A YEAR OF YOGA IN QUARANTINE + YOUTUBE CHANNEL LAUNCH May 2021
It's been a full year cycle since I began the online teaching journey, and while it was at many times a challenge for me personally to face some insecurities I had about not portraying myself always in a perfect light, I am so grateful to all of you for encouraging me to share and for those of you that enjoyed the yoga offering - thank you! Being genuine, sometimes imperfect and vulnerable on video while sharing something that I care deeply about (yoga practices to increase our health + happiness) helped me grow as a teacher and strengthened some friendships and yogic relationships. I cherish all of you, dear friends across the globe who resonate with the yoga offerings. In the past year, in an effort to help make yoga available to anyone online, I've started my own youtube channel: www.youtube.com/jaredsam108. There are only a few videos for now, and it is my intention to create more in the upcoming years. For those of us who are connected on social media (Facebook), you have access to the weekly Tuesday sessions. I am guided by and look forward to breathing, practicing and playing in person again soon.
sending love from the Big Island.
It's been a full year cycle since I began the online teaching journey, and while it was at many times a challenge for me personally to face some insecurities I had about not portraying myself always in a perfect light, I am so grateful to all of you for encouraging me to share and for those of you that enjoyed the yoga offering - thank you! Being genuine, sometimes imperfect and vulnerable on video while sharing something that I care deeply about (yoga practices to increase our health + happiness) helped me grow as a teacher and strengthened some friendships and yogic relationships. I cherish all of you, dear friends across the globe who resonate with the yoga offerings. In the past year, in an effort to help make yoga available to anyone online, I've started my own youtube channel: www.youtube.com/jaredsam108. There are only a few videos for now, and it is my intention to create more in the upcoming years. For those of us who are connected on social media (Facebook), you have access to the weekly Tuesday sessions. I am guided by and look forward to breathing, practicing and playing in person again soon.
sending love from the Big Island.
PUZZLE ANSWER EXPLAINED June 2020
Initially it looks like a clock's worth is 7 because 7x3 = 21, right? But notice the hour hand on the clocks are not the same...the third clock has a different value than the first two clocks. What is the value of the final clock on row four? Be sure... the correct formula interpreted for the first row reads: 9 + 9 + 3 = 21
The calculator value is determined by not only how many make up 30, but also by the value of the numbers on the calculator screen. Find the difference between the first 3 calculators and the fourth one. The second line reads: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30
Lightbulbs...15 + 15 - 15 equals 15. But how many rays of light come out of each lightbulb, and what does that make the value of a bulb with less light rays emanating from it?
Following the laws of operations (PEDMAS or Parantheses, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) we get on the last line 9+9 x 36 (a result of 12x3) to finally equal 333. Who knew the details would be so important? This puzzle definitely made my brain work a little harder!
Initially it looks like a clock's worth is 7 because 7x3 = 21, right? But notice the hour hand on the clocks are not the same...the third clock has a different value than the first two clocks. What is the value of the final clock on row four? Be sure... the correct formula interpreted for the first row reads: 9 + 9 + 3 = 21
The calculator value is determined by not only how many make up 30, but also by the value of the numbers on the calculator screen. Find the difference between the first 3 calculators and the fourth one. The second line reads: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30
Lightbulbs...15 + 15 - 15 equals 15. But how many rays of light come out of each lightbulb, and what does that make the value of a bulb with less light rays emanating from it?
Following the laws of operations (PEDMAS or Parantheses, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction) we get on the last line 9+9 x 36 (a result of 12x3) to finally equal 333. Who knew the details would be so important? This puzzle definitely made my brain work a little harder!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCoTenNErZk&t=2sYIN YOGA VIDEO June 2020
During the lockdown and quarantine restrictions of COVID-19 that have affected so many of us across the nation, while yoga studios have temporarily shut down, I've been recording a few of my yoga classes and posting them on my new Jared Sam Yoga Youtube channel. You can access this Yin Yoga practice here, as well as a few others for free/donation offering. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe + healthy during this interesting time.
