meditation – Savoir Vivre by JJ

Sitting down with Khajak Keledjian, Founder and CEO of INSCAPE – pretty much the most awesome place to meditate.

Posted on March 21, 2019March 25, 2019 by Jessie Chase

Today we are sitting down with Khajak Keledjian, former Intermix CEO and now the Founder and CEO of INSCAPE and talking about his routines and Savoir Vivre.

What time do you wake up? / What is your morning routine?

I wake up at 4:45AM. The Ayurvedic teachings say to wake up around 1.5 hours before sunrise.
5 mins of daydreaming in bed and breathing to acclimate before touching phone
Spend 15 mins washing up / brushing teeth, etc…
45 mins of yoga listening to chants and mantras or a mixture of Russian and Tibetan body movement
30 mins of advanced pranayama/breathing.
30-45 minutes of meditation; 1 hour sometimes on weekends
Reading NY Times + some Emails next
20 mins of learning to play piano with the Simply Piano app
My daughters, Dalita and Ava, 4 and 2, wake up. We read a chapter of a book and I make them some masala Chai tea, they call it “special” tea, or we’re simply playful and play hide & seek
Shower and sit with the family while they have breakfast
Sometimes a quick play on the gongs because my daughter Ava loves to play with me. She’s two and a half and even likes to ride her bike right into the gongs.

What do you have for breakfast?

Before I start my yoga, I have hot water with lemon. Later in the morning I have my daily juice which is a blend of grapefruit, lemon, cayenne, olive oil, garlic powder, flaxseed and ginger — it’s good for the liver.

What time do you go to bed? Bedtime ritual?

I kiss my daughters goodnight and hug my wife. I meditate and sometimes I read a book or I listen to Dream Journey in the sleep section of the Inscape app. I go to bed at 10:30 and my eyes are closed by 10:45-11PM.

What do you do for exercise?

Twice a week I swap my yoga portion of the morning with rowing, cycling or the elliptical.

How many emails do you get a day? How many do you respond to?

We do the best we can. My assistant prioritizes and we start with the important ones. For the rest, we try not to feel guilty for not getting around to all of them right away … sometimes it’s just not possible.

What is the last book you read?

These books aren’t the most recent ones that I’ve read but they are really great:

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

This is a great book because Dr Joe Dispenza explains how our brains work and helps us understand, in a scientific way, why our thoughts create who we are. It’s a practical, pragmatic book.

Mind is Your Business / Body is the Greatest Gadget

Sadhguru shows in this book how a human being can help to find and raise him or herself above mind and body with practical explanations to expand awareness and ultimate possibilities, to live life to its fullest potential. I gift everyone this book.

Where is the most special place in the world to you to meditate?

I have meaningful and deep meditations inside the dome at Inscape or when listening to a soundscape in our app simply laying on the beach. Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan is an amazing place to meditate, and I also had an unforgettable meditation experience in the Temple of Burning Man. A few months ago, I did a Sacred Walk in the Himalayas with the Isha Foundation, led by Sad Ghuru. Those were very unique moments in special environments. 15,000 altitude

What is your drink of choice?

I don’t drink often, but I do have a Stella Artois now and then. When we worked with them this past Summer to create a mindful, sensory experience about how to properly drink a beer, it was authentic since I do like their beer.

Coffee or tea?

I prefer Tea (decaffeinated) over coffee because coffee increases my heart rate.

What is on your current playlist?

I like a variety of music but really enjoy music by Viken Arman, Blondish, and Bedouin.

Do you have a beauty routine? What products do you use?

I use a dry brush before I shower. I use a crystal face roller with uma oils from Inscape to hydrate my skin.

What is your favorite café? Where is it?

I don’t typically like going to cafes because they can be very loud and crowded. Recently I have been going to Made By We, it’s great to get a space to grab a coffee and catch up on work or have a meeting.

What is your favorite restaurant? Where is it?

I don’t have a one go to restaurant as I always like exploring new restaurants, but do enjoy ABC V, Cosme, and Bluehill at Stone Barn.

What is the last thing you watched on Netflix?

Minimalism

What is your go to homemade meal?

I love eating Lebanese Mezze with tabouli, hummus, lentils, subreg etc.

What is your biggest vice?

Chocolate

What do you do to relax?

Yoga & Meditation

NYC or LA?

NYC. I enjoy the energy and diversity of New York. New York is very convenient to get around unlike to LA and has so much to do. I also need the four seasons.

Where would you like to travel to that you have never been?

I would like to travel to the Arctic to see polar bears & the Northern Lights.

Beach or mountains?

This one is difficult for me to separate the two. Growing up in Lebanon, I could do both in the same day. I could ski in the morning in April and go to the beach in the afternoon. I’m not sure I can choose one or the other because I love them both.

The Yoga Lovers {aka tatiana and alex, two of the best yoga teachers in paris}

Posted on February 12, 2018February 12, 2018 by Jessie Chase

Nothing goes more hand in hand than yoga and love. This spiritual practice teaches us self-love and how to love others. So what could be better than a real couple of real yoga lovers, Tatiana and Alex. The two were brought together by destiny in New York City and have trained with some of the best in the world (Dana Trixie Flynn, Sharon Gannon, David Life etc.) They are now based in Paris with a rigorous yoga schedule, to which I am positive you can find time to practice with them.

Tatiana and Alex live by the philosophy of F F C aka fly, freedom and creativity. You can be sure to play with inversions and arm balances in their classes, as well as find a true sense of internal freedom and sheer creativity in your practice and in your life. These two incredibly inspiring yoga teachers have made an enormous impact on my personal practice and I can assure you that if you give them the chance, you will have the same experience. I have found a sense of confidence, fun and release through their practices that has benefited me in more ways than I can even imagine. Their schedule is available on their website, and via their social media platforms, @tatianayoga and @alexavilayoga. They also have a yoga retreat coming up on the Greek Island of Amorgos from April 30th to May 7th. There are two spots left so act quickly if you’re interested. On March 11th they will both hold 2 separate masterclasses, that I am very excited about. Alex’s will be held at Omm Studio and Tatiana’s will be at Elephant Paname (more info on their site). Trust me people. These Yoga Lovers have so much love to give.

Vinyasa Yoga in Milan {a vinyasa practice at pura vida power yoga in the center of the city}

Posted on February 7, 2018March 30, 2018 by Jessie Chase

The most important address to find while traveling (for me) – is the best yoga studio in the city. I must admit for Milano this was not an easy task. I spent a decent amount of time browsing the web to find the studio that correctly corresponded to my flow based practice. I must say the research was well worth it. Happiness was found at boutique studio Pura Vida Power Yoga. Located in the center of the city, this studio is calm, discrete and sweet. I spent the morning practicing with Claudia Allegreti, who led a harmonious and challenging power flow that started my day on a high note. Pura Vida executes a traditional vinyasa practice focused on inner dialogue to your outward expression. A practice that aims to reduce stress and focus the mind, while challenging your muscles. Let me say they did the job!

I likewise had the pleasure of speaking with founder and owner Gabriela Estrada, a fellow American expat who has been practicing yoga for nearly two decades. She has lived all around the world and has other new and exciting projects in store, so please keep your eye on the @puravidapoweryoga Instagram for the inside scoop – and most certainly pay a visit to Pura Vida when you are in Milan. It can only add bliss to your visit.

The Hoxton + their fit fest {my hotel of choice that happens to be wellness friendly}

Posted on January 30, 2018February 1, 2018 by Jessie Chase

Me and The Hoxton Hotel Group have been friends for some time now. My love affair with this hotel began a couple of years ago when the chain was much smaller. I stayed at their Shoreditch London location and I can assure you it was pretty much love at first sight. The chill vibe and the fun atmosphere sincerely resonated with me (and still does). They have now expanded to Amsterdam, they have another location in London at Holborn (where I stayed this past weekend) and even location in central Paris. They will soon be opening in Williamsburg, Brooklyn too. While I have yet to visit their Amsterdam location, I can assure you this sweet ambiance is present at all Hoxton locations, and I highly suggest you plan your next trip around one of their special locations.

This weekend I happened to be in London for a very special event – their Fresh & Fit Fest. For the fourth consecutive year, the Hoxton organized a day congregating the biggest names in fitness, along with the best classes and trainers, the hippest activewear brands and the yummiest healthy foods for an event devoted to well-being. While I missed the boat on many of the fantastic and inspiring talks and fab yoga classes, I spent most of my day at their Health Food Market. Among my favorites were smoothies from Pit & Nut, a Pukka tea stand and a Rude Health tasting.

It is so exciting to see such special health conscious events happening with such accessibility. Even cooler – The Hoxton offers monthly health events at all of their hotels. HUGE plus, as a guest, you receive a healthy breakfast bag every single morning with fresh yogurt, delicious granola, freshly squeezed orange juice and a banana. Just a quick aside that for me is a deal breaker. Make sure to follow their Instagram @thehoxtonhotel for all the details and subscribe to their newsletter in the bottom of their site’s homepage.

Photo credit – The Hoxton

Where to practice yoga in London {triyoga has the hookup for pilates and spa treatments too and locations all over the city}

Posted on January 28, 2018February 9, 2018 by Jessie Chase

I must admit it was not been an easy task to find good yoga in London (sorry, just being honest). After countless visits, I nearly gave up – but then I found Triyoga. This multi-functional studio is calm and offers many different styles of yoga as well as pilates and treatments. They have several locations all around the city. Even from my short weekend experience, I can assure you that each and every one of their studios is a truly peaceful environment made for well-being.

While at Triyoga, I did three different classes at three different locations. Upon arrival on Friday night, I went to a Hot Yoga class at their Soho location. The location was in Kingsly Court, a happening indoor food market with fun lights and atmosphere. The class was not vinyasa, nor bikram but an more “hatha” based practice in a (very) heated room. The class was an open level class, but I appreciated the advanced options also available and instructed by teacher Giorgos Aleandris. On Saturday morning I ventured to Chelsea for a Vinyasa Level 2-3 with well known yogi Adam Hustler. The class was exactly as described and focused on correct alignment in more difficult postures. I left with my heart feeling open and a more fluid flow. For the grand finale – on my last day in London, I took a Warm Vinyasa class with Imi Wiseman at their Camden location. First – big nods to this Triyoga studio. It is like a mini yoga village and smells (literally and physically) zen. This included the class was next level (in every way) . The emphasis on breath combined with the flow sequence was absolutely fantastic and Charli’s energy was spot on. Please do not miss this Triyoga location, nor this class next time you’re in town (or if you happen to be a London Towner yourself).

All in all I must say this has been far and away my best yoga experience in London. I recommend their studio whole heartedly. And hey – if you’re not a yogi, I do truly believe their treatments and pilates classes must be wonderful (seeing their success in the yoga world). Not to mention, they always have a juice bar and healthy snacks available for purchase at all of their studios. For more information check out their website.

Warrior Yoga A-Z {yoga that gets your cardio on & info on it’s inspiring founders aria and gus}

Posted on January 26, 2018February 9, 2018 by Jessie Chase

Even if you listen softly, word on the street in Paris in the yoga world is that Warrior Yoga is the new best thing. If you haven’t tried it, you’re maybe asking yourself why? What is this famous “Warrior Yoga”? Who are Aria and Gus (the founders)? And why should I try it? Well here’s the inside scoop on why I highly recommend, without any reservation to give this magical practice a shot.

For starters, Warrior Yoga is built on foundational strength, that allows you to boost your confidence. This practice teaches you how to progress quickly into postures you thought were physically impossible. Aria and Gus combine a series of flexibility-focused asanas that allow you to move into inversions and arm balances with care and ease. Their mantra: “I can”. While this practice is not “easy”, the answer is never no. Aria and Gus push their students to try even the most difficult postures (with their assistance), in order to go above and beyond. Personally, Warrior Yoga has given me the confidence to go far beyond my perceived physical abilities and impress myself with an advanced practice that has evolved very quickly. But let’s not forget about Aria and Gus themselves – the incredibly fascinating and inspiring duo, and founders of this practice.

A musician, Aria (@aria.official) started yoga over 15 years ago when while living in LA working in the entertainment industry. It allowed her to find balance and sanity in this chaotic world. She knew immediately she needed to share this sense of revelation she found through yoga with the world, and soon found herself completing several teacher trainings. For more information on Aria’s spiritual and historical past, please get your hands on a copy of her book, “Aria, the Healthy Book.” Here you will learn about her past as a dancer in Crazy Horse, her time spent in LA working in the music industry and most importantly the impact yoga has made on her life. Cool side note – you will also learn yoga postures and her favorite superfoods and vitamins. This book gives us a true inside look on this beautiful person inside and out. And for the absolutely wonderful Gus (@yogawithguys). A former martial arts, jujitsu and gymnastics master, Gus traveled the world from a very young age to train. This very physical background gave him him the facility to take on a new discipline – yoga. Gus discovered yoga when he met Aria, a discovery that was followed by a transformation changing his life forever. His body became stronger and more flexible, and his mind became even more balanced.

Together this incredible duo is taking the yoga world by storm. Warrior Yoga has taken off in Paris, and Aria and Gus are now taking their concept global. They were recently in Australia, traveling the entire country and introducing Warrior Yoga to a new audience. The duo teach classes all over Paris and have many upcoming retreats all over the world. Practicing with them will surely change your mindset and internal confidence, and a retreat with them will most certainly change your life. It changed mine. For more information please check out their site, and follow them on Instagram. Click below to purchase Aria’s book.