Inspiring Women - Rachel Zinman

 Welcome to our new Inspiring Women Series ~ please read the interview with beloved yogi Rachel Zinman ~ truly an inspiring woman in our books

1. How has yoga most affected your life from when you started practicing till now?

Yoga has completely changed the way I see myself and the world around me. In fact, Yoga has revolutionised my perspective. Especially the meaning of Yoga,which is oneness. No longer seeing things as personal I am able to accept whatever life brings with an open heart.

2. What would be the most empowering aspect of being a woman in todays modern time?

Having the ability to say No when something goes against my intuition and values

3. Most challenging aspect of being a woman in todays modern time?

That there are still ways that women are perceived in the world that go against what we actually are. I.e in capable in some way or other. 

4. How long have you been shopping with Divine Goddess and what would be your favorite product? 

I have been shopping at Divine goddess since day one, I actually remember that my first purchase was at the Byron market and it was probably an eye pillow and a yoga mat. I am in love with your yoga pants and tops. Especially the Taranga Top!

5. What about Divine Goddesses products makes you feel confident and beautiful? 

I love the way they fit and also how you can find something no matter what your size or shape. Almost all my yoga gear is divine goddess so I feel really relaxed when I teach and share because I know I look stylish and presentable. I don’t feel that yoga teaching is about presenting an image or having to look a certain way, but it helps students focus when your own personal style isn’t distracting. Divine goddess yoga wear keeps the focus on Yoga!

6. How do you feel about the future and the impact yoga will have on younger generations?

I wish more people would be interested in what yoga is all about. The focus seems to be more and more on the physical aspect, which these days I wouldn't even call yoga. Real yoga is about understanding yourself and creation. The physical practices can never free you, they can only keep the body strong and healthy and set the ground work for knowing more.

7. If you could ask your younger self anything in the world, what advice would you give and why?

Rather than trying to master postures learn to be a master of yourself!

8. Do you have children? What would be the most important life lesson you would want to teach them? (Boys & Girls!)

I have a son and he is 23 ( nearly 24) I feel I have given him the gift I was given by my parents which is ‘be yourself!’ He is very much his own person, creative, talented and caring.

9. Do you feel you have the possibility or chance to change a small part of the world? Why and why not?

Yes absolutely! I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 42. At first I was devastated and in complete denial. I refused to believe it was true. I actually went through a period of losing faith in yoga. Then I went on Insulin and connected with a worldwide community of people living with diabetes and I realised that my yoga practice had given me so much. And not only that but that I could help others manage their diabetes with yoga like I had. I decided to write a book not only sharing my personal story, but a how to book, it’s called Yoga for Diabetes, How to Manage Your Health with Yoga and Ayurveda.. I am so excited that it will published in October 2017 and have world wide distribution. It’s going to hopefully help a lot of people with all types of diabetes live healthier and happier lives

10. What do you love most about yourself?

My enthusiasm and work ethic. When I set my mind to something I always get it done.

11. What were the biggest obstacles you had to over come to be the person you are today? How did you learn to accept mistakes and move on?

For a long time, I felt like something about me wasn’t right. That I didn’t look right, or that I could never do the right thing. Yoga has helped me to see that there is nothing more right than being alive and that there is nothing I can do to be a better version of myself. Simply existing is enough. I think living with a chronic condition has helped me to come to terms with that.

12. What would be your number one goal to achieve within your own yoga practice?

To keep being consistent, to practice every day no matter what.

13. What motivates you to continue your journey in the yoga community?

I can’t imagine being out of the community. It's a place to share, connect and stay inspired.

14. How often do you find yourself outside of your comfort zone? Does this push you to thrive forward in yoga and in life?

I am constantly out of my comfort zone because of my health condition. I live with the unexpected and yes with out yoga and the practices I would most likely be a nervous wreck! Yoga has literally saved my life 

15. How long have you been practicing yoga?

34 years