Meet Jacqueline or Jax Burbage | Certified Yoga Teacher and Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline or Jax Burbage and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline or Jax, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This question really popped out at me because I’ve had such an up-and-down or as the saying goes “love-hate” relationship with wanting and trying to find and finally have a work life balance.

My work life balance has definitely changed over the years. Sometimes I just think it’s part of the aging process; maybe timing or how I’ve learned a lot about myself and am more calm and at ease. I also know that I have put in the work and that there was effort in getting me here. So for that I’m grateful.

I used to own a small brick and mortar. It was an organic cold press juice and smoothie bar in Delray Beach. We were very successful from 2013-2019 when we closed. I spent almost every waking hour thinking, breathing, sweating, crying, laughing, working, planning and preparing every day those first 5 years.

More so the first two when I was married to my first husband. During those two years there was no balance. It was all work. Once we divorced is when I first got a glimpse of work life balance. I gave myself permission to not be at my juice bar all day everyday. I encouraged myself to let go of some control and trust others to run it. That was not easy for me. But that space I created for myself to heal and let go of the marriage allowed me to be in a better place and meet my now husband, the true love of my life.

He’s helped show and remind me the importance of fun and as he says “just live!” Between practicing and studying and teaching Yoga and now his love and support I am more relaxed with my time. I also know the importance of my health and happiness and relationships over running a business.

I’m so grateful that I’ve reached this point and of course I wish all humans everywhere to find that peace from within that will allow for balance and freedom. But we are all on our own path.

May all beings be happy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I created The InBody Journey at the beginning of 2020, really when we were all “stuck” at home. I had already been teaching Yoga for many years and started my Yoga Therapy training with Phoenix Rising School of Yoga Therapy.

I was home reflecting on my life’s experiences and the name just came to me. Then the vision and the mission: to support women on their healing journey from pain, stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, divorce, or uncertainties.

As a teenager and through my late 20s I suffered from depression, insecurities, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. It wasn’t until my first awakening at age 30 that I started to feel confident and acknowledge myself as a human being with a sense of purpose. I had already been practicing yoga on the mat on and off since I was 21 however I started to do more personal development work, read more of the self-help books and attended Summit which was a branch off of human potential programs like EST and Lifespring.

It was this confidence that allowed my inner light to shine bright. I did my first 200 Hour Yoga Training, then another for CEUS, then my 500 then another 300 mentorship program (all in South FL). When I lived in CA I went in to Trauma Sensitive trainings with Yoga for Vets and prisoners, then Yin and Restorative certifications which all led me to Yoga Therapy studies. I’ve learned that “The Body Keeps the Score”- we all store memories of trauma in our cells and our nervous system has been programmed to protect us, keep us alive NO MATTER what, where, when or how. And I now understand and believe the healing benefits of Yoga – mindful movement, intentional breath, loving awareness, acceptance and self agency (empowerment) that allows us informed choices to make better decisions from a clear mind, open heart and healthy bodymind connection.

That’s what The InBody Journey offers. I create a safe container for my clients to pause, feel, listen and acknowledge all parts of themselves without judgment.

We are all human. We all have an innate desire to be seen, heard and loved. We all need to be cared about and connected to. We ARE all connected but life or perspectives bring us opportunities to disconnect.

Whether it was a childhood home life situation, or an incident in school or with friends, something we saw or heard or even now with social media – we are now more than ever disconnected to ourselves and others. Now more than ever we live in a “sick” society. More chronic illness. More mental illness.

My hope and passion is to bring these women I have contact with into their bodies through Yoga postures, breath and body awareness practices. We all deserve self love. We all can create self care practices. We all can slow down. We all can learn and grow. We each have the potential to evolve and transform.

I know I am not the little girl I was many years ago and I keep acknowledging the woman who I am today and all the parts of me that show up – with loving acceptance. And it sure feels damn good! I just want others to feel this good.

I officially started this business in January and have cultivated a nice group of clientele on my own. I am the Yoga Therapist on a team in a group of clinical psychotherapists in Boca Raton Florida. I teach two group public classes weekly in Boca Raton as well. I offer workshops in South Florida mostly in Palm Beach County and I hold Yoga Retreats in Ecuador!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well since I technically live in Delray Beach and I consider it my bubble, my sacred oasis away from the world… I would take my friend downtown on the Avenue and eat at one of my favorite restaurants, we would walk to the beach and on the beach. We might wake up one morning for a sunrise and a tea at one of the local coffee shops. I’d love to bring her to Las Olas and the beaches of Miami, perhaps dinner on Brickel or Wynwood Art District. I love living in South Florida!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow so many people and inspiration to give SHOUTOUTS to!

First and always my parents, my sister and husband! I also have several friends who have offered support or referred clients!

Then specifically for the start up and growth of The InBody Journey (my online and in person Yoga Therapy/Embodiment/Yoga Retreats business) from my teachers and mentors Judy Weaver, Soleil Hepner; Phoenix Rising School of Yoga Therapy, my business coaches Arianne Om, Ashley Baker, Fi Simler, Maritza Coscarelli and all the other Yoga Therapists I follow on social media!

I love and appreciate all their knowledge and inspiration in getting me up and running. There were moments of fear and insecurity that I made it through because of them.

Website: www.theinbodyjourney.com

Instagram: @theinbodyjourney

Linkedin: @theinbodyjourney

Facebook: Embodiment and Yoga Therapy

Image Credits
Just a couple here from Polarized Studios (BlueWesley, San Diego)