Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Grant Jackson.
Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from Columbia University, I began practicing yoga in New York in 2000. A move to Los Angeles brought Anusara® yoga into my life and from that point forward my passion for the practice grew rapidly. The healing benefits of the yoga practice were dramatic and shifted her body, mind and heart almost instantly. My personal shift combined with witnessing the incredible effects that practice had on my sick cousin, inspired me to become a yoga teacher. I apply the intelligence that enabled me to excel at an Ivy League university to every yoga class she teaches. My vast knowledge coupled with my authentic concern for my students earned me a place among the elite yoga teachers of the world.
I am a certified Anusara yoga teacher, mama to Eloise, and a longtime ambassador for Lululemon. All of my yoga classes are centered around a unique physical and a spiritual theme which is woven throughout every heart opening, alignment specific practice. Serene yet smart. I subtly lace each practice with philosophy so you get a dose of zen minus the pseudoscience or hippy dippy nonsense. Since 2006, I has taught at the best studios in Los Angeles including Equinox, Center for Yoga – Yogaworks, Roam, and Wanderlust Hollywood. I have led yoga teacher trainings in Los Angeles and leads retreats all over the world. My mission with my teaching is that you feel better when you step off the mat so you can go live your best life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ah! I have been practicing and teaching yoga since before it was cool before we practiced in luxurious studios and long before fashion-forward yoga gear. In those ancient times 🙂 , the wellness world was different. There was a clear connection to the legacy and lineage of the practice. In terms of building my teaching business, I have struggled like any other wellness practitioner. However, when I began teaching, I was part of strong community of Anusara teachers and I received many referrals from my teachers. When I was ready to teach, my community (kula) supported me.
Rachel Grant Jackson Movement – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What sets my classes apart are my themes. Each practice is centered around a unique physical and a spiritual theme which is woven throughout every heart opening, alignment specific practice. I subtly lace each practice with philosophy so you get a dose of zen minus the pseudoscience or hippy dippy nonsense. I never pointlessly monologue. The philosophy is always grounded in the body and rooted in scholarship.
For those who aren’t able to practice with me in person, I have my own online platform where I offer bundles of classes. The online classes are condensed versions of my in-person classes and they are grouped to target specific needs. For example, featured right now is The Hand Balancing bundle that focuses on 4 of the most popular hand balancing postures. www.rachelgrantjackson.com
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is guiding people toward a deeper connection to their heart, creating space for people to reconnect with their dharma and “walking the walk and talking the talk” in the most authentic and elevated way possible.
I want people to know they are seen and that they truly matter. I think a lot of the clutter of our cyber lives makes us feel bad about ourselves. All the media we consume is telling us all about what’s missing in our lives; stuff we need to buy, places we need to go, people we need to know, in order to be fulfilled. Lies! All lies. This is why we need yoga. With every breath this practice reminds you that YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED to be truly, profoundly happy.
Pricing:
- Regular Class Bundle – $25.00
- Bundle of the Month – $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachelgrantjackson.com
- Phone: 3105703221
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: rachelgrantjackson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelgrantjacksonmovement/
Image Credit:
Vanessa Tierney Photography; Chelsea Cooper – CSC Strategic Consulting
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
