Teacher Feature: Rachel Ricketts
Rachel Ricketts is one of our favorite guest facilitators and members of The Dharma Temple community. Rachel is the founder of Loss&Found, an online space to help folks cope with grief, loss + trying times. Rachel's cheerful spirit combined with her passion to create change as an activist for social justice makes her a force to be reckoned with. Her dedication to supporting those suffering inspired us to team up with her and host her upcoming workshop: Goin Yin + Reiki Workshop for Trying Times coming up Feb 25 from @2:30 pm. We got to know her a little better through this series of questions; have a read!
Currently, what is something you are grateful for?
Solitude and carving out time for myself
What are some non-negotiables regarding your practice?
It's mine – meaning I am my own guru and I can decide if/how/when/what/where my practice will best serve me. And it has to be somewhere authentic – no spiritual bypassing or things dressed up
Who influences/inspires you?
Dharma Temple (duh), Martin Luther King Jr., Danielle Laporte, Solange Knowles, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, my mother + my love
What projects are you currently working on?
I'm writing a book about dealing with grief and orchestrating a wellness workshop tour featuring breathwork + yin yoga for moving through stress and trauma
What is your favourite yoga book? + favourite personal book that has changed your life.
Return to Love by Marianne Williamson is my all-time favourite book
How do you spend your time when you are not teaching or on your mat?
I get into nature as much as possible to converse with spirit and return home to myself. I meditate (which sometimes looks like cooking a good meal). And, I write!
Do you have any advice/insight for newcomers to the Dharma Temple?
Surrender.
What is your spirit animal?
A Panther
Favourite song to move to?
Donna Summers “Bad Girl” (beep beep!)
What is your advice for starting a self-practice?
Just start. Drop the judgment and the fear and do what feels good.
What inspires + motivates you?
I'm inspired by the amazing women I surround myself with, the raising of the collective consciousness and children. I'm motivated by the folks out there who feel alone in their pain and my deep desire to help ensure people feel seen, heard + supported when they need it most.
Bulletproof recipe for feeling joyous.
Love yourself. Like, every inch inside and out. Not an easy thing in today's world!
What makes you feel masterful?
When I'm talking about loss and grief and holding space for and with others.
Your favourite feeling? Be descriptive.
The yummy butterflies I get in my tummy when I see my love after a long time or can sit back in awe of all that is.
