Hi there, my name is Rachel. I am a full-time Yoga Instructor in Calgary, AB, and have been for more than a decade. I'm a happy, free, and light-hearted gal who LOVES to have fun!! Originally from a small farm town in Ontario, I decided one day to "try something new"! I called my bestie, packed up my little yellow car up, and drove across Canada. Little did I know that those three little words would quickly become my personal mantra and guide me around the world!
How I started...
I had a corporate job in downtown Calgary with a great wage and excellent benefits; but, I just couldn't sit still at my desk for the life of me. I was well overweight, had a mind filled with chaos, and needed a change FAST. I saw my future - and it didn't look healthy or fun. A dear friend dragged me to my first yoga class and, considering my mantra and where it had led me so far in Calgary I said, "Why Not?" It took me a few classes, but before I knew it I was hooked. I started to fall in love- not with the practice but with myself. Soon things started to change, I started to smile more, danced down the street, and laughed spontaneously and I felt I deserved more. I enrolled in my first Teacher Training at Yoga Passage and I graduated in March 2011, but just before graduation- I made another jump; I quit my cushy corporate job!
What I did....
I started teaching just a few classes here and there. I loved the joy, and sometimes the tears it would bring. With yoga having over 4000 years of history, I needed more. I needed to experience more. Practice more. Learn more. Love more. Laugh more. Play more. Again, it was time for me to "try something new" and just like that, everything lined up for me to go on my first backpacking adventure to Nepal & India. I hopped trains, met the most incredible people, danced with strangers on the streets, and drank more chai than anyone should in a lifetime. I studied at various ashrams throughout India and ended my 9-month journey by graduating with a 500 hr Teaching Training certificate. During my training, I studied with 3 high-profile, amazing, and inspirational teachers, who ignited a new love of teaching within me. I landed in Calgary with no agenda, rather just a new zest for life and a new passion for everything!!
Where I am now...
I am filled with so much GRATITUDE! For this practice, my students, this city, and the incredible teachers I study with on a regular. I have taught countless classes, attended numerous workshops, and over have over 1,000 hours of training. My latest training course was The Yoga Detour which focuses on biomechanics and functional movement. I have a thirst for knowledge that keeps me studying which will ensure that YOU receive the latest information on mental, emotional, and physical wellness.
I live with an open heart to the beat of my own drum. I love to travel, get lost, and drive to the mountains as often as I can! Life is supposed to be fun-YOGA? Yoga is no longer just a physical practice; yoga is life. Yoga is the relationships we have with our loved ones and the relationship we carry with ourselves. Yoga is not only practiced on the mat, it is practiced in our day-to-day life! I look forward to practicing with YOU!
Namaste'
xoxoxox
How I started...
I had a corporate job in downtown Calgary with a great wage and excellent benefits; but, I just couldn't sit still at my desk for the life of me. I was well overweight, had a mind filled with chaos, and needed a change FAST. I saw my future - and it didn't look healthy or fun. A dear friend dragged me to my first yoga class and, considering my mantra and where it had led me so far in Calgary I said, "Why Not?" It took me a few classes, but before I knew it I was hooked. I started to fall in love- not with the practice but with myself. Soon things started to change, I started to smile more, danced down the street, and laughed spontaneously and I felt I deserved more. I enrolled in my first Teacher Training at Yoga Passage and I graduated in March 2011, but just before graduation- I made another jump; I quit my cushy corporate job!
What I did....
I started teaching just a few classes here and there. I loved the joy, and sometimes the tears it would bring. With yoga having over 4000 years of history, I needed more. I needed to experience more. Practice more. Learn more. Love more. Laugh more. Play more. Again, it was time for me to "try something new" and just like that, everything lined up for me to go on my first backpacking adventure to Nepal & India. I hopped trains, met the most incredible people, danced with strangers on the streets, and drank more chai than anyone should in a lifetime. I studied at various ashrams throughout India and ended my 9-month journey by graduating with a 500 hr Teaching Training certificate. During my training, I studied with 3 high-profile, amazing, and inspirational teachers, who ignited a new love of teaching within me. I landed in Calgary with no agenda, rather just a new zest for life and a new passion for everything!!
Where I am now...
I am filled with so much GRATITUDE! For this practice, my students, this city, and the incredible teachers I study with on a regular. I have taught countless classes, attended numerous workshops, and over have over 1,000 hours of training. My latest training course was The Yoga Detour which focuses on biomechanics and functional movement. I have a thirst for knowledge that keeps me studying which will ensure that YOU receive the latest information on mental, emotional, and physical wellness.
I live with an open heart to the beat of my own drum. I love to travel, get lost, and drive to the mountains as often as I can! Life is supposed to be fun-YOGA? Yoga is no longer just a physical practice; yoga is life. Yoga is the relationships we have with our loved ones and the relationship we carry with ourselves. Yoga is not only practiced on the mat, it is practiced in our day-to-day life! I look forward to practicing with YOU!
Namaste'
xoxoxox
