We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Brodeur a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

To this day, I have heartwarming stories with my students. What keeps me going is when a student tells me I’m the reason why they’re still practicing, or that I’m their favorite teacher. Not in an ego trip way, but just a really heart felt thank you. I love this because I feel the same way about my teachers. The lineage of teacher and student is so sacred and cherished because we’re simply learning from each other, passing down wisdom and understanding ourselves better every day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi there! I’m Rachel and I’ve been teaching yoga for almost 8 years now. I got into this industry after college because I realized that I wanted to help people on a physical and psychological level through the teachings of yoga. I knew I wasn’t going to be making the same money as my office job, but the call to serve was greater than the number on a paystub. Throughout the years, I’ve taught in California, Boston, and now I teach on the South Shore of MA.

During my career I’ve trained over 500 hours in yoga, and over 120 hours in Ayurveda. I kept going because I felt like the more I learned and practiced, the more my community could benefit from me.

I currently offer classes in yin yoga, vinyasa yoga, pre-natal yoga, and meditation. I offer Ayurveda services including wellness consultations and Shirodhara, an oil based treatment. My offerings provide a well rounded approach to a holistic lifestyle. My clients have become healthier, more productive, and happier. Join in on a class or offering to see what sets me apart from others.

Right now, I’m most proud of the journey I’m on as a mother to be. I’m curating events for mothers in my area so we can connect and embrace our identity as mothers and caregivers in a community based environment.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That I’m for everyone. As a teacher, I had to learn that I’m not everyone’s teacher. It took a while because I’d see a student who only took someone else’s class and wonder what was wrong with me. But then I realized I do the same thing. I pick and choose who I spend time with on my Mat, because some teachers just resonate with me more than others. And that’s ok!

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

To diversify yourself. To not spread yourself thin. To not work for people who don’t see you for your gifts. To have another job so if you need a break from teaching you can still pay your bills.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Saltysageyoga

Image Credits
Matteo Photography