July 2016 Featured Yogi: Raquel Figueroa
6/29/2016
Raquel began her yoga journey in October of 2013 with a Groupon at North Valley Aikikai, where Michelle teaches weekly yoga classes, just wanting to try a new form of exercise. She didn't know then that yoga would not only benefit her physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. She explains: My mother had been diagnosed with cancer and my yoga practice helped me get through the tough journey of being my mother's caregiver through what would be her final year and a half. When I am on my mat, for that hour and a half I don't have a sick mother, a house that is never clean enough, children that are misbehaving, a husband that I sometimes don't get along with.... All the stresses and concerns of every day life. All I have are my poses, my movement, and my breath. Yoga has taught me to be grateful for for all I have around me; my children, my husband, my family, my friends, my health, the vast and great outdoors.... To be calm and not sweat the small stuff. To have a positive outlook on life, because in the end all we leave behind are the moments we share with our loved ones. Yoga has given me an inner peace. Her favorite yoga pose is headstand, Raquel proclaims, "because being able to stay upside down for sometimes up to four minutes at a time makes me feel so strong and proud to be a yogi!" She's attended several Root to Rise Yoga activities-- from yoga in the park, to hikes in Malibu, to yoga overlooking the ocean. "Michelle makes every experience feel like you are at a mini retreat. I look forward to attending many more (events), " she says. Raquel shares her most memorable insight about yoga: For anyone that is starting out their yoga practice-try to be consistent with your practice, do not compare yourself to others. This is your practice not any one else's. The more you practice, the deeper understanding you will have on the meaning of YOUR life.
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REviews of Root 2 Rise Yoga with Michelle chua:Michelle truly lives out what she teaches. She is so much more than a yoga teacher - I learned this when I went on her exquisitely curated trip that she organized to Costa Rica this past June 2018...Hopefully like me, you'll be delighted by her effervescent love of movement, nature, and all people! Michelle clearly stands out with her beautiful and bright energy. I love how her practice and teaching encompass body, mind and spirit. She not only teaches yoga but lives and exudes it. Michelle not only teaches 'yoga', she embodies it fully with her heart and soul... Michelle is by far one of the best instructors I've ever had, period. Patient, clear in her explanations and demos, and so encouraging... My first yoga class was with Michelle years ago. You can have the best (yoga pose) sequence and not teach from your heart. With Michelle, I also feel her passion when I'm in her class. I can see she loves what she does, and she inspired me to want to teach yoga, too. |
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I'm so grateful to have met Michelle! Her kind energy opened up my interest in pursuing yoga and meditation. She is such an incredibly light and soul. She starts with grounding ourselves through mindfulness and breathing exercise. She brings the most authentic energy to the class by sharing the history and understanding behind poses, names, and techniques. I truly appreciate her work and impact on my well-being! I’ve had dozens of instructors over the years, but Michelle is far and away the best yoga mentor I’ve ever practiced with. She epitomizes grace during these difficult times. Michelle has saved my sanity and my back while working from home, keeping me grounded with her sharing of yogic teachings and meditation techniques. Her repertoire of physical asanas is encyclopedic, and I’ve loved learning new poses and stretching my boundaries. Jump in, all. You’ve got this! |
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