Jem O’Hara

Yoga Instructor

(they/them)

Hi, this is Jem. I’m from around here, a Cooley Dick baby with a deep and abiding love for the valley, western MA, and all souls lucky enough to inhabit it (no hate to eastern MA (or anywhere else) it’s just different there). May the Tofu Curtain bless and protect us. 

I first experienced yoga at age 19 when my ninth grade English teacher drove me to what was Amherst Yoga Center, and I’m so grateful she did. I’ve been practicing for 15 years now, moving ever deeper into relationship with my body, movement, and mindful contemplation. First through athletics, then theater and dance, now as a yoga instructor, my interests lie at the intersection of the present moment, embodied experience, and spiritual aspiration. Yoga helps me to experience life not as something happening to me and my body, but something I channel and co-create with. By bringing awareness and discernment to every breath, a clear distinction between doing and being opens up, and those anxieties and fears that once controlled my days can relax into the background.   

My classes are a space for deep, deliberate, and bright exploration of our bodies, minds, emotions, and souls. I like to sweat as much as I like to call in support and be nourished. I believe yoga only begins on the mat, and through dedicated asana practice we can learn more about who we are and enjoy happier, healthier days. Off the mat, I perform and teach improv comedy, act, write scripts for film and stage, direct some of those films and plays, am training to offer reiki healing (stay tuned for that), and cook a lot. I view all these practices as stepping stones on my yogic path, and hope the purpose they bring me will be of service to all.

Connect with Jem at ohjemohara@gmail.com

Read the blog post: Jem’s Spotlight.

Credentials: