Jenn Perell is an agent for positive change in this world. Passionate about people, the earth, the ocean, and the connections in between; she feels most alive when she is on or near the ocean. She grew up surfing in Southern California and paddled competitively when she moved to Hawaii. When she moved back to the mainland she realized the ocean temperature in San Francisco was significantly lower than in the islands. Not to be deterred from her love of the sea, Jenn found a way to stay just above the water and combine her two loves – yoga and paddling. We’re super excited to have Jenn leading Standup Paddleboard classes at Wanderlust Squaw Valley.
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Wanderlust: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Jenn Perell: ME! In my most highest expression of love, freedom, fun, and inspiration! If that happens to include a mermaid tail so be it.
WL: What did your child self want to be when you grew up?
JP: Oprah or the President.
WL: What is your favorite inspirational video?
WL: What is your personal theme song?
WL: What is your biggest fear?
JP: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out!). Too many good opportunities can stop me in my tracks!
WL: What is your favorite yoga pose?
JP: Tadasana. Back to my practice, back to #TrueNorth. Like magic. Tada!
WL: What is your least favorite yoga pose?
JP: Don’t have one. I can get a little something out of all of them.
WL: What has been your most embarrassing moment as a student of your craft?
JP: I went to an aerial yoga class with a new friend. He was tall and they didn’t adjust the aerial fabric to his height. It was kind of awkward and every time he went upside down he would hit his head or just swing sideways. All I could do was laugh. I couldn’t stop laughing. I couldn’t take any of it seriously. I felt bad that I couldn’t keep a straight face but it was a legitimate laugh attack and there was nothing I could do about it.
WL: What has been your most embarrassing moment as a teacher of your craft?
JP: I was doing a little partner yoga demo at a fundraiser. I was the base and we were on the floor in front of a whole room of bikes (it was a spin-a-thon). A girl on one of the bikes called me over to tell me I had a hole in my pants. #IWasntWearingAnyUnderwear
WL: What do you love about what you do?
JP: So much! Above all else I love bringing people together around purposeful action and inspiring people to try new things and live in possibility!
WL: What challenges you about what you do?
JP: The sheer volume and variety of what I do. I tend to have a lot of different projects going on at the same time and I want to give them all my all. I also recognize that R&R is important and so sometimes I find challenge in the balance of giving myself just a wee bit of down time while also doing everything I set out to do in the most amazing way possible while staying totally present and mindful in each moment.