John Denney – Enhancing Athletic Performance With Meditation And The Harmony Exercises

Posted on December 8, 2023 by nativeyoga

John Denney is the Minister of Unity of Jupiter and a coach for Olympic-level athletes. He has been practicing The Harmony Exercise, a meditation technique, since 1985. John is also a paddleboarding enthusiast and has had the opportunity to surf with some of the world’s best surfers, including Laird Hamilton and Kelly Slater.

Visit John on his website: https://theharmonyexercise.com/
Also on his website: https://john-denney.com/

Click here to listen to podcast for FREE with John Denney

Key Takeaways:

Unity Church is a metaphysical Christian church that focuses on practical Christianity and the application of spiritual principles in daily life.
The Harmony Exercise is a meditation technique that helps control the body’s physiology through conscious breathing and positive thinking.
Most athletes struggle with controlling their temper and tension, but learning to regulate their breath and thoughts can improve their performance.
In surfing and other sports, being in a state of flow and surrendering to the power of nature can lead to peak performance.
Daily practice and finding inner peace are essential for personal growth and making a positive impact on the world.

Native Yoga Toddcast: A Journey to Harmony and Self-Improvement

Welcome to Native Yoga Toddcast, where we bring you inspirational speakers in the field of yoga, massage, bodywork, and beyond. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting John Denney, the Minister of Unity of Jupiter. John is a dedicated practitioner of the Harmony Exercise, a meditation technique he has been practicing for over seven years. He is also a paddleboarding enthusiast and a coach for Olympic-level athletes. Join us as we delve into John’s journey, his insights, and the strategies he employs to help individuals achieve their highest potential.

The Path to Unity Church

John’s journey to becoming the Minister of Unity of Jupiter began with a vision he had for the position. He had been a guest speaker at the church for about a year and had always been drawn to its teachings. After serving on the board for many years and receiving positive feedback from the congregation, he decided to give it a try. Unity Church is a metaphysical Christian denomination that focuses on practical Christianity and the application of spiritual principles in everyday life. John believes that religion should help individuals navigate their relationships, business, and personal challenges, and Unity Church provides a platform for this practical approach to spirituality.

The Harmony Exercise: A Path to Self-Improvement

John’s daily meditation practice, known as the Harmony Exercise, has been a cornerstone of his life since 1985. This meditation technique was taught to him by a man named Carl Writer, who was an astrologer to the stars. The Harmony Exercise involves a 12-minute meditation that focuses on physical and mental relaxation, conscious breathing, and the cultivation of positive thoughts. John and his wife, Barry, have been practicing this meditation together since they first learned it, and it has become a foundation of their marriage.

The Harmony Exercise has had a profound impact on John’s life. He has experienced significant improvements in his physical and mental health, including weight loss and reduced stress levels. He has also noticed a shift in his relationship with alcohol, as his focus on health and well-being became more important than his desire for alcohol. Through his daily practice, John has cultivated a sense of inner peace and happiness that has positively influenced every aspect of his life.

Coaching Olympic-Level Athletes: Controlling Temper and Tension

As a coach for Olympic-level athletes, John has observed a common stumbling block that many athletes face: the inability to control their temper and tension. He believes that most people have never learned how to control their emotions and thoughts effectively. Through his coaching, John teaches athletes the importance of conscious breathing, positive thinking, and emotional regulation. By learning to control their physiology and redirect their thoughts, athletes can perform at their peak and achieve greater success.

John emphasizes the power of conscious breathing in controlling tension and temper. By taking slow, deep breaths, individuals can activate their parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This simple technique can have a profound impact on an athlete’s performance and overall well-being. John also encourages athletes to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, as this can shift their mindset and improve their mental state.

The Power of Choice and Unity

John believes that unity and common ground are essential in today’s divided world. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are all moving in the same direction, regardless of our religious or cultural backgrounds. Unity Church incorporates teachings from various religions and emphasizes the common principles found in all faiths. John encourages individuals to choose love over hate and to focus on creating harmony in their relationships and interactions with others.

The Legacy of Harmony and Self-Improvement

As John embarks on his role as the Minister of Unity of Jupiter, he hopes to inspire individuals to cultivate inner peace, happiness, and harmony. His goal is to help individuals become light bearers who radiate positivity and make a difference in the world. John believes that by focusing on personal growth and self-improvement, individuals can create a ripple effect that positively impacts their families, communities, and the world at large.

In conclusion, John Denney’s journey to harmony and self-improvement is a testament to the power of daily practice and the pursuit of inner peace. Through his dedication to the Harmony Exercise and his coaching of Olympic-level athletes, John has witnessed the transformative effects of conscious breathing, positive thinking, and emotional regulation. His role as the Minister of Unity of Jupiter allows him to share these teachings with a wider audience and inspire individuals to live a life of harmony and happiness. By choosing love over hate and focusing on personal growth, individuals can create a positive impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy of unity and self-improvement.

Note: This article is based on a transcript from the Native Yoga Toddcast episode featuring John Denney. All quotes are verbatim and directly from the transcript.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com ➡️ Click Here to Join.

Practice to a New Yoga Class every day with our nativeyogaonline.com course called Today’s Community Class with code FIRSTMONTHFREE.

