Rachel Epstein

For almost 15 years, yoga has been a home for me, a regular practice that has sustained me through struggles and joys alike. I explored many styles and traditions, but always felt like they were missing something that I yearned for. Either the yoga lacked physical rigor in spite of a focus on spiritual inquiry; or it felt devoid of meaning beyond a good physical workout. In any case, for many years, I found myself piecing together a routine made up of a variety of activities to satisfy my desire for all of these things: physical challenge, emotional healing, and spiritual growth.

In Baptiste Yoga, I found what I was looking for: a practice that challenges me to find my edge physically, emotionally, and spiritually so that I can continue to grow as a human being and to be more fully present for the people in my life. As a result of a regular practice at Shiva Shakti, I have been inspired not only to commit more deeply to my own asana and meditation practices, but also to bridge the gap between being a student and a teacher of this powerful tradition. I attended the Baptiste Level 1 Training in August 2012 and completed the Shiva Shakti Teacher Training in February 2015. I am honored and excited to share my love of this practice, as well as the freedom, growth, and joy it makes possible, with the amazing Shiva Shakti community.