At Splendid Spoon we want to make the mindfulness world accessible. Whether you find mindfulness on your yoga mat, running, dancing, or doing jumping jacks, we encourage it! Strengthening, healing and nourishing your body & mind is central to our philosophy. This month, we’re talking to our favorite wellness experts about what mindful movement means to them.
Today we speak with mindful mover, Jaycee Gossett, Director of Training and Development at The Class by Taryn Toomey.
Splendid Spoon: What does mindfulness mean to you?
Jaycee: I love thinking about mindfulness as something I feel, as opposed to something that looks like something. I feel energy within me, energy outside of me, and this unbelievable presence.
SS: What is your favorite way to move mindfully?
JG: My background is dance. I love dancing and I feel very much like I’m moving in a mindful way when I’m dancing. But, when I think about what we do here at the studio, I would just say, overall, in one experience, it’s The Class by Taryn Toomey. Taking it, and teaching it! [It’s definitely one of our favorites too! — Ed.]
SS: How do you incorporate mindfulness into your day?
JG: I need reminders of mindfulness every day, all day long. I think we all do. I try to to turn every day into a mindfulness game. [Love this idea. We’re going to start playing this game right away!— Ed.] As I’m walking to the subway, I’m noticing how I’m breathing and how I’m walking. You can add mindfulness to everything throughout your day: when you’re showering, getting ready to go to bed, when you wake up in the morning. You just need to practice that skill — it’s like a muscle you’re building strength around being aware of.
SS: When do you feel most at peace?
JG: I feel most at peace, ironically, when I’m moving. I know that sounds funny, but I’m a mover — I identify with moving. To me, moving is like a meditation. Just like a fish feels best in the water, I feel most at peace when I’m moving.
SS: What’s your favorite Splendid Spoon soup?
JG: I really like the Masala Khichri: it’s one of my favorites. I feel like it gives everything I need to my cells, my bones, and my muscles. It makes me feel like I’m taking really good care of myself. Plus, it’s delicious!
Special thanks to Brian Benton for creating this video! Follow Brian here.