About_Jamie

Jamie founded, directed and ran the OM Zone Yoga Studio in Edwards, Colorado from 1999-2007. The OM Zone Yoga Studio, dedicated to Anusara Yoga, was the first yoga studio in the Vail Valley. Times change, needs change and in the fall of 2008 Jamie and her husband Justin Allison established the Ananda Tandava Retreat Center in Howard, Colorado. Howard is located in the Arkansas River Valley 12 miles east of Salida, CO.

Jamie looks back fondly over the many events and blessed synchronicity that has lead to the present. Jamie started teaching yoga classes in 1993 and this was purely by default. Yoga teachers, Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini, who had taught yoga classes during the 1992-1993 ski season, were returning to CA. All eyes turned to Jamie to keep the class going.
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At this point in her yoga journey, Jamie embraced Ashtanga Vinyasa. She loved the powerful, athletic style and the dynamic use of the breath. Jamie was, however, very tight and even a sojourn to the fountainhead of Ashtanga; Mysore, India, did not work its magic on her tight hips and shoulders.

It was this trip to India and the numerous injuries she sustained that propelled her into the world and brilliant tutelage of John Friend. Eddie Modestini’s parting words to Jamie were, “if you want to open and heal your body, you need to study with John Friend”. At that time John was an up and coming Iyengar teacher. He was known for his work in therapeutics and often being the last hope and resort for injured folks such as Jamie.

A year later, 1994, Jamie was blessed to take her first yoga class with John Friend. This was the beginning of one of the most important and transformational relationships in her life. Meeting John allowed Jamie to step more fully into her potential and brought more great beings into her life than she imagined possible.

The loops and spirals of what would officially be named Anusara (to flow with Grace) Yoga in August of 1999 were being refined and expanded by John. Jamie studied privately with him from 1994-1998. During that time she would travel to The Woodlands, TX and spend a minimum of 5 hours a day studying with John one on one. Intense does not describe the experience and she loved every moment. This was a very powerful and awakening time for her.

The opportunity to experience first hand the efficacy of John’s technique in her body was beyond compare. What really made her want to dedicate herself to his teachings was the transformation she’d witness when he was working therapeutically with clients. As John assessed and then prescribed an asana program for a client the light in their heart and eyes would start to shine. In an hour’s time the person who was in pain and quite dark in spirit was lit up and filled with a sense of well being and hope.

To be of service, to offer an individual a methodology that gives relief and hope is the driving force behind Jamie’s desire to teach. As years passed, she realized not only had John’s method opened her body, it opened her heart and mind as well.

Each time Jamie steps onto her mat; she brings with her the wisdom John offered. The Universal Principles of Anusara Yoga truly are a road map to the heart, a road map for skillful living, and a way to embrace and maximize one’s potential. When we make changes in the tangible outer form of the body we make huge shifts in the heart and mind as well.

Anusara Yoga is based in the science of biomechanics. There is an optimal way to place the bones of the body in relationship to each other. This optimal alignment goes beyond the body to affect all the subtle energies of the heart and mind. Does it take work, dedication and consistency? Yes. Is it worth it? More than you can imagine!

"Jamie offers a fun and exhilarating practice that is safe and healing. She combines power and grace with alignment principles and is a clear and passionate teacher."
- Louanne Christian, Juneau Alaska

“I will be a better teacher because of this workshop, and so my students will benefit…the joy ripples out!”
- Colleen Palmateer, Columbia, MD

It is through John that Jamie had the honor and great fortune to meet Dr. Douglas Brooks, professor of philosophy and Rajanaka Tantra. The empowering teachings of Rajanaka Tantra have enriched and taken to a deeper level of meaning all that Jamie learned from John.

To Jamie there is no completion to the journey. She unfolds and reaches new levels of understanding, moment to moment. This practice is a tool for personal growth. It restores balance in mind, body and spirit. Her desire for her students is self-empowerment so they can practice safely and live deeply.

Having an understanding of the Anusara Yoga Universal Principles of Alignment allows students to take responsibility for their health and well being. As the physical body opens and heals, there is opening and healing on all levels. It is an on-going process of learning and opening, of seeing and owning the radiance within.

This path of yoga continues to unfold in all ways possible. Great souls met along the way guide, sustain and uplift. To be blessed with good company on this journey of life is something Jamie offers her deepest gratitude toward everyday.

"I continue to experience your teachings every day and I feel my practice opening with great delight. I've said it so many times, I really adore you! The depth of your knowledge combined with the clarity you bring to teaching is priceless. Thank you for all that you have put into becoming the gift that you are!”
- Tiffany Wood, Park City, Utah

“Your teaching has, yet again, taken my practice even deeper. You are the teacher who has taught me the most by far. Thank you again for setting the cairns on my path to transformation.”
- Claire Evans, Denver, CO

“The instruction and adjustments you gave were very informative and in many ways transforming. You have such deep knowledge and are a gifted teacher. I look forward to learning more from you.”
- Susan Skovron, Seattle, Washington