Rachel Scott shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Rachel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As soon as I wake up, my brain wants to go into overdrive trying to play and manage my day! I find that it’s best if I do my self-care routine as soon as possible after waking ~ otherwise I run the risk of never getting to it. So as soon as I wake up, brush my teeth, scrape my tongue and drink a big glass of water, I hit my meditation cushion. I’ll then wake up my body with some kind of movement: physio exercises, fascial hydration moves, weights at the gym, or yoga). Then the coffee. Then the tasks! I’m putting myself back to school these days with some courses, so I’ll try to study in early in the day as well. Once work takes over, it’s like being on the rapids and away we go!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I support excellence in yoga education by supporting studios, trainers, and educators to create exceptional and effective instructional experiences. These offerings could be yoga certification programs, workshops, continuing education and online courses. Though I love to run my own certification courses, my niche is to support other businesses to create, structure and launch their own content. I bridge the gap between inspiration and education, providing smart and time-saving resources to help yogis create their educational programs quickly and effectively. I can help people develop their own content or provide pre-made support materials like high-quality curriculum and manuals to get them up to speed quickly. I blend a passion and love for the organic and energetic world of yoga with a mind for strategy, organization, and structure.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I learned the most about work from my dad. When I was a kid sitting on the couch avoiding my weekly task of mowing the lawn, he would tell me, “The sooner you get to it, kiddo, the sooner it’s over!” My dad taught me some really important lessons: do the hardest stuff first; face your challenges head on; and if it’s worth doing at all, then it’s worth doing well!
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Failing teaches us how to get back up. Failing also teaches us to be humble and kind by reminding us that we are all human doing our best in this crazy journey together.
I can’t tell you how many times as a younger person I would look at someone who seemed to be acting poorly and think, “Well, I’d never do that!” As I looked askance at those around me, I’d think I’d have it figure out: I’d never have an affair, weasel out of work, or be the jerk passing a lane of traffic in the breakdown lane. And then, what do you know, one day you’re the person longing for another man, lingering on your lunch break, and driving down the breakdown lane by accident.
Those moments of recognition provide us with two choices: double down on our judgment and self-hatred, or widen our experience of compassion to more generously include ourselves and others.
We all have blind spots. We all screw up. Choosing compassion not only helps us to make better choices the next time; it helps us to love those around us with more grace and ease.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I love this questions. The public version of me is a real version of me, but you never get the full version of someone in one go. Think of how we are with our friends…with Simon we act like a clown, with Amy we’re a sympathetic counselor and with our work buddies we’re the thoughtful workhorse. We are like a crystal with many facets and you’ll see something different depending on how the light is shining. So I’d say that my “public version” (ie: the one you. may see on Instagram or my YouTube videos) is definitely the real me, though it’s probably a part of me that is a little more diplomatic and shiny than I may be on a Monday morning in my jammies.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Ha, I’m definitely not doing what I was told to do! Out of college, I became an actor in New York City – definitely not the stable career my parents would have chosen for me! I have been extremely fortunate to have support from my family to pursue my passions.
My journey to yoga unfolded in a similar way: I followed a voice of “this way…” that was whispering to me. The first time I put down my credit card to pay for my teacher training back in 2003, I was terrified! It was the most money I’d spent in one place. But “following our bliss” doesn’t mean that it’s easy, we won’t have doubts, or that we won’t backtrack or change our mind.
It’s too simplistic (and too much pressure!) to think that we are born to do something that is “right.” Such binary thinking is death. Heaven forfend we don’t find “it”, are we then “on the wrong path” and is our life a waste? Nonsense.
However, we can feel our way into those impulses and whispers that beckon us. Perhaps it’s a tiny fascination with a topic, or a hobby that makes you feel good. Or perhaps it’s a full-out vision for a company that you want to create. Wherever you are, give yourself the grace and space to listen to what feels right to you, gives you energy, or simply makes you feel a little happier. Those are crumbs to follow and see where they will lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelyoga.com
- Instagram: rachelscottyoga
- Twitter: rachelscottyoga
- Facebook: rachelscottyoga
- Youtube: rachelscottyoga
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