Raquel began practicing in a studio over 25 years ago with her first Iyengar teacher Jan Campbell in Nashville, TN. The precision of this practice along with the deep body/mind connection resonated profoundly within her. After moving back to her hometown of Los Angeles, Raquel was fortunate enough to experience a multitude of approaches and styles. Alongside her passion for yoga, she began the practice of Zen Buddhism; taking her Buddhist precepts (Jukai) in 2002.
Inspired by art, creativity, and belonging, Raquel creates a practice that brings to life the holistic and healing nature of yoga; a practice where everyone belongs. A self-identified biracial Mexican-American, her faith in the practice of “allowing” inspires people of all orientations to simply, yet deeply, access and connect more passionately with spirit. Her teaching style integrates real-life experience and the science and philosophy of yoga; enhancing a spiritual, mental and physical context for your body and mind in the world.
Raquel led one of Nashville respected and recognized studios before it migrated to Liberation Online Yoga Studio. She is a lead 300hr YTT facilitator for Indra Yoga Institute as well as conducting the yearly Liberation: Soul Migration 200hr YTT. Raquel is a sought after guest teacher and leads a multitude of soul-based workshops. Always a student, Raquel studies Vedic chanting at KYM in Chennai, Ayurveda with some of the world’s most respected teachers, Vedanta with Jyothi Chalam, and often pilgrimages to India to honor and stay connected to the rich legacies of yoga.
As a guest speaker and conference presenter, Raquel leads large-scale yoga and meditation sessions. In addition to guiding audiences in these practices, Raquel gives talks on Diversity and Inclusion, honoring the stories of our lived experiences. Having studied sculpting in Italy, together with her love of poetry writing, she believes all life is art.
Raquel is unendingly humbled and honored by the students who practice with her and how profoundly these ancient teachings have influenced her growth as a constant student of this amazing and beautiful life.
This changes all the time depending on my life circumstance! The transitions between poses when I’m needing acceptance, the stability and steadiness of holding poses when I’m needing grounding and the continuity of the form or shape when I’m exploring my edges and leaning into more grace…this is what makes the asana practice magical. Secretly, I love ardha chandrasana because of its evolution of expansion…but don’t let the other poses know I have a favorite!
“The beauty is not in the form itself, it’s in the transitions.”~Eran Webber, Sculptor
Humility and Grace. We can never have enough of either of these practices. I often use language as inspiration to cultivate practices that connect me and remind me to listen to the wisdom of my intuition and my heart. Mantra, movement, and stillness ARE the innate abilities of integration we were born with, our literal birthrights. Through the heart-language of yoga, I believe we can evolve beyond our differences, our choices, and anything that keeps up seperate from ourselves and each other.
The teachings of yoga not only propel us forward but sometimes ask us to take a step back or to step aside. Yoga is not only the way in but it is also the way out.
~Raquel was an incredible teacher and so generous with her knowledge and insights. She was completely present for every lesson, and loving and kind throughout the whole training.
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~Her wisdom and knowledge are so incredibly inspiring. Her joy and enthusiasm make any minute in class enjoyable!
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