While embracing New York City’s fast-paced and driven yoga culture, Jordan Ashley recognized a need for service-based yoga; a need for experiences which give perspective to the self through selflessness. Feeling extremely blessed to not only be given the opportunity for education, but to have a voice in society, she felt it was imperative to raise both awareness and funds for girls all over the planet who are denied such essential human rights. She launched Souljourn Yoga in 2016, a US 501(c)3 non-profit inspired by seva, the Sanskrit word and yogic principle of selfless service. Souljourn Yoga creates opportunities to explore, practice, and educate through yoga both on and off of the mat by offering a spectrum of workshops, teacher immersions, and global retreats to continue to promote female empowerment and education in communities where equal opportunities aren't always readily available.
Jordan has been featured in Forbes, Women’s Health, Yoga Journal, Marie Claire UK, and is a Tedx Speaker whose life mission is to take the practice out of the studio and around the world to support women’s empowerment.
“I spent the week in a yoga and meditation retreat. What a beautiful place! High in the Catskills mountains, where you can see the stars at night, and the trees are as high as the sky. The accommodations aren’t luxury, but they were perfect. Everybody is so kind and nice. We got to practice different kinds of yoga, and went to a couple of hikes. I felt happy and relaxed. They also have an amazing spa. How have I never heard of this place before? Now I can not wait to go again!”
Diana R.
“The food was divine! I’m not a vegetarian and will say the meat was not missed while here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay…. The staff was warm and courteous. Space very conducive for retreat. Great common spaces for community and plenty of space for solitude. Will return again.”
George Charlton
“Menla is an amazing place to spend time. Delicious healthy food, comfortable bed, beautiful scenery, nature. Of course, some of my favorite teachers were there too… Krishna Das, Sharon Salzberg and climbing to the top Bob Thurman. Thanks to the staff who made it possible to enjoy such an inspiring place on this planet.”
Michael Stoker