Growing up on a farm in Gunnison, Jeff Bailey spent his time “fixing things and caring for animals,” he says, recounting tales of herding cows on horseback through the mountains and feeding them in sub-zero temperatures. Today, Bailey lives in Boulder, where his work ethic and compassionate spirit are now evident in the many ways he helps people. Bailey is the founder of Avita Yoga—a practice that focuses on shapes that improve joint health—and an advocate for enhancing mobility, a topic he explores in his new book, Mobility for Life, out this month.
“It may be a hip or shoulder that brings you to the yoga, and we’ll work to restore its health and function,” Bailey says. “But along the way, instead of making it all about the body, we use the injuries and ailments to join and realize the peaceful mind, where all healing occurs.”
To celebrate his book release, Bailey speaks with Boulder Lifestyle about Avita’s unique approach and the importance of mobility in all stages of life.
Why are you passionate about helping others achieve greater mobility?
My parents were caregivers through and through. Life revolved around helping others, which I find brings enormous purpose. My dad had a knee replacement, which didn’t go well, and it haunted him for years. I realized that I wanted a better way. At the age of 21, yoga entered my life and changed everything. I wanted to help myself and others maintain mobility and stay upright, avoiding what I call the primary pattern, where time and gravity get the best of us.
Describe the “doing less, moving smarter” approach. How is it beneficial?
Less is always more. This idea runs counter to worldly thinking, which is exactly why it's part of our practice, because the ego convinces us that having more will bring more fulfillment. The desire for more of anything keeps us on the treadmill of suffering and pain. When we target the problem, which is almost always hidden in the deepest layers of the joints, bones, and nervous system, we are required to slow down.
How does this approach apply to people of all ages or activity levels?
By definition, yoga joins. This joining occurs automatically in our hearts and minds as we relinquish our judgments, prejudices, and thoughts that maintain a sense of separate self. This is what I love and appreciate about yoga. It’s unifying, selfless, and leaves no one out.
What’s a surprising truth about mobility?
It’s significantly different than flexibility. Flexibility is related to the muscles and soft tissue. Mobility is related to the joints and the fascia surrounding them. Some individuals with a very flexible constitution use Avita to generate joint stability, which weaves deeply into their nervous system. Maintaining the shape with a flexible body type requires a surprising degree of effort and stamina.
What’s the biggest lesson readers can expect to learn from your book?
To give your joints the pressure they love while learning how to discern between pain and healing sensation. The overarching theme of the book is an invitation to use the body as a vehicle to access the healed mind: happy and whole.
Mobility for Life is available at The Boulder Bookstore and MobilityForLifeBook.com. Practice with Jeff at AvitaYogaOnline.com or with local Avita teachers at E8 in Longmont, Una Vida in Niwot, and The Nest in Boulder.