Meet Rachel Glibbery | Yoga Teacher & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Glibbery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Before focusing on yoga, I was a public school teacher. My work-life balance was essentially non-existent, and I finally reached a breaking point. The demands of being a teacher consumed my time and energy and finding a balance was a constant struggle. I’d come home at the end of the day completely drained with nothing left to give my family.

During the pandemic, when we were all forced to slow down, I recognized the toll my career was taking on my mental and physical health. I decided to leave public education and pursue remote-education work, which in turn gave me more time to focus on my passion – yoga. The transition really marked a turning point in my life and allowed me to reassess my priorities and make choices that align more closely with my values and passions.

Since making the change, my work-life balance is much healthier. Working remotely allows me the time to focus on my passions and have the flexibility to adjust my schedule and prioritize self-care. Being able to integrate work with my passion has blurred the lines between my professional and personal life, but in a positive, fulfilling way. I’m fortunate now that work is an integral part of my overall well-being, and not a separate entity competing for my time and attention.

My work-life balance has evolved from a state of constant stress and struggle to a place where my professional and personal pursuits complement each other. My life is much healthier and satisfying!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Aside from the remote education work that I do, I’m a yoga teacher, social media coordinator, and retreat facilitator. My professional journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and the pursuit of passions. While I was in the thick of public education, in the demanding role of a high school teacher, I was searching for a way to navigating the stresses of the profession. It was only when I gave myself permission to explore and study yoga that I discovered my “why.”

In 2017, I started yoga teacher training and immediately immersed myself in teaching. Since then, I’ve taught various styles of yoga in a variety of settings. I had the chance to teach yoga to a diverse group of people, and learned how valuable it can be when a teacher truly sees who you are and what you need.

I am most proud of the inclusive environment I’ve been able to create in my classes. Yoga is a practice for everyone, and I love being able to share how adaptable this practice is for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

I want the world to know that my brand and my story have roots in authenticity and inclusivity. Yoga is not just a physical exercise; it is a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being. In my classes, workshops, and retreats, I strive to foster an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported on their unique journeys. It’s my hope that through sharing the transformative potential of yoga, I can inspire others to start on their own path of self-discovery and mental and physical wellness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I tend to shy away from super-structured plans, but if my best friend were coming to visit, I’d make sure we did the following:

-A mini-yoga retreat with Rising StrongHER
-Visit Windy Hill Orchard for apples, cider, and donuts
-Walk the trails at Riverwalk
-Dinner at Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails
-Coffee and Pastries at Mado Bakery and Cafe
-A walk in downtown Rock Hill to see historic landmarks and Fountain Park

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Rising StrongHER. Rising StrongHER was created by Sara da Costa and Wendy Swanson, and is a group for women approaching midlife and beyond. This group has been a beacon of empowerment and transformation for me, and the community has played an instrumental role in my personal and professional journey. The camaraderie among women navigating the joyous, painful (and everything in between) journey called LIFE has been truly invaluable.

In celebrating my story, I can’t help but acknowledge the role that Rising StrongHER, and particularly Sara da Costa, have played. Their commitment to uplifting women in their journey of self-discovery is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the positive influence they’ve had on my life. I feel incredibly privileged to be part of this group!

Website: www.yogawithrachelg.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogawithrachelg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelglibbery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogawithrachelg/