Life rarely takes us where we expect, and Jamie Lugo may know that better than anyone. For Jamie, it started with a Psychology and Dance degree, only to discover that her body could no longer take the intensity of professional dance– and so she changed courses. If you look closely at Jamie, you can see her North Cali smile dazzling through as she guides her class through transformative yoga sessions meant to ground the soul, and as she coaches students to redefine their expectations of self. Practicality and reality walk hand in hand for Jamie’s new definition of success, but the first steps to helping others is helping yourself and Jaime is delving into her self-care routine with us; from the moment she wakes up to the books that keep her on the edge of her seat.
What’s your favorite (hidden) oasis?
MY BED. Is it fair to say my bed!? It’s literally my favorite place in the world.
NATURE TRAIL IN EAST HAMPTON. There is a trail near my house in East Hampton that not many people know about. I walked that trail daily during the pandemic with my two dogs, Bindi and Midas. I truly believe it gave me life during one of the hardest times. You can’t hear or see any signs of civilization once you get deep on the trail. Just being able to walk and breathe and listen to the sound of nature on the same trail during all 4 seasons– what a gift!
ANGUILLA. Another one of my favorite places is the island of Anguilla. It is so relaxing and not touristy. My husband and I go every year so that we can just lay on the beach, read books, take naps and worship the sun and Caribbean ocean. We went for the first time this year with our daughter and it was so amazing to share our special place with her.
What oasis is on your bucket list?
I haven’t been to Greece yet! I have traveled all over the world but NEVER to Greece!? The Greek islands are on my bucket list right now for sure!
What book are you currently unwinding with?
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (I am a murder mystery addict).
What five songs make up the sound track of your life?
- Thankful - Feki
- Back in my Body - Maggie Rogers
- Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson
- Burgs - Mt. Wolf
- Devi Prayer - Craig Prues & Ananda
What is your favorite hidden space in your home?
It’s not hidden or in my apartment but my building has a workout room that you can reserve and it is my little hideaway when I need some time to myself. I am generally doing The Class by TT, yoga on my own or The Teacher’s Practice with NIkki Costello, but sometimes I just go in there and listen to music and roll around on my mat ;)What is your personal "turndown routine" that helps you transition from day to night?
Depending on the day it usually involves a cup of rooibos tea with coconut milk or a glass of delicious red wine. There is something about the first sip of my evening beverage that tells me: “You did it.” A little delicious reward for leaning fully into another day.
What's your favorite maxi dress or jumpsuit and why?
Anything by Natalie Martin or Ulla Johnson. I love the colors, patterns and fit. They are functional and feminine.
What is something you do just for you?
I LOVE to listen to Lore! It’s a podcast about folklore and mystery and I just eat up that sort of thing.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before becoming a mother?
That it’s actually pretty fun! I was one of those people that just heard how HARD motherhood is. I waited for a long time to have a child because I didn't have a romantic perspective about motherhood. While it has definitely been a huge shift in my life, I actually love it. It is not all sacrifice and hardship. It’s so much fun!
What’s your favorite part of motherhood? What’s something positive you wish to share with other moms, or people trying to conceive?
My favorite part of being a mama is how present I am. I have been meditating, doing yoga, practicing mindfulness, living consciously and teaching others how to live life in a skillful and mindful way FOR DECADES… and nothing has invited my presence as much as my daughter Willa. As I experience the world through her eyes, it is like I have been born again too. Every experience is much more vivid and alive with Willa. That is not to say that one cannot experience a full life without a child. I think there is a perception that motherhood is some superior/ultimate journey. I didn’t appreciate that narrative before becoming a mom and I don’t appreciate it now. So much unnecessary pressure! I think it's important to acknowledge that everyone's path and experience is so different - especially within the context of motherhood. I think leaving room for your own journey and experience is incredibly important whether you are already a mom or trying to conceive. YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO WRITE YOUR OWN STORY.
You can find Jamie online:
- On instagram: @beingjamielugo
- Her website: www.jamielugo.com
