Realign with Rachelle

I’ve been practicing yoga for about 30 years, and finally made the move to become a yoga teacher myself. Part of what I love about yoga is how much I continue to learn about myself and my body each day with my practice. It helps remind me that as much as I might know or have experienced in this life, there is still so much more to discover… This is as true in the second half of my life as it was in the first. I started practicing with Michele Baran and Gary Gross at Lotus Yoga Center back in the 90’s, and studied with them on and off for years. Their wonderful skills as teachers created the backbone of how I practice yoga to this day. I am also proud to call Donna Seed both a mentor and friend, having studied Yin Yoga with her at Yogaja for a number of years. I now add Shauna Gilsdorf from Awakening Grace YTT to my list of influences as my teacher and mentor for my yoga teacher training. Her vast knowledge and experience, along with her loving spirit, models a teaching style that is clear, approachable, and relatable to each individual in the room as well as in the group, as a whole. It allows for a personal experience as well as a collective one, which is what I aspire to hold space for as a teacher myself. I believe asana practice is an opportunity to have a conversation with our bodies that deepens the relationship and understanding we have with our physical form. It is the time and place where we can cultivate the curiosity, compassion and care that reminds our body that we have not forgotten about it, even if/when our thoughts and mind try to dominate our daily narrative. Some days it may be a time to check in and take inventory. Other times we find awe, wonder and mystery…a great adventure captured within a few square feet of our mat. No matter where you are in your life or in your yoga journey, I hope to help inspire and find some of these conversations within your own practice. Besides my 200 RYT, I am just completing my CPT with NSCA. As a yoga teacher and personal trainer, I strive to support holistic and embodied health and wellness using trauma-sensitive, science-based protocols.