Jessica Parsons was born right into a family of yoga teachers. Each of her parents are yoga instructors and owners of the primary yoga studio in Santa Barbara. Her older siblings began practicing yoga since they were small. But shortly after Jessica was born, she was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Child development specialists told her parents to lower their expectations for Jessica, but her family didn’t let that stop her from participating of their practice. She took classes, helped on the studio, and even accomplished a YTT. Now she’s referred to as the primary yoga teacher with Down syndrome—and he or she’s made it her mission to proceed her family’s yoga legacy: offering yoga classes that welcome individuals with all abilities. That is her story.

Sue Anne Parsons:  “Our daughter’s diagnosis set us on  journey we didn’t expect.”

I began the primary yoga studio in Santa Barbara in 1986. Three years later, Jim got here in for a yoga class. We fell in love, got married later that yr, and have been teaching yoga together ever since.

Jim had two children, Janelle and Jeremy, and yoga naturally became an element of our family’s life. After I got pregnant with Lauren, we offered prenatal yoga. As our youngsters got older, we began teaching kids’ yoga classes. The demand for yoga increased, and we wanted teachers, so we began teacher trainings. The whole lot just grew organically and magically. As our lives blossomed, so did our practice.

In 1992, our twins, Emily and Jessica, were born. Once we were told that Jessica had Down syndrome, it set us on a journey that we didn’t expect. We had no clue what was ahead. For the primary yr, we were in a fog, navigating all of the emotions, challenges, and resources.

Practicing yoga from birth

When Jessica was born, some professionals who concentrate on children with disabilities told us that her Down syndrome would limit what we could expect of her. Thankfully, there have been also encouraging teachers, therapists, and caregivers who helped us realize what she could learn and achieve.

We were a part of an early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities—and it made an enormous difference for us. Due to program, Jessica was in a position to work with physical, occupational, and speech therapists.

Certainly one of her physical therapists told us that Jessica had hypermobility and low muscle tone, so we would wish to assist construct her strength. The exercises the therapist gave us were much like yoga. So Jessica began doing “yoga” when she was a baby.

By the point the children were seven or eight, they were in a position to take part in our adult classes. Every time we taught Let It Go Yoga teacher trainings at our studio, our youngsters joined right in. Jessica and Emily were 12 years old once they attended their first training.

It wasn’t our intention for Jessica to turn out to be a teacher. We included her in yoga teacher training since it was a possibility to deepen her focus, strength, and discipline. But she surprised us all. When one among the teachers at her Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County yoga class got sick and couldn’t teach, Jessica jumped right in and taught the entire routine. She’s been teaching ever since.

More strength, more confidence

Jessica is 29 now and he or she’s thriving. As a teacher, she has developed good leadership skills and has increased her ability to speak. There’s at all times one other yoga teacher to assist her in her classes, and people relationships have taught her how one can work as a part of a team and discuss any problems that arise. She has made many friendships, and he or she is a contributing a part of our community. She has had the chance to show at yoga conferences and workshops in every kind of settings.

Yoga turned out to be a game changer for all of us— but especially for Jessica. Her consistent yoga practice has helped her develop focus, discipline, and stress- relieving skills. As she became stronger, she became more confident. She has more control of her body. Her posture improved and he or she is more in alignment. I feel yoga practice has enhanced her cognitive abilities and increased her awareness as well.

We’ve seen firsthand that developing core strength develops confidence and that balance on the mat tends so as to add balance to life off the mat. All of the yoga postures have advantages beyond the physical body—not only for individuals who have disabilities, but for everyone. We see that in Jessica and have seen it in other students who attend classes. It’s all connected.

I feel that our whole community has spiritually evolved by practicing with Jessica. We’ve heard from people throughout who’re inspired by her story. It’s heartwarming when a mother with a disabled child reaches out to find out how yoga can assist their child.

My dream could be to get to some extent where you don’t have to coach people anymore—they’d just accept that folks with differing physical and mental abilities are an integral a part of our society. That’s what it’s like in Jessica’s classes. Everyone leaves with a smile because her vibe is an attractive thing.

Jessica Parsons was 12 when she took yoga teacher training. Now she teaches inclusive yoga classes at a area people center in addition to at conferences and workshops. (Photo: Stephanie Helguera)

Jessica Parsons: “I said, ‘I can teach class!’ I actually have been teaching ever since.”

I first began yoga after I was a younger kid at homeschool. I also went to yoga class with my helper, Molly. It was a Down syndrome group. In the future, Molly was sick. She couldn’t teach, after which suddenly I said, “I can teach class!” I remembered all of the poses and I actually have been teaching ever since.

I teach on the Carrillo Recreation Center in Santa Barbara. The name of my class is Inclusive Yoga for All. That’s since it’s for everyone! I take advantage of yoga props in school because they assist people get into the poses. Some people who find themselves in wheelchairs can’t do the entire poses, but they’ll use their arms. Everybody in my class has a helper in the event that they need one. The helpers do the category, too. My class is inclusive for everyone. Everybody can do something.My favorite poses are Down Dog and Triangle because they feel superb (and my service dog does Down Dog with me!). I don’t like Plank and Side Plank. I do them because they make me stronger.

In our opening meditation, we close our eyes and inhale and exhale, and I tell [students] to think about their favorite color or something they’re grateful for. After which right after that, we do one “Om” after which everybody says what they’re grateful for. Everybody can share in my class.

I’m grateful for my family, my friends, my sisters, and myself. And my dog, Kenny! I like teaching yoga to my friends and to recent people. If you need to teach, you’ve gotten to practice loads and write down the poses. Then you definitely can teach it to a friend or someone in your loved ones. You possibly can teach yoga to everybody!

K. Anoa Monsho is a wellness author based in Atlanta. A yoga teacher and practitioner for greater than 30 years, she also facilitates restorative wellness retreats and workshops.