During the coronavirus crisis, Rachel's regularly-scheduled classes are held virtually over Zoom. The logins for all classes are on this password-protected page -- email Rachel for the password.
Observing the breath, the muscles in the face, the brow, and the jaw, as well as the hands – are they clenched in fists or slightly open? There is so much to pay attention to with a person that is actively dying. Paying attention with presence and meeting people where they are in their transition […]
The roof of my mouth is sore. My nostrils and eyes both burn and there is a slight ache in my throat. The wildfires that continue to burn in Canada have impacted the air quality as far west as Colorado and Montana. Air quality in the Midwest and Mid Atlantic states is expected to be […]
Yesterday in our Yoga Class Curator Pilgrimage & Puja Community Practice, founder and teacher Susanna Barkataki led us in an inquiry around devotion. She referenced Yoga Sutra 1:39: Meditating on that which is elevating. She gave us some inquiries for reflective journaling and the focus on meditating on what elevates is still unfolding within me. I am […]
What is this thing called Presence? What comes to mind when you think of Presence? How do you know if you are experiencing Presence? It is a word heard often from many wellness professionals. We are often informed that “being present” is a desired state in this world of overstimulation. Mark Nepo in The Book […]
Dolores Whelan, teacher of Celtic spiritual and wisdom traditions guides explorations of how ancient wisdom can form and shape values in which a new society can be formed. Joanna Macy, eco-Buddhist and source teacher for the Great Turning applies this as well to her work. Joanna is one of my teachers and these teachings, across Cosmologies resonate […]
Cancel culture cloaked in self righteousness is easy to access. It is this reactive, defensive mode that is readily available to most of us (including me for full transparency). Fortunately, yoga philosophy gives us a framework to navigate, regulate and show up grounded, resolute, open minded, open hearted and willing to learn and grow. […]
Jesus wept. This is the shortest verse in the Bible. John 11, verse 35. This is the story where Jesus is grieving due to the death of his friend Lazarus, already laid in the tomb having been prepared and wrapped for burial. Jesus wept. Jesus had bodily functions such as blood, sweat and tears. […]
In this time of folx saying whatever they want, does truth matter? is truth a matter of perspective? Is there such a thing as broader, universal truths? What is the relationship between truth and integrity, truth and courage? How do we speak truth to injustice without screaming into the void and creating more chaos? How […]
6:50 AM. The morning light is slowly brightening through the orange curtains into my yoga space, formerly my home studio. Prior to this slow turning toward the sun, in the quiet of dark, a lone bird chirps on a branch. The sound opens a tender space in my heart. Is it vulnerable and courageous […]
The curious mind is a healthy mind. Merging inquiry without judgement is akin to a childlike state of wonder and awe. Certainty to me […]