About Hilary
I’m here to be of service, hold space, create community, uplift, and bring light to the shadows. I’m all about creating sacred space, diving deep into powerful, transformational practices - without the dogma - and having a LOT of fun while I do it. Because spirituality doesn’t have to be so serious!
I’m looking forward to sharing some of the tools and teachings that have helped me become a more self-aware, patient and compassionate human being - and less of an asshole! Thank you for trusting me to guide you!
Background
After growing up in South Jersey, studying philosophy, mysticism and religion in college, I traveled the world, trusting/hoping I would find my path. (My mom told people I was going to be a shepherd.)
In 2008, after a transformative experience with Yoga Nidra at an ashram in New Zealand, I traveled to an ashram in India. There, I took my first formal initiation into a traditional yogic lineage - the Saraswati order of Dashnami Sannyasa.
I lived as a sannyasin (yogic monk) at an ashram for 2 years, while completing a 1500 hour Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training training.
I spent 8 years fully immersed in a guru-based, Tantric Yogic tradition. But my relationship to spirituality transformed when I realized that lineage and guru didn’t have all the answers. I realized that I would never find the freedom I was seeking if I put all my faith in something outside myself.
I learned how to be my own teacher - and how to trust myself. This is, of course, a much longer story, as it’s been the single most important piece of wisdom I’ve integrated over the last 15 years.
Teaching Philosophy
I am always guided by my professional values of integrity, authenticity and joy.
Teachings are offered with respect to all lineages and traditions - but without dogma. (I align with Dr. Theodora Wildcroft’s term ‘post lineage.’ I am informed and inspired by lineage, but not bound by it.)
I’m a punk-rock, hippie chick at heart - so expect plenty of reminders that there is no ‘right way’ - and you learn the rules so you can break them.
To grow as students and teachers, we have to be open to releasing old spiritual beliefs. The desire to cling to one tradition, teacher, or teaching creates a rigidity that is antithetical to spiritual maturity.
When running trainings or programs, creating non-hierarchical spiritual community is my focus. Each one of us is a teacher and each one of us is a student. Think ‘Guide on the Side’ vibes - not ‘Sage on the Stage.’
And I believe deconstructing the spiritual patriarchy is essential - let’s not pay lip service to the Divine Feminine. Let’s live it.
Mission
To encourage self-inquiry as the cornerstone of your spiritual practice.
To nourish your sense of inner authority so you can become your own teacher - and your fullest, most authentic self.
To support you in learning to trust yourself.
To help you discover a felt sense of ease in your body, mind and heart.
To help you release shoulds and have to’s from your life.
To share practical magic for pragmatic mystics.
To provide context and nuance, encouraging curiosity & intuitive understanding.
To hold space for you so you can learn to hold space for yourself.
To help you realize that peace is possible.
Professional Bio
Hilary Jackendoff is a Los Angeles based, ashram-trained Yoga Nidra & Meditation teacher, Teacher Trainer & Human Design reader. In 2008, she began studying Tantric Yoga and spent two years formally training while living at an ashram in Australia. Hilary aims to demystify ancient wisdom, providing an accessible, pragmatic approach to spirituality. When working or practicing with Hilary, expect a blend of no-nonsense, applicable wisdom, a non-hierarchical learning environment, playful irreverence, and plenty of laughs - because the spiritual doesn't have to be so serious!
Hilary offers Yoga Nidra Teacher Trainings, Meditation Teacher Trainings, teacher mentorship, online classes, Human Design based self-inquiry coaching, and corporate wellness solutions. Hilary was a founding teacher at The DEN Meditation and co-creator of the studio's Meditation Teacher Training, as well as a Wanderlust Festival teacher. She’s been featured for her work in Refinery 29, Newsweek, Well & Good, Business Insider, and Good Morning America. She shares practices on Insight Timer, Yoga International, Aura, and Yoga Wakeup.
A Few of My Favorite Things
Random Photos, Just for Fun
After I received my second Tantric initiation & spiritual name (Om).
Presenting at Wanderlust Festival.
Recording meditations!
Homegrown chamomile!
Leading kirtan for the first time at the ashram.
Communing with Passion Vine!
This is my husband Josh :)
Ashram pals!
Lifelong Simpsons fan dream come true.
Connecting to the Divine Feminine through Mantra is my jam.
Ashram Life circa 2010.
Yoga Nidra Teacher Training
Sometimes I have to record videos...
My 3 malas - all carry different energy
Aligned with joy :)
I will bust a move when I hear my favorite Tiësto song.
I love EDM, but the Grateful Dead nourish my soul.