Rooted in Love, by Michelle Chua

Yoga uprooted my life and led me on a healing journey of inspired wellbeing that moved me to share the practice with as many people it could also benefit.  I envisioned a Yoga practice that was accessible, sustainable long-term and inclusive to diverse bodies, backgrounds, ages and experience, including beginners.  At the heart of this vision was the knowing that when we root into our true nature of pure love, we rise individually and collectively in wellbeing and consciousness.  ​

---

"At the heart of this vision was the knowing that when we root into our true nature of pure love, we rise individually and collectively in wellbeing and consciousness."

The many practices of Yoga, from meditation and physical postures to balance energy to practicing non-harm (ahimsa) and devotion to what you hold sacred (isvara pranidhana), are tools for aligning with our true nature.  Naturally, the name Root 2 Rise Yoga sprouted for this community offering. ​

---

I began offering Yoga classes by donation at my mom’s home for family and friends in 2010, as I completed my first Yoga Teacher Certification at YogaWorks. Our monthly gatherings usually ended with a healthy potluck.  Our Root 2 Rise Yoga community gradually grew to include regulars from the classes I facilitated at gyms, local YMCAs, universities, running clubs and more.  ​

While we stemmed from different walks of life (which contributes to broadening our perspectives), we were unified by common values: expanding our consciousness, wellness in all dimensions and sincerity in trying to live the values of Yoga.  We began practicing together more regularly at parks, where nature invited us to connect with her.  Our practices branched out into hiking and meditating among trees, retreats, and more recently, Reiki energy healing sessions and Soundbaths. ​

"While we stemmed from different walks of life (which contributes to broadening our perspectives), we were unified by common values..."

Our first Yoga retreat (photo above) was a one-day gathering in my mom’s backyard in 2012 and included guest speakers from a meditation temple and the vegan chef and co-owner of Sun Café Organic.  ​

​Over the years, our retreats expanded to other locations in California and internationally to Bali, Peru and Costa Rica, the latter where I received the impetus to reroute my vocational path to facilitating Yoga and the healing arts while teaching abroad as a schoolteacher in 2009-2010.  Now in 2024, we prepare for our retreats in Yosemite in August and Northern Thailand in October.

​A universal theme that threads throughout our retreats is exploring ways to integrate the practices and values of Yoga in our daily lives to support our and the collective wellbeing.  During our international retreats, we explore ways to connect with the local culture and nature meaningfully, embracing the definition of Yoga as union and expanding it to harmony with all beings.  

​We also integrate creative arts, such as dancing freely, drumming or painting meditatively, as ways to tap into the expression of, and strengthen trust in, our true nature.  Nature connection, such as through forest-bathing, is an integral part of our retreats, to help us deepen a conscious relationship with Mother Earth, who in turn awakens the remembering that we are nature too and carry wisdom deep within, just like the trees do.  Retreats have allowed us to strengthen our relationships with life, nature, each other and ourselves.

As lives inevitably change, our community continues to evolve dynamically. Today, we gather weekly on Zoom (since the onset of the 2020 pandemic) and at Woodbridge Park in Studio City for donation-based Yoga. Additionally, we meet for twice monthly nature connection, such as forest-bathing and meditation outdoors. We have other gatherings, like full moon or seasonal mini-retreats, to enjoy community and dive deeper into our practices together. Our annual anniversary party (this year on August 25) is a sweet opportunity to reunite or kindle new friendships with like-hearted beings. 

​Sprouted from love and strengthened by community love, may Root 2 Rise Yoga be an impetus and sanctuary for all beings to heal and thrive!

---

Author

Michelle Chua is founder of Root 2 Rise Yoga.  Read her bio here.

Click below to receive updates on our Root 2 Rise Yoga gatherings and offerings and join us in community:

Join our Root 2 Rise Yoga eNews!

Connect with us: