Meet Jatila Hayes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jatila Hayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jatila, what makes you happy? Why?
My teacher, a sustainable meditation practice, and my sangha (spiritual community).

In Tibetan buddhism which our tradition is a part, these three are referred to as the “three jewels”. These jewels are invaluable because with them one has the greatest support in their journey towards Self-realization, what the true goal of yoga is. I can’t help but feel immense gratitude to have the fortune to learn from a lineage of meditation masters, and that I’ve been given a practice that continually shows me that fulfillment is an inner experience regardless of outer circumstances. Being a part of and sharing with a community of meditation practitioners who value an inner life above all – there is nothing better.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I reside at Eldorado Mountain Yoga Ashram where we teach daily yoga and meditation (based in the Kashmir Shaivism tradition), yoga teacher trainings, workshops, day retreats, and family/kids programs. An ashram’s purpose traditionally is totally unique in American society. It is a school where people learn how to connect to happiness where we believe it originally resides – from within. Most folks visit for a class, others a day, and some take part in residency to learn how to live a structured life that provides an incredible support for one’s meditation practice and spiritual growth.

It’s very exciting to see the level of openness in the students who come here. You can tell they’re searching for and connecting to something very special inside themselves, in a place that’s able to bypass commercialism and stay true to its origins. They come to do a practice, class, retreat, and they leave feeling relaxed, very peaceful and full of energy. Whether you’re just here to stretch out in a yoga class or desire to build a sustainable meditation practice, there’s a positive momentum here that’s available to everyone.

I think a wonderful spiritual life comes from the realization over and over that your ideas about most things are wrong and based on a limited view of reality – at least that’s my experience! The truth seems to be not what you think in your head – it’s often much better :).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A trip to Colorado may not be complete without soaking in the vastness and beauty of the natural landscape. When you make it out of DIA, it doesn’t take very long to get lost in the mountains! Brainard Lakes in the spring, RMNP in the summer, Golden Gate in fall, Moffat Tunnel trails anytime – these are awesome places that don’t take long to find. Taking in the beauty and vastness of the high altitude above tree line is an easy way to turn off, tune in, and expand.

When I think of relaxing, it’s Shoshoni Yoga Retreat for the day. Settle in with a playful morning art session, followed by hatha yoga and lunch that’s infused with the kindness and sanskrit mantras of a happy cook, hike hot tub sauna, deepening the stretches with another yoga class, evening meal with new friends, and a meditation class to top it all off leaving us feeling centered and peaceful.

Boulder/Lafayette/Louisville has so much to offer, you just pick your favorite restaurant/activity or try something you’ve never been to. What matters most is that to share quality time with good people, friends of all walks of life and from everywhere you can think of – the area is full of wonderful company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Any success is due to my meditation lineage and ashram(yoga and meditation school), who’ve taught me the value and joy of being present; my sangha who collectively uplift each other through their own dedicated practices; and my immediate family that have always given me love, acceptance and openness.

Website: https://eldoradoyoga.org

Instagram: eldorado_yoga_ashram

Facebook: Eldorado Mountain Yoga Ashram