donations gratefully received via paypal: [email protected] or venmo: @jared-sam-2
During the lockdown and quarantine restrictions of COVID-19 that have affected so many of us across the nation, while yoga studios have temporarily shut down, I've been recording a few of my yoga classes and posting them on my new Jared Sam Yoga Youtube channel. You can access this Yin Yoga practice here, as well as a few others for free/donation offering. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe + healthy during this interesting time.
donations gratefully received via paypal: [email protected] or venmo: @jared-sam-2
LIVING ALOHA MAGAZINE COVER november 2017
Feeling honored to grace the cover of Living Aloha Magazine for the Fall 2017 Annual Yoga Issue! Drew Daniel, Matt Bulger, Marika Ripke and I had a fun day practicing and photoshooting along the coast of the Red Road, just a few miles down up from Kalani Oceanside Retreat center, where Marika and I both teach regular weekly yoga classes.
The Hawaii Yoga Festival, hosted at Kalani October 15th-20th will feature local Hawaii instructors, a variety of yoga classes for all levels, and our music line up for Saturday night will be OKA, an awesome Australian band that I've been enjoying listening to on Pandora. I can hardly wait to enjoy them live.
May all being be peaceful and free. May our practice contribute to that peace and to that freedom.
Feeling honored to grace the cover of Living Aloha Magazine for the Fall 2017 Annual Yoga Issue! Drew Daniel, Matt Bulger, Marika Ripke and I had a fun day practicing and photoshooting along the coast of the Red Road, just a few miles down up from Kalani Oceanside Retreat center, where Marika and I both teach regular weekly yoga classes.
The Hawaii Yoga Festival, hosted at Kalani October 15th-20th will feature local Hawaii instructors, a variety of yoga classes for all levels, and our music line up for Saturday night will be OKA, an awesome Australian band that I've been enjoying listening to on Pandora. I can hardly wait to enjoy them live.
May all being be peaceful and free. May our practice contribute to that peace and to that freedom.
FIVE TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR MASSAGE EXPERIENCE may 2016
Taking the time to relax and enjoy a massage is a wonderful gift to oneself, so why not get the most out of your session? Here are five simple ways you can enhance your massage on the table and extend the benefits so you're still feeling great hours later.
1. Be ready a little earlier than you need to be. If you give yourself a nice 5-10 minute cushion of time to settle in and take a few deep breaths before your massage begins, you will skip the stress of possibly running late, and also be more relaxed once your massage begins, so you can start enjoying the benefits as soon as you are on the table. Many people usually need at least a few minutes to shift mentally from the busy-ness of life to parasympathetic relaxation mode, so if you can already be in that state of mind before your massage begins, you can extend that blissful feeling that massages provide well into and after your session.
2. Breathe & Give Feedback. Many people newer to massage, often just get on the table and are silent the entire time. Some people strike up conversation about this, that, and whatever. Personally, I find that those who actively participate in their massage experience by providing feedback either verbally or with non-verbal cues (think breathing deeply, and/or vocalization) seem to enjoy their massages the most. Why is this? When we as receivers let our therapists know what pressure feels best, when they hit our sensitive spots or share our experience about the massage while it's happening, we give them a chance to really cater the experience to our bodies needs. Even if you're not comfortable moaning or groaning to show that the massage is going well, a simple statement such as 'that pressure feels really good' can help your therapist know that what she/he is doing is appreciated and working for you (or not). Breathing deeply also gives your therapist a chance to work with your natural breath cycle, which can shift the awareness of simply receiving a massage to one of actively participating in a healing experience. Our breath is an excellent indicator of just how relaxed we actually are. In general, the deeper our breath is, the more relaxed our bodies and minds are. So help yourself receive the power of healing touch by deepening your breath and by letting your therapist know what's working for you, and what isn't, while the massage is still happening so there is time to adapt as needed.
3. Shower beforehand. This may seem like basic courtesy to many, but it's worth mentioning, especially if you just came from the beach or the gym. Sand and/or sweat can turn what would normally be a feel-good massage into an unintentional exfoliating scrub and or self-conscious situation where it's harder to relax and enjoy the pampering session you deserve.
