Meet Rachel, a student at Awakened and our newest blogger! Rachel has been practicing yoga for about six months and has officially fallen in love. She’ll be blogging each week about what’s going on in the yoga world, her experiences with yoga, and the latest news from Awakened. Read more about Rachel below.
I work 9-5 at a startup as a social media marketer and community manager. I also write my own blog, The Life & Lessons of Rachel Wilkerson, and do a lot freelance writing and social media consulting.
What is the most important spiritual/mental benefit you have gained from your practice?
It’s amazing how much it’s helped me shut my brain off and unplug. I knew I’d experience that in class, but I’m a lot better at calming myself down off the mat now too. And I find myself taking deep cleansing breaths all throughout my day without even thinking about it.
What physical benefits have you experienced in your practice?
My whole body has changed! My arms and back are the biggest difference I noticed, and I lost about five pounds without doing any other type of exercise or making any changes to my diet at all. People who think you can’t lose weight from yoga or that it’s “too” slow are crazy! (Though I’ll admit, I used to think that.)
What is your favorite class at Awakened Yoga? Why?
I love Iyengar. The first time I took a class (with Sharon), I was so confused. I was like, Why is it so slow? Why aren’t we flowing? But I stuck it out and after a few weeks, I couldn’t get enough of it. I just love the slow intensity and Sharon is an amazing instructor. I also love any lunch time class. I love getting out of the office and doing yoga in the middle of my day; it definitely recharges my batteries.
What is your favorite pose? Why?
Turbo dog. It kills me in the most wonderful way. It makes me feel so strong and powerful.
Fearful of any pose?
Shoulder stand freaks me out. Every time an instructor calls for it and the rest of the class just does it, I think, How is everyone doing this right now? How are you not terrified?! Fortunately, I’ve learned some great modifications on the wall that are slowly making me more comfortable with it.
What is on your nightstand?
A bunch of electronics and chargers! Kindle, iPad, phone...I love all my geeky toys. I love reading, writing, and using social media (and all those things are part of my job) so they are always close by.
If you have purchased any products at the studio for your practice, what is your favorite and why?
Love my Manduka mat cleaner! I splurged on a pricey mat, so I want to take really good care of it.
Be sure to check the blog regularly for Rachel's posts and say hi if you see her in class!
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