From the outside, looking in, it may seem quite odd that a young girl who grew up in church would find themselves devoted to sharing a yogic lifestyle but honestly, if you knew me (and had an understanding of what yoga is) well it would all make perfect sense. I'll attempt to explain the life circumstances that made brought me here.
At about six years old, I was diagnosed with Adhd. I can't say that I was devastated because I didn't even know what that meant. I just knew that there was suddenly an explanation for my apparently abnormal lack of impulse control and focus and abundance of energy.
My parents tried to follow the doctor's and therapist's advice and enrolled me in sports, the first sport being gymnastics. Gymnastics was a great way for my young body to learn body awareness and burn off energy and really helped me focus in school.
Life went on and changes in family structure, home and location. I Eventualy found my self to being an active teenager, heavily involved in sports and school and through my family's deep involvement in church I was extremely curious about the world and its spiritual practices.
In church I often found myself asking the leaders why Christianity was being taught as the only pathway to develop a relationship with God. Those question's eventually became unwelcome in the church and me along with them. I was invited to explore religion and spirituality on my own.
In those early years I did research on Islam, the Sheiks, Taoism, and at some point Buddhism and through that Yoga. I was always aware of the Physical practice of yoga Asana but I found myself Connecting with the teachings that center around mastering self without the judgmental undertone often recognized in Christiian teachings.
I began my practice of Yoga Asana through Youtube! I loved that I could learn both yoga asana and philosophy for free especially since i didn't exactly have the support of my family. Youtube and other online resources really laid the foundation for me to be a resourceful yogi.
In life as you move toward your path opportunities that align with you will find you. In my Junior year of High School my Track Coach invited us to a Yoga Class! Though I had personal experience with yoga through youtube and other research, this was my first time interacting with a yoga teacher live. Receiving feedback and adjustments really made me more aware of the intricacies of my body and being guided through a full body scan made me understand self control on a much deeper level.
My journey through life has brought me back and forth to the yoga mat. Through time of chaos, loss, motherhood, relationships, dead-end jobs, I have leaned that I can always find peace and grounding through my yoga practice.
Finally along my journey I found myself among Community. In 2019 I stumbled across a small yoga studio Haji Healing Salon on the SouthSide of Chicago. My first class with Aya had me hooked. I didn't know a yoga studio could feel like home.
After a few years of developing my personal practice and practicing in studio I have began to embark on my journey as a yoga teacher excited to continue to share my journey with you.
Ase
Raque Sage