Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracee Stanley.
Tracee, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Yoga discovered me in 1995. I practiced Kundalini Yoga for five years before venturing into a Vinyasa Class. I then practiced both styles consistently until I found my way to the famous spiritual book store The Bodhi Tree (now closed) in West Hollywood. I picked up a copy of a translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s and my yoga journey was forever changed. I read sutra 1:36 which refers to an eternally luminous place within us that is a source of sorrowless joy. I realized I had only been practicing yoga on the surface level and I wanted to know more.
I went on a mission to find a teacher who could lead me towards the promise of yoga as a sacred practice as opposed to a handstand in the middle of the room. What I found was the lineage of Tantra known as Sri Vidya and the teachers of the Himalayan tradition. I was initiated into the lineage of Sri Vidya in 2001. The consistent study and devotion to my practices over the last two decades informed my career as a film producer in Hollywood, a yoga studio owner, wife, and teacher. I was introduced to the practice of yoga nidra nearly two decades ago and have been having a deep relationship with the practices of deep relaxation ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the biggest challenges that I have faced was dealing with betrayal in my relationship and learning to see how I was holding limiting beliefs that allowed me to be in a relationship with someone who didn’t honor me and respect me. It was the best lesson I ever learned; moving through that pain helped me to empower myself in a way that completely informs my teaching and helping others to step in their power over a decade later.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Today I teach the Tantric practices I have been studying and practicing for two decades. These technologies accelerate transformation and self-knowledge.
I am truly drawn to offer the quiet practices of meditation, mantra, yoga nidra, and self-inquiry supported by the pillars of ritual, devotion, nature, and ancestor reverence.
I am known for training teachers in Yoga Nidra and Tantric Meditation. I also have a passion for leading immersive retreat experiences that center rest, ritual, and nature as a path towards empowerment.
I have spent the last year writing a book about Yoga Nidra, it is called Radiant Rest and it’s filled with practices, rituals, and mantra’s to help you access that radiant eternal part of yourself. Its a guide for practitioners and teachers who are interested in healing, rejuvenation deep relaxation practices they can practice at home or teach in the studio.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Right now, I am listening. Listening for what needs to be birthed into this new world that we are co-creating. I’m not interested in planning the way I used to anymore. Trying to create from what was needed in the past is not moving in the direction I want to go.
What is always relevant is rest. Yoga Nidra is the practice that activates this sort of cosmic vision where you can touch both the future self and wisdom of the ancestors while deeply resting. It is a practice that is beyond time and space. And it is the practice for now. In this transition, we have the power to make real change. But we must start with ourselves.
My five-day Deep Relaxation course is free for the first 14 days over at Commune and that’s a great way to discover yoga nidra. https://www.onecommune.
My new book Radiant Rest – Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity is available for pre-order at www.radiantrest.com or wherever good books are sold. For those who pre-order the book, there are great bonuses and a 40 day live Book Club with me when the book comes out in March.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.traceeyoga.com
or www.radiantrest.com - Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @tracee_stanley
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shaktidiva
- Twitter: @shaktidiva
Image Credit:
Anastasia Chomlack, Deborah Anderson
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