Rachel have been practicing yoga since 2006, when she first step on her mat at the YMCA in New York City where she lived.  Her healing journey began that September day, where she fell in love with yoga and how it made her feel afterwards; stronger, more flexible, confident and compassionate toward others, but mainly herself. It also allowed her body to release the stress it was holding on to.

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In 2017, Rachel loss her only son, Timothy T. Eckels, Jr., while serving on the USS McCain. Whilst trying to navigate the many layers of grief, Rachel dove deeper into the things that have been her anchor; Yoga, Food and Spirituality.  She used yoga to move the grief out of her body and spirituality to gain inner guidance. Food to aid in the healing process which allowed her body and soul permission to release the pain of grief and trauma, reconnecting back to her strength, her heart center.  

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Rachel's intentions for The Joy in Grief is to help others heal from grief. "Grief doesn't have to be sadness each and every day.  We can learn to see grief as a continuation of living because they are still with us, souls connected. Once we understand grief can be beautiful, we remove the heaviness of it."  

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Certified in vinyasa yoga, power and grief yoga. Rachel has taught various classes throughout Washington, DC., ranging from summer camp at Chevy Chase Club, Navy GoldStar Family retreats, DC Parks and Recreation, Federal Government Buildings, JBAB and Ft. Belvoir Military bases. In addition, she has taught yoga to bereavement groups, held healing circles on the National Mall and provided private bereavement sessions.

 

Rachel have over 25 years of experience as a Project Coordinator, working in major industries such as Banking, Education and Federal Government. She also hold an African American History Certification Degree and studied Sociology at Northern Virginia College.

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