4. Just relax. There are going to be times in a massage when your therapist is going to move your arm or leg to access different muscles. You don't need to help out by anticipating where your arm is going and then moving it there. How relaxed can you be if you are constantly trying to help out? Let your therapist do their job by just letting go into gravity and letting your therapist move your limbs as needed. It also shows trust and that you are in a receptive state when you allow your body to be moved. Many therapists go through hundreds of hours of training for just one hour of treatment, to be enjoyed by you. Remember that you are literally in the hands of a professional.
4. Soak it in afterwards. Take some time after your massage to absorb the experience, by relaxing on the table for an extra minute or so if your therapist lets you know there's additional time to do so. This will help you extend that luxurious feeling of being taken care of. If you can avoid driving afterwards and/or even take the rest of the day off, you'll more easily be able to ride that wave of bliss that a great massage can give. And if your therapist does house-calls, I would definitely take advantage of that service...nothing dissolves the benefits of a great massage faster than having to battle traffic afterwards on the way home.
Taking the time to relax and enjoy a massage is a wonderful gift to oneself, so why not get the most out of your session? Here are five simple ways you can enhance your massage on the table and extend the benefits so you're still feeling great hours later.
1. Be ready a little earlier than you need to be. If you give yourself a nice 5-10 minute cushion of time to settle in and take a few deep breaths before your massage begins, you will skip the stress of possibly running late, and also be more relaxed once your massage begins, so you can start enjoying the benefits as soon as you are on the table. Many people usually need at least a few minutes to shift mentally from the busy-ness of life to parasympathetic relaxation mode, so if you can already be in that state of mind before your massage begins, you can extend that blissful feeling that massages provide well into and after your session.
2. Breathe & Give Feedback. Many people newer to massage, often just get on the table and are silent the entire time. Some people strike up conversation about this, that, and whatever. Personally, I find that those who actively participate in their massage experience by providing feedback either verbally or with non-verbal cues (think breathing deeply, and/or vocalization) seem to enjoy their massages the most. Why is this? When we as receivers let our therapists know what pressure feels best, when they hit our sensitive spots or share our experience about the massage while it's happening, we give them a chance to really cater the experience to our bodies needs. Even if you're not comfortable moaning or groaning to show that the massage is going well, a simple statement such as 'that pressure feels really good' can help your therapist know that what she/he is doing is appreciated and working for you (or not). Breathing deeply also gives your therapist a chance to work with your natural breath cycle, which can shift the awareness of simply receiving a massage to one of actively participating in a healing experience. Our breath is an excellent indicator of just how relaxed we actually are. In general, the deeper our breath is, the more relaxed our bodies and minds are. So help yourself receive the power of healing touch by deepening your breath and by letting your therapist know what's working for you, and what isn't, while the massage is still happening so there is time to adapt as needed.
3. Shower beforehand. This may seem like basic courtesy to many, but it's worth mentioning, especially if you just came from the beach or the gym. Sand and/or sweat can turn what would normally be a feel-good massage into an unintentional exfoliating scrub and or self-conscious situation where it's harder to relax and enjoy the pampering session you deserve.
4. Just relax. There are going to be times in a massage when your therapist is going to move your arm or leg to access different muscles. You don't need to help out by anticipating where your arm is going and then moving it there. How relaxed can you be if you are constantly trying to help out? Let your therapist do their job by just letting go into gravity and letting your therapist move your limbs as needed. It also shows trust and that you are in a receptive state when you allow your body to be moved. Many therapists go through hundreds of hours of training for just one hour of treatment, to be enjoyed by you. Remember that you are literally in the hands of a professional.
4. Soak it in afterwards. Take some time after your massage to absorb the experience, by relaxing on the table for an extra minute or so if your therapist lets you know there's additional time to do so. This will help you extend that luxurious feeling of being taken care of. If you can avoid driving afterwards and/or even take the rest of the day off, you'll more easily be able to ride that wave of bliss that a great massage can give. And if your therapist does house-calls, I would definitely take advantage of that service...nothing dissolves the benefits of a great massage faster than having to battle traffic afterwards on the way home.
