Introducing Rachael Schauer and True Earth Yoga
We are thrilled to introduce you to a new friend and affiliate, Rachael Schauer of True Earth Yoga.
March is Women’s Month! We thought, what better time to introduce you to some incredible females in the Northland.
Rachael is a new friend to Boreal Bliss. Absent COVID, we think we would have co-hosted a retreat by now. We sincerely look forward to introducing the BB community to this yogi!
We are drawn to Rachael because, like us, she shares an intense love of the BWCA. So much so, that she uprooted her whole life to live near the BWCA. Read a bit more about Rachael below, and join us in giving her a warm welcome. You can find more information on her classes and offerings on her website here: https://www.trueearthyoga.com/
Where did you take your RYT200?
Devanadi School of Yoga and Wellness, based out of Minneapolis, MN, holds a 235 hour teacher training in Fargo, ND. I completed the majority of the training while still living in Fargo and commuted for the final two weekends after I moved to Lutsen, MN. Andrea Krecji Paradis was my main teacher. IT WAS LIFE CHANGING.
Where are you from, and how long have you lived in Northern MN?
I grew up on a small farm south of Valley City, ND and lived in Fargo/Moorhead for seven years before moving to Lutsen, MN with my partner and our pets in early 2020. We've been up here just over one year now and absolutely love it.
What drew you to the Lutsen area?
As we were driving away from our BWCA trip in fall 2019, I turned to my partner and said, “We should move here.” When he responded, “yeah sure” I interpreted that to mean, “YES WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? Start making calls now!” A few short months later we were housed, employed, and calling Cook County, MN home. We live in a cozy log cabin on an inland lake just five miles up from Lake Superior, five minutes away from the Superior Hiking Trail, and a short 30 minute drive to the closest BWCA entry point. With the countless outdoor opportunities, Lutsen has been the absolute perfect place to be “stuck” during quarantine.
What style(s) of yoga do you teach?
I love to teach folks how to make the most of their everyday lives in my four week program, MeaningFULL Moments. I believe the most transformational tools for lasting wellness come from small shifts we make with our breath, body, mind, and spirit. This program is my heart's baby and combines all my favorite lifestyle tools from yoga, ayurveda, and psychology. I've spent over six years in trauma-informed work and that definitely influences my approach to teaching.
In my weekly classes, my students allow themselves to move intentionally and connect within. Yes, it will be a bit of a workout, but most importantly, my classes are a work IN. We would love for you to join us! All classes are held via Zoom and you can sign up at trueearthyoga.com/book-online or download the app from our website.
If you'd like to explore yoga, but classes don't fit into your budget, we offer Karma Yoga. There are several ways you can "pay" for a yoga class, such as sharing True Earth Yoga events on social media or helping us with a quick project. Email Rachael at trueearthyoga@gmail.com to learn more and start your practice.
What is your favorite style of yoga to practice?
I practice pranayama (breathing) and meditation every day. I also strive to be an observer, rather than a reactor, to the events in my life. The most exciting asana (poses) for me are arm balances! I love to play around with my physical strength and work toward different poses as well as care for my body after all my outdoor activities.
Tell us about your most memorable wildlife encounter in Minnesota.
On my first BWCA trip as an adult, we saw FOUR moose! One bull moose swam directly toward our camp at the end of Clearwater Lake, HUGE bull moose shook the earth with each of his footsteps at the top of Johnson Falls, and a cow and her calf swam in front of us on our paddle across Caribou Lake. It was incredible.
How many weekends do you plan to be in the BWCA this summer?
In short - As many weekends as possible! So far I have eight personal trips booked, one being a 10 day trip.
My dear friend, Jodi, and I are also planning to lead two trips for womxn to embrace the wilderness, leap outside their comfort zone, and discover their true nature in the BWCA. We will be hosting information sessions on these trips in March! If you'd like to learn more, sign up for my newsletter on the website, trueearthyoga.com.
Do you have a motto or quote that you live by?
Practicing yoga will connect you with your true nature within.
tada drashtuh svarupe ‘vasthanam | Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras 1.3
This quote from the yoga sutras influences my personal practice as well as everything I do in True Earth Yoga. Yoga isn't something we do once a week for one hour in a yoga class. Our yoga practice is a way of living with intention and being mindful of our experiences. Since deepening my yoga practice, I have discovered, cherished, and nurtured my true self within.
Any parting thoughts?
I am grateful and humbled to have found community with the Boreal Bliss gals. They are a group of incredible womxn who share my passion for genuine yoga and the love of the great outdoors. I am SO EXCITED for True Earth Yoga to grow with them.
