Hi, I'm Raquel Lines, a Physical Therapist and Professional Yoga Therapist deeply passionate about health and wellness. My journey towards a balanced, mindful life has been anything but linear. Growing up, I was surrounded by wellness principles, thanks to my mother, a physical education teacher and master gardener, who ingrained the importance of holistic health in me. Despite this early exposure, I often found myself caught in a chaotic loop, chasing perfectionism and pushing my body through rigorous workouts without ever finding true peace.

Movement has always been a core part of my life. I started dancing at a young age, which evolved into teaching aerobics while I pursued a degree in Exercise Science. Eventually, I attended Physical Therapy school, where I deepened my understanding of the benefits of movement and exercise. However, even with all this knowledge, I still felt a profound void—an absence of peace and mindfulness amidst the daily stresses of life.

It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my third child, grappling with a significant family trauma, that I stumbled upon yoga. A friend invited me to a yoga class at a local gym. I arrived with no mat, no expectations, and left early to return to the demands of being a busy mother. I was still entrenched in my hardcore workout routines, running and pushing myself, all while failing to truly manage my stress.

Yet, something about that brief encounter with yoga stayed with me. Over time, I began to realize that while I was challenging my body physically, I was neglecting the crucial need for peace and rest. Yoga became the missing link—a practice that not only challenged my body but also brought balance to my mind and life. It was in yoga that I found the mindfulness I had been chasing through other forms of movement.

As a society, we often sit, drive, and work in positions that put our bodies in a constant state of flexion. Yoga reminded me of the importance of extension movements to balance with the demands of every day living. It filled the gaps that traditional workouts couldn’t address, offering a holistic approach that united breath, movement, and mindfulness.

Hiking and being in nature were also integral parts of my journey. They bridged the gap between breathwork and movement, allowing me to connect with the natural world in a way that brought deeper awareness to my yoga practice. Yoga, in essence, became the unifying force that brought together all aspects of my life, helping me to move from a stressful existence to a peaceful, abundant lifestyle.

Now, I invite you to join me on this journey of wellness and movement. Whether you are just beginning or are well along your healing path, I am here to support you as we grow together in mindfulness and true wellness. Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it is a way of life that brings balance, peace, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.

What moves you? Let's find that together.