Jase Cannon – Teacher, Fouder, Thought Leader
I met Jase as “Jason” at a retreat that my sister Deena and I were leading at a Sivananda Yoga Ashram, where Jase was living at the time.. We hit it off because it was clear, even way back then in the early 2000s, that we were all interested in living life to its full potential through healing deeply, celebrating fully and having lots of fun in the process. I have been honored to witness Jase become an incredible leader, not only in the Modo Community, but in what she has done with God’s Love We Deliver and the event and marketing revolution that is Satchel Productions!
Before founding Satchel, Jase was a full-time yoga teacher at Modo Yoga Montreal and Modo Yoga New York City. Satchel is deeply influenced by the teachings of yoga, emphasizing the realization of full human potential. As a student, teacher, strategist, visionary, advocate, and creator, Jase bridges vision with community impact through Satchel.
Jess: What is your vision of leadership?
Jase: In our communities, the essence of leadership lies in showing up authentically, with a genuine desire to connect and hold sacred space with compassion. It’s about being present, listening, and engaging with an open heart, embodying the spirit of service that nourishes both oneself and others.
Jess: What brought you to the mat, and what keeps you there?
Jase: There are countless reasons that bring me to my mat. Over two decades of practice, I’ve learned that these reasons evolve with time. My sadhana practice (sanskrit for yoga or spiritual practice) remains the most precious gift I can offer myself. It provides a deep nourishment that connects my body, mind, and soul, allowing me to show up fully for myself and others. Even at 47, I’m still learning, and my mat is where I find equilibrium and clarity.
Jess: How has your vision of leadership changed over the years?
Jase: My vision of leadership continues to evolve, embracing inclusivity and the collective journey. We all have the opportunity to show up for others in meaningful ways. By focusing on our own well-being and growth, we create and share a space filled with light and possibility within our communities. Embracing compassion and leaning into community are fundamental to how I aim to show up and hope to inspire and connect with others, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This inclusive approach allows us to support one another, celebrate our diverse paths, and grow together.
Jess: How do you celebrate Pride Month personally and/or in community?
Jase: I celebrate PRIDE every moment of my life. It’s not confined to a month but is a continuous journey of honoring my divine being and showing up authentically wherever I am. This celebration is deeply rooted in advocacy, education, and activism. True celebration happens when we all have the freedom and rights to be our most authentic selves. Now more than ever, we must unite, stand up, honor, and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ communities, leaning into advocacy and showing up with unwavering support and solidarity.
Jess: How many years have you been teaching or sharing yoga in any way? What advice do you have for teachers and especially those transitioning or coming out?
Jase: Next year marks 15 years of teaching and sharing yoga. I am profoundly grateful for our Modo community, which has provided unwavering support throughout my journey. Coming out in 2015 while teaching was both a personal and public experience. Our community evolved with me, creating a safe and welcoming space where we could all grow together. I believe our human experience is a continuum of personal transitions, encompassing every aspect of our identity and expression. For those exploring their gender identity and expression or coming out, know that our community is here with open arms and hearts, ready to support you. Lean into the embrace of our community, and you will find the strength, acceptance, and love to thrive.
Jess: How can we as a Modo community be better allies in and out of the studio for the LGBTQL+2 community?
Jase: As a community, we can be better allies by being present, curious, and actively listening. Engaging with compassion and showing up with an open heart are essential. There is always room for growth and deeper understanding, so let’s embrace advocacy and commit to being of service to support our LGBTQIA+ communities. Together, we can create a space where every individual can thrive and be celebrated for who they are.
One of the proudest moments within our Modo Yoga NYC community was the creation of Queer Anga with Jeremy Guttman and our queer-identifying teachers. Queer Anga is a multi-racial, multi-gender queer and trans wellness collective based in Brooklyn, NY, that provides a sacred space for queer bodies. This collective has profoundly impacted lives, by promoting wellness through movement, ritual, nourishment, and dialogue.
Ensuring that all queer and trans individuals feel safe and welcomed at Modo has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. There are great opportunities for Modo Yoga studios globally to engage with Queer Anga or create their own collectives supporting queer bodies. These initiatives are vital for promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of our community. The principle of yoga is to unite, and these efforts exemplify the transformative power of collective wellness, showing that when we come together, we can create profound and lasting change.
Jess: Tell me about your approach to mentorship
Jase: Mentorship holds a sacred place in my heart. The inspiration, shared journeys, and guidance I’ve received from others have been invaluable. The greatest blessing is to remain a lifelong student and lean into the embrace of community. My dharma has always guided me towards the path of Karma Yoga, and through Satchel, I strive to ignite change through thought leadership, empathetic engagement, and transformative collaboration. This journey is not just about personal growth but about fostering connections and creating spaces where everyone can thrive and be celebrated.
Jase lives between Montana and Los Angeles and works with clients live and remotely. To work with her visit www.satchelproductions.com.
Jess Robertson is Modo Yoga’s Co Founder, Senior Advisor, and Community Documentarian. She is also a writer, musician, yoga teacher and Co Founder of the New Leaf Foundation. She lives in Montreal, Canada with her 2 kids.