YOGA JOURNAL COVER SEMI-FINALIST PRESS february 2016
I was honored to be recently chosen as one of 16 semi-finalists in Yoga Journal's 21 Day Challenge Cover Contest, and they created a webpage to share our stories. Thanks to my photographer friends Oliver Balint, Loren Frohning, and Matt Bulger for their contributions to this fun creative project.
See the article online here
I was honored to be recently chosen as one of 16 semi-finalists in Yoga Journal's 21 Day Challenge Cover Contest, and they created a webpage to share our stories. Thanks to my photographer friends Oliver Balint, Loren Frohning, and Matt Bulger for their contributions to this fun creative project.
See the article online here
ACTIVATING PRANA october 2015
Feeling blessed to have the energizing and Chakra stimulating Kundalini sequence passed on to me from my beloved Dennis Dehler featured in Kalia's blog on Spirituality & Health online. Kalia was a guest in the October Hawaii Full Moon Yoga retreat at Kalani.
Enjoy this 12-20 minute energy boost, and check out the full article here.
Begin seated in a comfortable cross-legged position. Practice each exercise for 1-2 minutes, building up the times as you get stronger and more comfortable with the movements.
Feeling blessed to have the energizing and Chakra stimulating Kundalini sequence passed on to me from my beloved Dennis Dehler featured in Kalia's blog on Spirituality & Health online. Kalia was a guest in the October Hawaii Full Moon Yoga retreat at Kalani.
Enjoy this 12-20 minute energy boost, and check out the full article here.
Begin seated in a comfortable cross-legged position. Practice each exercise for 1-2 minutes, building up the times as you get stronger and more comfortable with the movements.
EXPLORE + RESTORE in hawaii august 2015
Happy to have my yoga class be mentioned in Yoga Journal's online article featuring Kalani. Read the full article here.
Happy to have my yoga class be mentioned in Yoga Journal's online article featuring Kalani. Read the full article here.
INSPIRATION july 2015
Every now and then a gathering experience truly touches us and uplifts our hearts. This last week, I've been feeling especially blessed to enjoy life, yoga and many sweet moments with a great group of new friends during our Hawaii Summer Bliss retreat which just culminated with the rise of the full moon over our bonfire seascape.
Sometimes the beauty that surrounds us brings us into that more aware state where our happiness flows effortlessly and we're able to connect authentically to our own bliss and to others. What started out as a recognition for a playful exploration has evolved into friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Mahalo nui loa (thank you so much) all you beautiful souls, and Pele for hosting the most gorgeous location for our retreats.
Every now and then a gathering experience truly touches us and uplifts our hearts. This last week, I've been feeling especially blessed to enjoy life, yoga and many sweet moments with a great group of new friends during our Hawaii Summer Bliss retreat which just culminated with the rise of the full moon over our bonfire seascape.
Sometimes the beauty that surrounds us brings us into that more aware state where our happiness flows effortlessly and we're able to connect authentically to our own bliss and to others. What started out as a recognition for a playful exploration has evolved into friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Mahalo nui loa (thank you so much) all you beautiful souls, and Pele for hosting the most gorgeous location for our retreats.
SHIVA REA's 10 DAY EARTHDAY ECO-CHALLENGE april 2015
These past ten days I've been participating in an online community forum through Yoga Energy Activism on Facebook, and have really been inspired by the pictures shared in the Prana Vinyasa Tribe collective. Everyday has been a new posture, or body mudra, and observation practice to honor the elements that nurture and support us, helping us realize how impactful our actions are on our environment and planet. Connecting with a global community of yogis, friends from past retreats and trainings has brought many smiles and sweet moments to my life recently through this ten day journey. Not just the earth, but also the sun, air we breathe, rain we drink and inner fire -agni, all elements became the subject of our collective meditations and body vinyasa flows so that we can experience life more in harmony and mindfully with the natural rhythms of this planet.
I really enjoyed feeling connected to one of my greatest teachers, Shiva Rea, these past ten days with her daily offerings, practices and opportunities to observe our personal relationship with the elemental nature of our surroundings.
sending blessings to all yogi friends far and near with love and aloha.
