Rachel Lewis - Teacher

I started doing yoga occasionally when I was incredibly sick with Lyme Disease. I couldn't do much since I was mainly bed ridden but yoga got me out of the house once a week and gently moving atrophied muscles. I went to Peru 2 years ago to finally find remedies for my chronic illness. In addition to other treatments a regiment of yoga was included daily. In the begining I was mainly doing seated positions from the floor or in a wheel chair. As my healing progressed, I was able to incorporate more traditional and advanced techniques into my routine. Now I have a daily practice, almost 500 hours of teacher training and get to teach others how to find their inner healer. 

Growing up I had a very difficult time adapting to life. I was an "at risk" youth for a long time. I eventually started a career as a social worker working with transition age youth and working closely with many foster homes. I had to eventually give up this blossoming career due to the progression of my illness. Now, after being able to heal and becoming so passionate about the unlimited healing qualities of yoga, I am inspired to combine my two passions. Serving communities that need it most and offering tools like yoga that can begin to heal us on levels that I didn't even know were possible. Yoga can change lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually. ULP embodies this in so many ways and I am inspired to be a part of sharing this gift. 

I do Jiu Jitsu and run a yoga program at Gracie Humaita. I love camping and backpacking. I am also a health coach and help people heal from Lyme using alternative methods. But my favorite place to be is up at the lake with a book, by my husband, and dogs. 

My Mantra: "The only way out is through". 
​This has been my mantra for a long time. It means to me that nothing is permanent and I am strong enough to make it to the other side. It relates to yoga in so many ways. For example, take a difficult pose, the mind will start to argue and complain, but if you focus the breath and surrender to the situation, eventually it will be over and you will have gained a new understanding of what your body is capable of. The process of discomfort is necessary to fully appreciate the relief on the other side. It is what we choose to do in the middle, struggle or breathe. Surrendering  helps one accept that nothing is permanent, and allows room for the breakthrough to come. This has directed all of the major shifts that have happened throughout my healing journey.