Posted by Rima Thierry

Rima Thierry based in Los Angeles, CA has been awarded the Grace of Giving Scholarship to study in the Pure Teacher Training at Equinox in Fall 2010. We are incredibly grateful to introduce Rima. Here she shares her life experiences through her video and touching essay:

On Finding Yoga

“I often tell my friends and family that I figure out my life on my yoga mat.  For some reason, just unrolling my mat – the sound of it unsticking, the smell of my yoga studio – helps me come to my breath and realize that everything is as it should be.  I hold my practice close to my heart, and feel most myself when in my yoga clothes, barefoot, on my mat, with beads of sweat dripping down my nose.  It is hard for me to choose a favorite asana, because as I’m sure many yogis experience, my body craves different poses depending on the day.  One of the asanas that connects me most to my inner grace is King Dancer Pose, or Natarajasana. Natarajasana allows me to feel tall and graceful, and with my chest expanded and my heart open I find that it creates an amazing amount of space for my breath.  At the same time, being a balancing pose, King Dancer demands an immense amount of focus.  As it is often the case with balancing poses, the pose allows me to truly assess the condition of my mind and my body on that particular day.  Natarajasana will always check me if I am pushing too hard, or thinking about what to cook for dinner during my practice.  It demands me to slow my practice down, and soak in all the goodness yoga has to offer.  In King Dancer I am long and graceful, and my heart is open the world and all its opportunities.”

On Rima’s Involvement with Medical Relief Work

“I have been involved in medical relief work for the last five years, coordinating treatment for sick children who cannot afford and/or do not have access to health care. I am planning on incorporate my yoga training in my volunteer/ not-for-profit work and using my teacher training to bring yoga to people that may not otherwise have access to it, or may not seek it out themselves.  I am especially interested in providing sick children and their caregivers the tools to overcome their challenges through the mindfulness and wellness practices grounded in yoga.”

On Receiving Grace of Giving Scholarship

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to have received the Zobha Grace of Giving Scholarship.  My yoga practice means so much to me, and I am excited to finally be able to pass the gift of yoga on to others.  I hope to approach my teacher training as I approach my practice- with patience and non-judgment, a quiet mind, and an open heart.”

Stay connected with Rima on her teacher training journey as we share her experiences at Pure Yoga Teacher Training at Equinox in Los Angeles, CA.