Julie Rebels Yoga

At the closing of my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher training, I experienced the most beautiful outpouring of love and affirmation in the form of a "stone ceremony". I sat in a circle with my trainers, Cindy, Tisha and Marisa, and the other 4 amazing women who went through this 18-month journey with me. We each chose a river rock and then passed it around in a circle -- each woman writing one word on the rock that described the person it belonged to. One by one we told stories about each person and why our word was chosen. It's really hard to choose just one word. I was puzzled to hear the first word that described me: "BAMF". I shook my head, "what?" "Bad A$$ mother f#$%er". I laughed. So many other beautiful words and stories were shared and I soaked it in. I felt empowered, and validated for all the hard work I've put in over the last 18 months. And soooo truly grateful for these women. I held my river rock - stable, smooth, shaped by the current, dappled with words:? Devoted Driven Youthful Compassionate Deep Superstar And even BAMF. I want to keep it in my pocket, but it's pretty heavy. So I'll opt to make this photo my phone's wallpaper, and look at it every day and remember that THIS is who I am. So if this is the kind of yoga teacher you are looking for, send me a DM! I'd love to work with you!

My journey through 500+ hours of yoga teacher training has opened my eyes to possibilities beyond the studio walls. While I've deepened my understanding of yoga philosophy and trauma-informed approaches, I find myself drawn to a greater calling: bringing yoga's power to those who might never step foot on a traditional mat. The healing potential of yoga extends far beyond stereotypical "flexibility." It offers a pathway to pain relief, resilience, mental clarity, and injury prevention. As I considered where these benefits could create the most impact, my thoughts turned to first responders – the men and women who run toward danger while others run away. First responders embody physical prowess, work ethic, and dedication to serving others. Yet these qualities can exact a heavy toll on their bodies, minds, and relationships. I knew if I could help any community perform their duties while preserving their wellbeing, this was it. My research began in earnest. I studied literature about teaching yoga to firefighters and Navy SEALs, listened to law enforcement discussing burnout, and connected with instructors pioneering yoga and functional movement programs for fire crews and police academies. Their mission resonated deeply: equipping our protectors with tools to reach retirement whole and healthy. This mission is personal. My family includes veterans, firefighters, and police officers – heroes who've witnessed more trauma in one day than most experience in a lifetime. Their candid insights helped shape my understanding, but I knew I needed to witness their reality firsthand. The fire department granted me ride-along opportunities. I watched a Mayday drill — in simulated blackout conditions, crews demonstrated a masterclass in teamwork and survival skills. This wasn't just about physical strength; it was about split-second decisions, air management, and maintaining composure in chaos. There was no room for perfect form or taking breaks. The intensity was staggering. Witnessing their training crystallized my conviction that yoga has a vital role to play in their profession. Where every breath matters, yoga's emphasis on breath control becomes crucial. Its focus on multi-directional movement patterns and balanced muscle engagement can build more resilient bodies less prone to injury. The practice of mindfulness and breathwork can enhance mental clarity and strengthen intuitive responses through improved interoception. As funding for public service initiatives faces uncertainty, supporting these everyday heroes feels more urgent than ever. My commitment has only deepened – it's time to serve those who've made service their life's work. Comments welcome, please! What skills do you feel are most needed for emergency personnel? Please share with a first responder in your life - I welcome the chance to build a program that addresses true needs for this community. #FirstResponderTraining #ServingThoseWhoServe #FireDepartment #yoga #functionalmovement