Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Becker and I am a student of a deep yogic practice called Kashmir Shaivism. I started my practice two years ago here in Portland, Oregon, and am now being called to study abroad with my teacher, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shankarananda. He has a beautiful ashram in southern Australia and has invited me to come to study his method of practice, self inquiry through Shiva process, a method that not only has enriched and deepened my practice, but has helped me immensely in my daily life and interactions with those around me. I believe that this path is my path, and eventually will be called to serve in the ultimate capacity in our lineage. I am originally from a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I have a beautiful older sister who teaches in New Jersey, and my dad and step mom are retired and live in Florida. They are deeply connected to my life, and support me in all of my endeavors, as I learn and grow in this world. My father has expressed so much gratitude in his heart for the two beautiful people my sister and I are and continue to be as both students and teachers, and helps me as much as possible. They are of modest means, as we all have chosen the route of teaching and service, and feel it is all of our callings. I currently am staying in a beautiful Ashram here in Portland, Oregon, with three of the greatest teachers of my practice, and 57 other amazing and dedicated students. I feel that it is my soul purpose in life to connect to my inner self as a yogi, grow, and to eventually teach this beautiful, old, rich, deep, and practical practice to any and all who seek it. I believe that through connection of self, we all find the deep love, compassion, harmony, and connection to everything, and can live a life of peace.