Total Body Yoga Teachers
Rachel Dewan R.Y.T. Anusara Inspired
I found yoga 10 years ago as a performing musician with the physical aches & pains that accompany such physically demanding work, and soon embraced it as a way of life. Yoga has become a path of learning that has helped to shape my life in all aspects, reminding me that when I open to the power of grace in every moment, life becomes a celebration. I am an Anusara-Inspired Registered Yoga Teacher with over 500 hours of training, including Pre- and Post-natal Certification. I did my first teacher training in 2004, and a second in the Anusara style in 2006, which was a completely transformative experience. Discovering the teachings of Tantra Yoga was like coming home – a beautiful moment of connection: ”Oh my gosh, other people believe this too?!”
It is my ultimate goal as a teacher to cultivate a sense of community in my classes, bring a sense of lightness and joy to my students through an ever expanding and playful asana practice, and help them to strengthen their connection to their own unique and divine nature.
Although I have had the blessing of studying with many wonderful teachers, I would like in particular to honor and thank my teacher Todd Norian for his unconditional support, and for giving me the gift of his open and loving heart, and in doing so, encouraging me to find my own.
What other hobbies do you have aside from yoga practice?
Running, reading, playing my flute, scrapbooking, & photography.
What is the title of a book that you have read recently that you could strongly recommend?
I am reading A New Earth and listening to the podcasts, which has been a really great reminder for me of just practicing being in the moment. I also read The Pursuit of Happyness by Christopher Gardner recently & LOVED that as well.
What is one of your all-time favorite movies?
It's hard to list only one, but I'd say Love Actually is near the top of the list.
What is one of your all-time favorite “comfort” foods?
I'm embarrassed to say french fries...they are my total guilty pleasure!
What is your favorite color?
This really depends on the day & my mood, but usually a nice blue/purple.
What brought you to yoga?
Living in a near-constant state of discontent with my life, and physically the aches and pains that come with playing an instrument 4 - 6 hours per day.
What element, quality, or technique of yoga do you find most fascinating and why?
The constant daily reminder that at our core, we are all both unique and divine in equal measure...and to constantly honor that within ourselves & everyone we meet. I am also constantly amazed how the physical practice of yoga can serve to connect us so deeply to that part of ourselves which is not physical.
What is your favorite pose and why?
Currently Eka Pada Galavasana...mainly because I can finally do it! I love the feeling of freedom and empowerment that arm balances give us.
What qualities are needed to be a good yoga teacher? (Or what qualities are needed to be a good student).
To teach from the heart, and remember that I am teaching students not poses. Staying open to the energy of the room and adjusting to what the students need on a continual basis. To help students connect with the divine in their own lives - helping them cultivate a deep sense of faith and empowerment.