As I prepare to speak on a panel about power, privilege, and practice at the Yoga Journal conference in Estes Park, Colorado, I will take with me this week’s Yogi in the Community, Racheal Weathers’ story. I met this beautiful light through social media and was immediately captured by not just her beautiful asana practice, but by her words. Racheal talks with me about body image insecurities, self love practices, and yoga. Racheal embodies the ways in which each of our yoga journeys are different and how we can gain tremendous amounts of benefits beyond the asana.
Name: Racheal Weathers
Location: Southern California
Hometown: Riverside California
What led you to the practice of yoga?
Winter of 2012 I was really sitting at home with NOTHING to do. I felt like I was just existing. Not progressing in life, not even a little bit. Then I came across Irene Pappas account on Instagram and just knew, THAT was what I was supposed to be doing. I didn’t know where it would take me, but I knew that I was supposed to start. And on that day, I did just that.
Why is it important for you to share your body/image practicing yoga?
Sharing/Showing my body/image is something I like to bring attention to during my practice because I struggled with body image insecurities, low self esteem and just overall self hatred for so many years. Even still today at times! Not having a slender size 0 figure OR having an abundance of “assets” in a society where it’s glorified really took a toll on me. Today, I embrace the way I’m made in hopes that I can inspire anyone who might feel like they aren’t good enough. Like they aren’t beautiful. When people watch me practice, I want then to see more than just an asana. I want them to see a fighter, someone who survived self hate, someone that never quit.
What has been the most challenging part of your practice?
One of the most challenging parts of my practice would have to be the “surprised” or “shocked” looks and comments I get when people see that I am a woman of color and can do the things that I do. 
I’ve taken 3 yoga classes and each time I’ve walked in the room and rolled out my mat, I felt eyes glaring, and later on looking right through me as if I don’t exist, as if I don’t belong. It’s challenging but I’m strong, so I keep on.
What inspires you to get on the mat?
Through my short journey I’ve realized that all I want to do from my practice is continue grow and bless as many people as I can along the way, in any way possible. I’ve grown tremendously in the past two years and I know that my story can help someone! Even if it’s only one person, that’s my purpose. My Pastor (Robert L Wilks Jr.) always teaches our congregation about being a blessing, being a giver, and living to give. So for the rest of my life I intend to do just that.
Want to keep up with Racheal? Find her on Instagram.
