Testimonials from Students and Retreat/Workshop Attendees about Jen Pastiloff:
Gary Lightbody Lead singer Snow Patrol
” Jennifer is an awesome creature. I was like four planks of wood nailed together haphazardly before I started with her and she has somehow fashioned rubber from wood Well, I can touch my toes now anyway. As patient and delightful a teacher and person you could hope for. She’s deaf as a post though so be prepared for some confusing discussions whilst in down dog. If she can fix me she can fix anyone.”
T in Los Angeles says: I was hoping to come to your class tonight to tell you how much you inspire me in person, and how grateful I am to have you in my life. Unfortunately, I had to work late, and I won’t be able to come on Friday either, but I’m hoping to be there Saturday to give you a massive hug! But I wanted to tell you now anyway!
Tomorrow it will be two years since I started to recover from anorexia. Two years ago, I couldn’t read or write (which, when you’re in law school is kind of a problem), and I hadn’t eaten anything in nearly 4 days; I didn’t think anything in my life would feel good ever again. But as awful as that time was, it brought so many amazing things into my life, among them you and your classes. You’ve inspired me and changed my life in so many ways. I learned that exercise is supposed to be fun and feel good, I learned to “thank the universe in advance,” and I learned that falling down during tree pose is great because you get to laugh at yourself, take down your neighbor and then get up again–because what is falling but an opportunity to get back up with a sense of humor? I learned to really feel grateful for my life and excited to live it. And each time I came to your class, I started to get a little better.
I don’t know if you know what an impact you have on people just by being truly yourself–I hope you do. But in case you don’t, I want to tell you that your class is like the light at the end of my week! It’s a time that I know is just about making myself feel good–enjoying myself and the fact that I get to live in this world with so much amazingness in it. It’s a safe space of sorts because I know that during that hour nothing bad–whether it’s stress from work or a fight with a friend or just not feeling good enough generally–can come in that room (and if it does, I will just breathe it out and leave it there). It must be because you’ve got magic powers. But I want you to know the strength of your spirit and how it transforms a room and all the lives in it. And seeing how bravely you face the obstacles in your life whether it’s in class or on your blog–with honesty and grace and insight–gives me courage to face mine.
So thank you. Thank you for being you and being here in my life. Thank you for always being there at the end of my week–for being a line on my mental gratitude list and part of my gratitude flow each week. Thanks for changing my life and inspiring me!
Love, T in Los Angeles
Tara Beck, Los Angeles: If you haven’t been to one of Jen’s yoga classes yet, GO! If I could have only one word to describe Jen, it would be TRUTH. She not only shares her own honest truth in a way that gives you courage to look at your own, and maybe share it with someone, but finds ways to help you dig deep for your own. Jen’s teaching style is as unique and energetic as she is, so if you’re looking to laugh, be inspired, let go a little, and take the seriousness out of your practice this class is perfect! Get ready to say: “WHEEEEE!!!!!” during handstands, writing down all your joys on a piece of paper, and listening to beautiful poetry while you practice. Did I leave out singing? You will be singing some great songs also. I leave her classes feeling refreshed and invigorated to see what I can accomplish in my life instead of feeling like I’m trying to calm down from life’s stressors. No matter what Jen has going on in her own life, she brings her love, energy, and truth to each class. ~~
Shana Feste
Director and writer of
“Country Strong” starring
Gwyneth Paltrow.
Jennifer Pastiloff is such an amazing yoga
teacher that I take her on the sets of my
movies. She is challenging but also fun,
and provides a great sense of stress relief
for my actors and crew. Her classes are
always different and unique, and she plays
the best music. If you are in the L.A. area,
check out Jen’s classes or book a private
session with her.
Holt Mccallany star of
“Lights Out” on the FX network says:
Jennifer Pastiloff is my favorite yoga teacher. She balances a strong physical work out with a calming serenity that makes me feel
spiritually refreshed and ready to face the
long hours and grueling schedule of series
television. When people ask me how I look so
fit and happy I send them straight to Jennifer.
Laura Donnelly “Jennifer Pastiloff is no ordinary
yoga teacher. She infuses her
classes with the scents of sage
and lavender
and the sounds of rock n roll
music and laughter. She makes
kicking your butt seem fun! And
having been to her manifestation
workshops and retreats I can say
she will inspire you and even
turn your life around if you will
let her. She did it for me.
Then she’ll ply you with wine
and chocolate. It really doesn’t
get better than that!”
Laura Donnelly
July 28th, 2011
co-star of new ABC drama
“Missing” starring Ashley Judd!
Alissa Finerman author of
” Living in Your Top 1%” ” Jennifer is one of my
favorite yoga teachers
and sources of
inspiration.”
Amy Jo Johnson, actress says: “Jen is my most favorite yoga teacher ever!! Thank you for an amazing retreat
Jenn! My soul needed that. You
are truly a gifted girl. The way
you balance sincerity and levity
is beautiful and healing. You are
one funny powerful woman!
