Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonah Polkes.
Hi Jonah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up with intense stomach pain. What began as a purely physical issue soon led to emotional distress, I became really frustrated and anxious. I knew something needed to change. I went from doctor to doctor, searching for answers, but nothing seemed to help.
Then one day, a specialist asked me: “Have you ever tried meditating? What about yoga?” I laughed. “I’m having stomach pain—how would stretching help?” Little did I know, that conversation would change my life.
I tried meditation. It wasn’t comfortable, or easy, or fun, but I tried to stick with it. Eventually, I explored yoga and the physical asana. Bit by bit, something shifted. My mind began to slow down. I started taking care of my mental health. And to my surprise, my stomach pain began to ease.
I committed to prioritizing my mental health and began to take care of my body in a whole new way. Yoga and meditation became staples of my healing journey. This helped me change my nutrition and overall approach to holistic health.
Fast forward 10 years, and I’m now a certified yoga instructor, teaching multiple classes each week. I’m passionate about holding space for others to feel supported, to reconnect with themselves, and to heal—just like I did. Yoga and meditation have been transformative in my life, and I’m honored to guide others on their own journeys.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! Healing is definitely not linear.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was in 2022, right after I moved to San Diego. I was really excited for a new chapter, new friends, and new opportunities—but things took a turn pretty quickly. I got really sick for months on end. Mono, strep, flu, COVID—you name it. And on top of the physical pain, my mental health took a huge hit. I fell into a pretty deep depression. I was barely making it to work, and outside of that, I never left my bed.
What made it harder was that I couldn’t even get myself to meditate or practice yoga. I completely let go of my self-care, which had been such an important part of my life. I just didn’t have the energy or motivation.
But in the depths of this isolation, I knew something had to shift. I forced myself to go to a yoga class (shoutout Riffs) and even though it was just one class, it sparked something. One class led to another. I started meditating again. I started to prioritize my mental health again. Slowly, my energy came back, my mindset shifted, and I began to feel hopeful again.
Looking back, that time—although really hard—taught me so much about resilience, about the importance of showing up for yourself even when it’s hard. Everything happens for a reason, and this re-ignited my passion for healing, starting with yoga and meditation. Within a year, I signed up for yoga teacher training, which has completely changed my path. I started connecting with a new community, investing in myself, and rediscovering who I am. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped who I am today in a really meaningful way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a yoga teacher, I love to create space for others to heal and come home to themselves. I teach a variety of studio classes from Yin, Slow Flow, to Power Vinyasa and even guided Cold Plunges.
I’m a yoga teacher who’s deeply passionate about creating meaningful, healing experiences for others. I teach a range of styles—Yin, Slow Flow, Power Vinyasa—and I even guide cold plunges. But no matter the format, my focus always comes back to building a happy home within the mind and body.
My approach is rooted in the belief that yoga is much more than movement; it’s an ancient, holistic framework for nurturing mental and emotional well-being.
I design my classes around meaningful themes and philosophies that encourage self-awareness, emotional healing, and self-love. I’m especially proud of how my personal journey has shaped the way I teach. Yoga has deeply transformed my life, and I feel honored to share that transformation with others through classes that are heartfelt, emotional, and passionate.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve turned my own personal healing journey into a source of inspiration for others. I bring a lot of vulnerability and authenticity into my teaching, and I think that’s what people connect with most.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It starts with you. You are the greatest project you will ever work on, so why not give yourself the love you deserve. Accept, embrace, and celebrate all of your uniqueness. Those are your gifts, lean into them, let them shine.
Also, we are not our thoughts. So simple yet so powerful. Learn to sit in stillness, observe and notice your passing thoughts, without reacting. This is building your equanimity, your nonreactivity, a place steady awareness. I think so much of life is learning to ride the waves with a calm mind and a soft smile.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jonahpolkes_/
Image Credits
Brandon Bergado
