I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2010. The news was devastating and the outlook was grim. I spent two years undergoing the conventional treatment for the disease… a myriad of medications and even chemotherapy. I desperately wanted to be actively involved in the lives of my two children and my husband. Unfortunately, the medications made me feel even worse and my disease continued to progress….. until I found a miracle. Yoga. Yoga was my miracle, my saving grace, my way back to being the parent and wife I wanted to be. I believe in the transformational power of Yoga and Reiki, quite simply, because it transformed me. I went from suffering severe pain, a sedentary lifestyle, and taking tons of medications to being flexible (I can even do a backbend again!), pain free, and feeling better than I can ever remember as an adult. Because of my first hand experience with the truly transformational powers of Yoga, Reiki, Reflexology, Ayurveda, and a healthy lifestyle, I feel compelled to give others the opportunity to be able to practice these holistic alternatives in an environment of love and compassion that I experiened on my journey. I have a passion to help others to feel better about themselves and their bodies. I want to introduce others to Yoga and provide a supportive network of individuals who will encourage you to learn - not just to learn about Yoga, but to learn to love yourself and your body again. I have been practicing Yoga for several years and have been trained in many aspects of the practice. I have earned two-200 hour certifications from Yoga Alliance. I am a Master Usui and Master Karuna Reiki Practicioner, and am currently training to be a reflexologist. I am also working on a 500 hour program at Asheville Yoga Center with a concentration on, Ayurveda, and focusing on Restorative, Prenatal, Yin, Gentle, Cancer, Senior, and Kids yoga practices. Please know that I am grateful for the opportunity to guide students toward a deeper awareness on the mat so they can engage in life more skillfully off of the mat. I incorporate essential oils and crystals in my Yoga and Reiki sessions. It is important to understand that EVERYONE IS CAPABLE OF DOING YOGA AND CHANGING THEIR LIVES….EVERYONE! Flexibility is NOT required. Yoga meets you where you are right now! It met me where I was 6 years ago….barely able to even lie down without pain. It has brought me to a life filled with family and friends, becoming a yoga instructor, and enjoying paddle boarding on the weekends. That is far better than any doctor or I could have dared to hope that I would be at today. I feel a personal responsibility to help others through the use of yoga. My rates are “suggested rates.” I am willing to work with you if the financial burden is too high. For me, it isn’t about the money….I honestly want to help people by passing on the love and compassion I was shown along my journey. Namaste and Healthy Blessings, Renee (Uma) |