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Experiences that will change your life.
Jeanne Heileman
Jul 12
Jul 21
2025
Past Retreats
Apr 9
Apr 16
2022
Apr 10
Apr 17
2021
Feb 15
Feb 22
2020
Jeanne Heileman
Years Teaching
25+ years
Style
Vinyasa Flow, Pranayama, meditation, Ayurveda, and philosophy
Inspiration
The passionate inquiry for Truth at the deepest level
FAQ
What inspired you to teach yoga?
I don't think I had a choice to teach yoga. It was one of those things that chose me, if that makes any sense. When I was a new student, some classes did not focus on alignment, and I could see that a student in front of me wasn't understanding the teacher; I wanted to help. My practice filled my heart and soul so much that I couldn't stop talking about it, so teaching was a perfect way to get me to be quiet! Once I started in 1996, it felt as if everything in my life had happened to prepare me for teaching.
Who are your most influential teachers?
Rod Stryker opened my world to what happens in yoga underneath the asana. Suddha Weixler in Chicago introduced me to Ashtanga and the absolute joy of that practice. Lisa Walford, Kofi Busia, Elise Browning Miller, Tias Little, and the late Karin O'Bannon brought the devotion to alignment through the Iyengar system. Desiree Rumbaugh brought the joy to alignment and to my world view. Erich Shiffman helped me soften my focus of perfection, guiding me to let my students find their own wisdom. Shiva Rea, Sally Kempton, and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait bring the depth of lineage, ancient wisdom, and authenticity that I crave.
How would you describe your style?
I call it Tantra Flow: a Vinyasa flow practice using the asanas in a specific sequence to cultivate a positive energy. The sequence can be physically demanding, yet the student leaves calm and empowered, not exhausted. We work with the breath, either through a specific Pranayama practice or harnessing the rhythm while doing asana, to access this energy. We also use mantra or visualizations to help condition the mind so that the student can feel strong, stable, and joyful. It's fun, it's powerful, and it's very thorough.
Why do you feel retreats are transformational?
Being on a retreat gives the student a chance to move deeper into their own practice in a safe environment. I often teach Tantric practices that are not appropriate for the general public in group classes. In a safe setting, my students are gently guided into poses, Pranayama practices, and meditations that open their view and their heart. The feedback is that students love the opportunity to explore yoga so deeply; it touches their heart. Many have made new friends and continued their communication well after the end of the retreat.
What is your favorite pose to teach?
Oh, wow, there are so many! I love to break down backbends and help students discover how to breathe into the upper chest, helping them elongate in that region, which often changes their whole experience in the pose. Backbends are not necessarily depleting; they can elongate us and increase our Prana. I also love to dispell the myth about the core and teach a practice that actually empowers the student in a very integrated manner.
I could go on. I love it all. Sorry it's so trite, but it's true.
What is your favorite pose to practice?
I have two: Urdhva Dhanurasana and Hanumanasan. A perfect day has both in my practice.
What are your favorite places to travel?
I am drawn to Europe and have visited many regions, teaching in some beautiful yoga communities. I also go to India every few years, where my grand-teacher has established an ashram that is extremely powerful. In the future I hope to see more of Asia; I'm drawn to the history of a region.