Arielle Dudley, Los Angeles
Subject: In case no one has told you…
Good morning! I thought I would send you
some happy note to start your day off right
since you so often start/end other people’s
days on happy notes.
I want to let you know how inspirational
you are to me- and I’m sure everyone that
takes your classes. You have such a
powerful and positive aura….and while
you are great at challenging your students,
I feel like I’m wrapped in one big hug
every time I come to your class! Case in
point- I brought my friend last night and
after your class she just looked at me and
said, “wow. I’ve never cried in a yoga
class before.” This is a testament to how
much you are appreciated- even by those
who meet you for the first time- and how
great your effect is one’s practice/life. You
have a special gift in that you are able to
connect with people on a deep level (even
in a class of 25 + people) and elicit a range
of emotions that I think help heal,
empower, and ultimately teach us more
about ourselves. I have never enjoyed a
yoga class as much as yours.To add- I love your stories, poems, and
humorous anecdotes that you throw in to
the mix. Your soul is beautiful…it’s
amazing how you treat everyone like they
are special and important to you, all while
dealing with your own struggles with
hearing and fulfilling causes you believe
in. You are a true yoga goddess and a best
friend to all. I’m really thankful I’m able
to take your class and experience your
grace.
Thank you!!!
Arielle xoxo
Wynne says:”I love Jennifer Pastiloff–as an instructor, and
in turn, a human being. Her class is a
balanced lyricism in challenging asana poses
and yoga as a life practice. She lives her yoga
on and off the mat, standing upright, eye-
view to the world, neither looking down, or
chin-up, only straight down the middle path.She is accessible to her students in the way a
yoga instructor should be. As a person
who is neither higher-than-thou, in body,
mind, or action; but as a person who simply
that. A person. Practicing asana. With bruises
on her gratitude-offering-knees under those
black leggings. Sharing what
she has learned, and continues to learn, as she
lives eyes open. Teaching us to open
our eyes beyond simple seeing, and then close
them to see inside ourselves. So that we
might admire the pictures in our big rooms,
inside the even bigger room, that is the
studio, that is the world.” Wynne Renz
Writer
New York
Carrie Underwood
Santa MonicaJen,
Thank you so much for the amazing work
you do! You are truly a one of a kind yoga
teacher, and probably the best I have yet
to find. Each any everyone of your yoga
classes is unique and special, because you
pour your heart and soul into each class in
a different and unique way, and it really
is noticed
and appreciated. From your amazing sense
of humor, to your poetry, to your signature
lavender oil, to the talented musicians and
healers you work to bring to your classes,
your classes never cease to uplift my soul
and brighten my spirit. I feel so grateful
and honored to know you and practice
with you. You have truly changed my life!
From my sister Rachel
What does my sister mean to me? Let me tell you just a few reasons.
SHE MAKES ME LAUGH
SHE KICKS ME IN THE BUTT WHEN I NEED IT
SHE IS MY INSPIRATION
SHE IS BEAUTIFUL
SHE IS GIVING
SHE IS MY BEST FRIEND
SHE IS BLAISE’S BEST FRIEND
SHE IS AN AMAZING DAUGHTER
SHE IS AN AMAZING SISTER
Tonight my sister sent in her 1st check to FPWR. She raised this money by theManifestation T-shirts that she had made herself to raise money for PWS research. She took her hard earned money to make a shirt to raise money to find a cure for her nephew. Does it get better than that? I THINK NOT!
My sister is the most amazing advocate for PWS, and basically all kids with special needs. She is such a special gift to all these kids, especially her Blaise.
There are not enough words in the world to express to my sister how much she means to me. There are not words to express how I COULD NOT HAVE MADE IT THROUGH THE LAST 5 YEARS WITHOUT HER.
There is not a day that goes by where I don’t talk with my sister, at least twice, usually more. No matter how I am feeling that day, I am always in a better mood when I hear her voice.
She is always giving me support, always inspiring me, and always pushing me to be the best I can be.
When she told me tonight that she made the first donation to FPWR it hit me like a ton of bricks. I am so lucky. I am so lucky to be her sister. I am so lucky to have someone like her in my life. She has always championed me in my life, and now she does the same for my kids.
Did I mention that she is donating a portion of her next retreat profits for PWS research? My sister would give you the shirt off her back(she has literally done this for me more than once).
The amazing thing about Jen is this, she does this all because she loves it, she loves me, and she loves my kids. All that she does is out of integrity, she does it because she loves to give. It is never for self gain or to receive something in return.
She is truly one of those rare people left in the world. Her intention is always to inspire, love, and make people laugh.
I AM BLESSED THAT JENNIFER IS MY BIG SISTER. I WAS JUST BORN LUCKY!
