individual sessions (in person or remote), group work on retreat, mentoring/coaching, workshops and Reiki trainings. As with all my work, whether it be a yoga class, healing or mentoring/coaching session, the experience is created and executed using divine wisdom and guidance in the moment.
During sessions with me, I will lead you through a meditation or journey to awaken your energy centers (Chakras) and encourage your mind to open and expand. This enables you to invite in the divine healing experience. I use Reiki healing as well as Shaman techniques, including working with the breath, the elements of Sound, Wind, Fire, Water, Earth, Spirit Guides/Animals and Angels etc, to create an atmosphere and experience unique for your awareness. Through this journey, you will receive healing to raise your vibration and ignite your passion for life.
I love sharing my toolbox of techniques to create a customized practice for you to explore and connect with the more authentic you.
My compassion and care for people are what stands out to my clients. My passion isn’t being a shoulder for them to lean on but rather to help them stand on their own two feet so they can go on and share their love with the world. I feel honored to be able to live this dream and share it with you.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For me, being authentic is at the core. I have been unraveling my heart and unmasking my truth, a work in progress, as I hold space for others to do the same. To me, this sincerity allows connection with my clients and attract the individuals that resonate with my personal experiences and my delivery of guidance and knowledge. Being authentic and leading with my heart has been the cornerstone to my success and what I continue to use as a catalyst in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: thej-way.com
- Email: jessica@thej-way.com
- Instagram: jessicathejway
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicathejway
Image Credit:
Fabiola Lovell, Andy Barwick, Drew Giles
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