These past ten days I've been participating in an online community forum through Yoga Energy Activism on Facebook, and have really been inspired by the pictures shared in the Prana Vinyasa Tribe collective. Everyday has been a new posture, or body mudra, and observation practice to honor the elements that nurture and support us, helping us realize how impactful our actions are on our environment and planet. Connecting with a global community of yogis, friends from past retreats and trainings has brought many smiles and sweet moments to my life recently through this ten day journey. Not just the earth, but also the sun, air we breathe, rain we drink and inner fire -agni, all elements became the subject of our collective meditations and body vinyasa flows so that we can experience life more in harmony and mindfully with the natural rhythms of this planet.
I really enjoyed feeling connected to one of my greatest teachers, Shiva Rea, these past ten days with her daily offerings, practices and opportunities to observe our personal relationship with the elemental nature of our surroundings.
sending blessings to all yogi friends far and near with love and aloha.
REFLECTIONS on BEGINNING the ONLINE journey april 2015
At some point I realized I needed to produce vs. consume, be a light, output and share versus only intake. So I keep shifting, learning, changing and am devoting more and more time recently to personal practice, moments of meditation and mindfulness so that I may authentically shine my light, and that included creating this website almost exactly three years ago. As I move forward, part of the journey has involved releasing old ways of being, identifications, understandings of self, including bios used, one of which i'll lay down to rest at the end of this post, for fond memories.
Feeling grateful tonight for all my teachers, students and to the Universe for providing such an amazing environment to share and practice yoga on. May all beings experience bliss and liberation during this lifetime!
old bio from april 2012
jaRed owen sam ~ has been learning, deepening and sharing his yoga flow practice in Hawaii since 2001. He first discovered his resonance with yoga through the ashtanga primary series with Pamela Richardson in the glorious summer of '97 as a volunteer at Kalani. A soon-after graduate from Kathy Elder's original yoga teacher training crew in 2001, he has since deepened his understanding of Vinyasa Flow yoga through intensives with cherished friends & teachers along the path: Shiva Rea, Alicia Cheung, Oliver Reinsch & Duncan Wong. He has felt honored and inspired by the teachings of many and feels gratitude for all of his teachers, past and present. jaRed continues to hold a sacred space for breath, gratitude, yoga and love in his weekly classes at Kalani Oceanside Retreat.
At some point I realized I needed to produce vs. consume, be a light, output and share versus only intake. So I keep shifting, learning, changing and am devoting more and more time recently to personal practice, moments of meditation and mindfulness so that I may authentically shine my light, and that included creating this website almost exactly three years ago. As I move forward, part of the journey has involved releasing old ways of being, identifications, understandings of self, including bios used, one of which i'll lay down to rest at the end of this post, for fond memories.
Feeling grateful tonight for all my teachers, students and to the Universe for providing such an amazing environment to share and practice yoga on. May all beings experience bliss and liberation during this lifetime!
old bio from april 2012
jaRed owen sam ~ has been learning, deepening and sharing his yoga flow practice in Hawaii since 2001. He first discovered his resonance with yoga through the ashtanga primary series with Pamela Richardson in the glorious summer of '97 as a volunteer at Kalani. A soon-after graduate from Kathy Elder's original yoga teacher training crew in 2001, he has since deepened his understanding of Vinyasa Flow yoga through intensives with cherished friends & teachers along the path: Shiva Rea, Alicia Cheung, Oliver Reinsch & Duncan Wong. He has felt honored and inspired by the teachings of many and feels gratitude for all of his teachers, past and present. jaRed continues to hold a sacred space for breath, gratitude, yoga and love in his weekly classes at Kalani Oceanside Retreat.
