BIOGRAPHY

After a brief exposure to yoga in my teens and early 20s, my yoga practice started in earnest with Gary and Donita Reitz and Brenda Fleming in their beautiful sunny studio (Half Moon Studio, Crested Butte, CO) in the early '90s. I bow to them for bringing me into alignment with Iyengar precision and hearts full of passion and support. I was challenged in a new way everyday and the seed was planted for my continued yoga journey.

I moved to Seattle in late 1996 and shortly thereafter found a true mentor, teacher and dear friend in Denise Benitez. I honor Denise as my inspiration for teaching yoga. I apprenticed with her before I took my first teacher training with Theresa Elliot and Kathryn Payne receiving my Teacher Certification from Pacific Yoga in Seattle. I honor Theresa as a profound teacher on my journey to deepen my practice and become a teacher. I started teaching in early 2000 and since that time my students have been some of my greatest teachers and guides.

Over the years I have been privileged to study with many great teachers from around the world who have had a deep impact on my life and practice. When I met John Friend in early 2001 and delved deeper into the practice of Anusara Yoga knew I had found a true home in the heart of Anusara and its community. I had been looking for a tradition in which everything was honored as sacred and sweet and I found it. I received my Anusara Yoga Certification in 2002. I currently serve on the Anusara Certification Committee, mentoring teachers working towards their certification and deeping their teaching skills. Since 2000 I have also been a student of Sanskrit, studying with Aja Thomas of the Atma Institute of Portland. This study has deepened my practice in many ways as the language is is so profound and multifaceted.

I see my extraordinary life as a testament to the transformational power of yoga. My practice and teaching are infused with my fascination and study of the world's mystical traditions and my passion for self-exploration. My intention is to create a fun, safe and sacred space for others to nourish their spirits, connect with their bodies and explore their infinite potential. I am known for my humor and clarity and I relish sharing this beautiful journey called Yoga with my students.

"Rainey creates a very supportive atmosphere and guides her students with grace. She offers attainable challenges and always allows students to define their own pace. Rainey's classes offer a kind of spiritual athleticism, exercising both the mind and body. Even after 4 years of yoga practice, I still learn something new from Rainey every week. "
J A