Native Yoga Teacher Training 2024– In Studio and Livestream – for info delivered to your email click this link here: ➡️ https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/native-yoga-teacher-training-2023/

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga
Twitter: @nativeyoga
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Jesse Gold – Balance in the Flow of Yoga, Surfing and Pranayama

Posted on September 15, 2023 by nativeyoga

Jesse Gold is a local yoga teacher in Juno Beach, Florida. He has a passion for surfing and incorporates his love for the ocean into his yoga practice.

In this episode, Todd McLaughlin interviews Jesse Gold, a local yoga teacher in Juno Beach, Florida. They discuss Jesse’s travels to Morocco and Costa Rica, his experience with teacher training, his love for surfing, and his exploration of pranayama and breathwork.

Follow Jesse on Instagram: @j_man_moves

Keys to this conversation:

Jesse sees surfing and yoga as two different expressions of the same thing, both allowing him to connect with his body and the present moment.
He believes that letting go of the need to compete and comparing oneself to others is essential in both surfing and yoga.
Jesse finds pranayama and breathwork to be a game changer in his daily routine, helping him feel more connected to his body and grounded.

Exploring the Intersection of Yoga, Surfing, and Life Philosophy with Jesse Gold

Introduction

In this thought-provoking article, we delve into the fascinating world of yoga, surfing, and life philosophy through the lens of Jesse Gold, a local yoga teacher in Jupiter, Florida. Drawing from a recent podcast interview, we explore the themes of finding grounding in daily routines, the parallels between yoga and surfing, the importance of breathwork and pranayama, and the concept of karma and reincarnation. Through direct quotes from the podcast transcript, we gain insights into Jesse’s personal experiences and perspectives, offering a unique and thought-provoking exploration of these topics.

Finding Grounding in Daily Routines

Jesse emphasizes the importance of following through with daily routines, even on days when we may not feel motivated or in the right headspace. He shares his own experience of waking up and going through his routine, which includes meditation, yoga, and a workout. He highlights the significance of the routine itself, rather than the specific activities, in providing a sense of grounding and well-being. Jesse’s approach to daily routines serves as a reminder that consistency and commitment can lead to a sense of stability and mental clarity.

Jesse Gold: “I think just following through with the routine in and of itself kind of gave me that grounding. I don’t think it was so much like, ‘Oh, the workout did it’ or like, ‘It was just actually following through.’ And they, ‘Oh, I did it in spite of adversity, like that mental block feeling like that was I still did it and feel good as a result of that?'”

The Parallels Between Yoga and Surfing

Jesse draws parallels between yoga and surfing, viewing them as two different expressions of the same thing. He describes his surfboard as his mat on the water, where he focuses on the mind-body connection, breath control, and efficient movement. Jesse’s experience in both yoga and surfing has taught him the importance of subtlety in practice and the realization that both activities are more than just physical exercises. He highlights the meditative and zen-like qualities of both practices, as well as the shared sense of community and connection among practitioners.

Jesse Gold: “When I’m on my mat, I feel like my surfboard is my mat on the water. And instead of going through postures, instead of going through poses, trying to get into alignment on my mat, on my board, I’m just trying to feel each paddle stroke, really just trying to make it a moving meditation… How well can I breathe out, so I can increase my efficiency on the water and get the most out of my surf session?”

The Importance of Breathwork and Pranayama

Jesse discusses his daily pranayama practice, which involves various breathing techniques and guided meditations. He shares how this practice helps him feel more connected to his body, enhances his mind-body awareness, and promotes a sense of relaxation and control. Jesse emphasizes the transformative power of intentional breathing and the ability to smooth out mental ripples and find inner peace through breathwork.

Jesse Gold: “I love how I feel, how well connected I am to my body, and how much control I have after the session… It’s just been an absolute game changer.”

Exploring the Concept of Karma and Reincarnation

Jesse reflects on the concept of karma and reincarnation, acknowledging the various perspectives and interpretations surrounding these ideas. While he appreciates the comfort and meaning that belief in an afterlife can provide, he also recognizes the limitations of human understanding. Jesse emphasizes the importance of living a peaceful life and not fearing negative consequences, focusing on personal growth and the present moment rather than worrying about future lives or karmic repercussions.

Jesse Gold: “I like to believe there is an afterlife. I find comfort in it… But empirically, to this crazy mind, I’ve gotten at it, it makes sense. No, I’m okay with that.”

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this thought-provoking exploration of yoga, surfing, and life philosophy, we have gained insights from Jesse Gold’s experiences and perspectives. Through his journey, we have discovered the significance of grounding in daily routines, the parallels between yoga and surfing, the transformative power of breathwork and pranayama, and the complexities of understanding concepts like karma and reincarnation. Jesse’s insights remind us of the importance of finding our own path, embracing the present moment, and living a life of peace and connection.

As we continue to explore these topics, let us remain open to new perspectives and experiences, allowing ourselves to grow and evolve along the way. By integrating the wisdom of yoga, the joy of surfing, and the contemplation of life philosophy, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Let us embrace the journey and find solace in the interconnectedness of all things.

Native Yoga Blog

Ashtanga Yoga & Meditations

Tag Archives: surrender