ADVENTURE AWAITS october 2014
Today marks my last day at the office job at Kalani. After 8.5 years serving the retreat facilitator Ohana, I am ready to spread my wings and dedicate my mana towards Yoga, Organic Healing Massage, my health and celebrating life on this beautiful Island! I look forward to playing more, bike riding to the beach, spending creative moments in the studio for art projects, attending the Ecstatic Dance & Movement Retreat, cherishing quality time with friends and family, and once again celebrating being a Lover of Life. I will always cherish the connections I've made and the moments had supporting local and international talent whose gifts have been shared at Kalani. I'm excited to be more present with myself and my beloved partner Dennis Dehler, and so many other friends on the path of wellness & freedom. I'd like to thank Catherine Owen May and Dennis for being amazing & awesome co-workers over the years, as well as those who have served with & beside me in the groups office in some capacity, including David Omkar Webster, Dottie Kyser, Mat Schmelzer, Tiki DeGenaro, Dana Butler, Kristal Ornellas, Lauren Gardner, Denis Fuster,Josh Godfrey, George Pishue, Al Proia, Carol Lynn Johnsen, Wendy 'Gwendita' Berry, Wailana Simcock, Corey Compton, Michael Pearson, Matt Charles, Tony Hall, Nikola Drljaca, Jared Lieberman, Janekim Ancheta, and Tiffany Jentsch. I love you all and am grateful. Thank you for being your radiant, beautiful selves over the years, you are true friends and I will always remember you fondly. To a new life! Mahalo nui loa for being a part of my journey towards bliss and self-realization.
Namaskaram!
love,
~jaRed.
Today marks my last day at the office job at Kalani. After 8.5 years serving the retreat facilitator Ohana, I am ready to spread my wings and dedicate my mana towards Yoga, Organic Healing Massage, my health and celebrating life on this beautiful Island! I look forward to playing more, bike riding to the beach, spending creative moments in the studio for art projects, attending the Ecstatic Dance & Movement Retreat, cherishing quality time with friends and family, and once again celebrating being a Lover of Life. I will always cherish the connections I've made and the moments had supporting local and international talent whose gifts have been shared at Kalani. I'm excited to be more present with myself and my beloved partner Dennis Dehler, and so many other friends on the path of wellness & freedom. I'd like to thank Catherine Owen May and Dennis for being amazing & awesome co-workers over the years, as well as those who have served with & beside me in the groups office in some capacity, including David Omkar Webster, Dottie Kyser, Mat Schmelzer, Tiki DeGenaro, Dana Butler, Kristal Ornellas, Lauren Gardner, Denis Fuster,Josh Godfrey, George Pishue, Al Proia, Carol Lynn Johnsen, Wendy 'Gwendita' Berry, Wailana Simcock, Corey Compton, Michael Pearson, Matt Charles, Tony Hall, Nikola Drljaca, Jared Lieberman, Janekim Ancheta, and Tiffany Jentsch. I love you all and am grateful. Thank you for being your radiant, beautiful selves over the years, you are true friends and I will always remember you fondly. To a new life! Mahalo nui loa for being a part of my journey towards bliss and self-realization.
Namaskaram!
love,
~jaRed.
STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS april 2012
Our healing journey begins with the realization that we are already perfect beings, occasionally exploring and experimenting with the off-beaten path towards our own bliss. In my search for union with my higher self, I've come across some great tools in the studio on the mat and in multiple workshops that i'm honored to share with you in the forms of body consciousness awakening, full presence and a sincere invitation into your own personal practice that I believe can bring all of us into a state of greater health, peace and clarity. It is my passion and practice to assist others into a healing space that is filled with support, opportunities for growth as well as releasing patterns that no longer serve us. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in joining me and a growing community of practitioners dedicating energy towards our own health and radiant bliss. I look forward to connecting with you.
Our healing journey begins with the realization that we are already perfect beings, occasionally exploring and experimenting with the off-beaten path towards our own bliss. In my search for union with my higher self, I've come across some great tools in the studio on the mat and in multiple workshops that i'm honored to share with you in the forms of body consciousness awakening, full presence and a sincere invitation into your own personal practice that I believe can bring all of us into a state of greater health, peace and clarity. It is my passion and practice to assist others into a healing space that is filled with support, opportunities for growth as well as releasing patterns that no longer serve us. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in joining me and a growing community of practitioners dedicating energy towards our own health and radiant bliss. I look forward to connecting with you.
