We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacqueline Penhos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqueline, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Grace, Connection and Holding Space:
Two years ago our world changed as we knew it. Experiencing a global pandemic while being a parent, entrepreneur, and navigating through life was enough. A defining moment that changed my outlook on life and the trajectory of my career was leaving an abusive relationship. As if transitioning into a new way of life wasn’t enough, I was also experiencing emotional, verbal and financial abuse. I never fully understood why people would “stay” in unhealthy relationships, until I tried to leave myself. I lived a nightmare for 2 years, until I was able to find a place I could rent on my own and start my new life while continuing to help others.
I focused on Gratitude, Altruism, Choice and Love. Counting my blessings daily and remembering that there was a light at the end. Friends would often ask, Why I continued volunteering while I was experiencing one of the lowest parts of my life? My answer was simple; Helping others helped me remember my purpose and filled my heart! I chose to vibrate HIGHER daily by choosing to have love filled thoughts, actions, and words. Focusing on doing everything with LOVE. Knowing that Grace and Love will lift you out of sadness, loneliness and best of all provide ENCOURAGEMENT!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a honored to share my passion and help others achieve Mental Health through Meditation, Mindfulness and Wellness. I started teaching about the Science of the Mind about 15 years ago, after experiencing the benefits of my “new” life style. I’m often asked, How/Why do I stay calm or unbothered. Does everyone who practices meditation become a master of peace? My first answer is, I am not always calm and I still experience frustration, I am human.

The difference now, Is that I am able to BREATH, assess the situation, take a moment to step aside to meditate and be fully present in the experience. As a former Counselor and Psychology Professor, I have always been passionate about sharing knowledge, information, and teaching others how to obtain optimum mental health.
A few months before the pandemic started, I realized that I wanted to become a Wellness Educator and Holistic Therapist sharing all the physical and emotional benefits Mindfulness, Meditation, and breathing offers.

I teach weekly Meditation and Yoga classes, I lead Healing Circles and I offer 1 on 1 sessions on the Art of Being You Therapy.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Being able to build rapport, Connecting with people at their core, while genuinely holding space for them. As Healers, Educators, Coaches, Therapists, Guides, Trainers, or any other title one wishes to give themselves. The most important tool in order to be successful is showing the human factor. Connecting with folks where they are, without trying to change them or bring them to a different “level”. Honoring people has been the most helpful in being able to help others in my field.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, many. Here are my top 5!

The Game of Life and How to Play it, By Florence Schovel Shinn

The Four Agreements, By Don Miguel Ruiz

The Power of Now, By Eckhart Tolle

A Return to Love, By Marianne Williamson

Vibrate Higher, By Lalah Dalia

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jackeepenhos
• Linkedin: Jacqueline Penhos

Image Credits
Meg Marie Photography and J.penhos