In January 2011, Jen Leeder tragically took her own life. But in every dark cloud there is a silver lining and Jen’s memory lives on in the Jen Leeder Yoga Gift. The gift will be given each year by Jen’s family to a deserving young woman with an interest in yoga. Through this donation, they hope to provide the healing energy and focus of yoga to those who receive it. Nominations for the award are accepted in September so the gift can be given around Jen’s birthday, November 22nd. Kaila is the first recipient of this honour.

Kaila began practicing at Life Yoga in mid-June and has been a consistent presence on her mat ever since. Carly nominated Kaila because, “I can see how important the practice has been to her – physically and emotionally – and I wanted to support her as much as possible”.

Carly continued, “After the Leeders left the studio, Kaila and I were talking and she was asking about Jen, her family, and our friendship. Kaila did not get the opportunity to meet Jen, but she did get to meet Jen’s incredible family.

“We have many mementos of Jen around the studio,” said Carly, “including a large photo of her hanging in the studio that reads ‘In loving memory of Jen Leeder – Yoga Teacher and Owner of Life Yoga’.” (In the background in the photo).

After Kaila first began practicing at Life Yoga, she told Carly that she noticed the photo and inscription and looked Jen up online. “In many ways, Kaila reminds me of Jen,” said Carly.

“This is a beautiful way to honour someone who spent so much of their time giving and teaching,” said Kaila. “Through this gift, Jen can continue to give and teach people who may not even have had the chance to know her.”

This award has given Kaila the opportunity to continue to practice at Life Yoga. As she expressed her gratitude towards the Leeders and how much yoga has meant to her, her eyes glistened with emotion and heartfelt appreciation. As Kaila said, “This is the perfect way to pay tribute to such an inspirational woman.”