We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeni Nelson-Fagan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jeni, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Meditation. Meditation consistently shows up for me, if I show up for it. Taking the time to sit, in either stillness or breath daily, often leads to deep feelings, clarity, awareness and a simple way to process my life and goals. Meditation is so very unique to each individual because it is YOUR own guide, YOUR own teacher. We must connect, to hear and trust our path. I try to live each day abundantly, believing in my own worth of unlimited potential. In turn offering what gifts I can to others. I have something to give, I have something to teach. Meditation has shown me this; It is almost like I have no choice.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to believe that I am guided intuitively. That may be in the kitchen creating recipes, planning meals or fulfilling a pastry order. I also put my yoga classes together based on my intuition using the weather and season; or a feeling or lack of feelings. I try to ask myself each day how can I stay aligned with the Season? How can I use nature to create balance within and around me? I heard a few years back from one of my teachers, I can not recall which one, but the saying stayed with me. If you are not trying to live aligned, you are battling the entire universe. That is a lot of resistance! We can choose to battle or we can choose to flow. I can help you remember how to flow.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would totally start with a bicycle tour of the city. I am a big city cyclist and adore riding all over. My favorite spots in Denver are S. Broadway to hit up all the second hand stores and vintage shops; then on to city park, a stunning view of the city and such a peaceful place. A coffee shop is a must! Metropolis S. Broadway, Black Eye lohi, St. Marks on 17th or Allegro on Tennyson are my favorites. We would then hit up Ohana Yoga + Barre and take a class, as I teach there and it is the BEST studio in Denver. It might be nice to head to the mountains. We could travel to Steamboat Springs or Aspen. Honestly, it could go either way, hot springs and camping or glam it up in an Airbnb with dinner on the town and shopping. I am both city and country, half the time I can’t decide! I blame my farm upbringing in Wyoming and Culinary School in NYC on my high maintenance hippy vibes. I both love being home and exploring someplace new. I love food! I spend most of the time cooking at home, but if I were to go out to a restaurant, it needs to be amazing! I am very picky, I like restaurants to be chef driven, farm to table cuisine. High quality ingredients simply prepared, lots of flavor! In Colorado that’s easy to find, we are lucky! People here are concerned about buying local and supporting sustainably. It matters to me. Potager has been my favorite Denver restaurant for years! They really started the farm to table movement here in Colorado, and they do it so well! A little secret….I was the Pastry Chef at Z Cuisine for 5 years before they eventually closed their doors. Now Z is a missed restaurant, one of a kind.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jeremy Wolf for his kindness and knowledge. Alyssa Manny for all that she is and continues to become; her inspiration. Andora Freedom for her spirit, insight and grace. Santosh Powell for his wisdom and patience. My mother Helen Nelson for her strength and unyielding compassion. My Children Claire & Brady who teach me deep life lessons each and every day. My father Terry Nelson for his love of the earth and growing things; showing me the true beauty of simplicity.
Website: www.newmoonurbanwellness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmoonurbanwellness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmoonurbanwellness
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXMhBn2hnaSfHaZh6-MjxA/videos?view_as=subscriber
Image Credits
@sarafordphotography