Jeanie Carlstead shares love of yoga, community service

Jeanie Carlstead and her husband, Jeff, are longtime residents of La Jolla, parents of four children, and new empty nesters.

She is the founder and director of La Jolla Yoga Center. She created and continues to teach yoga teacher’s trainings and the high school yoga and meditation program. She was selected as an ambassador for Lululemon, and teaches at many conventions and events.

In addition to her 22 years of yoga and study of mind-body disciplines, Carlstead holds degrees from UCSD in history and psychology (magna cum laude). She is presently writing a book entitled, “The Everyday Wisdom of Yoga.”

She was the recipient of San Diego Business Journal’s Total Excellence in Management award, finalist in its Business Woman of the Year Award, and together with her partner, Jeff, has received some 30 awards for their hotel, The Hampton Inn, including Hotel of the Decade.

Over the last 25 years, Carlstead’s community support includes the local schools and numerous organizations. She has held many leadership positions, including president of Las Patronas. She was born in New York City and still enjoys time there with family.

What brought you to La Jolla?

Internal temperature control malfunction (needing to live somewhere warmer), to study with Carl Rogers.

What makes this town special to you?

(It’s) the people, the sense of community, the ocean, the views, and the perfect weather.

If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

Sidewalks full of even more happy people.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by beautiful music and insightful writing; seeing and experiencing people taking courageous steps in life, and making genuine acts of kindness.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

I would either have my family of now eight (two of our children are newly married) or if the question is meant to be who I would really like to spend time with and have interesting discussions with, with whom I do not have a chance to talk in depth, it would then be: David Whyte, Jesus, Jerry Seinfeld, Thoreau, Buddha, Ellen Degeneres, Krishnamacharya, and Nora Ephron.

Tell us about what you are currently reading.

“Stillness Speaks” by Eckhart Tolle.

What is your most-prized possession?

My wedding band.

What do you do for fun?

I spend time with family and friends. (I also like) yoga, dancing, playing music, reading, writing, and going to concerts.

Please describe your greatest accomplishment.

A warm, close, fun, and loving family.

What is your motto or philosophy of life?

Live in the present moment. Appreciate the people (including ourselves) and experiences in our lives with an open heart. Live courageously. Love each other.