Finding the heart of yoga - by prescription.

Can the teachings of yoga philosophy make you a better friend, partner, parent and leader? Can the themes of ancient texts inform the way we understand the world? Rare teacher and author Rachael Coopes found out that they can – by prescription.

At 19 years old, Coopes’ life felt like a battlefield of doubt, confusion, fear and panic. Sitting in a psychiatrist’s office, she was prescribed not drugs or another referral, but a list of books on the philosophy of Buddhism and yoga.

“[The doctor] told me there was nothing wrong with me”, says Rachael, “I just felt things in a big way. The books could give me tools to manage those feelings”. And so her love affair with ancient wisdom began.

While most of us come to the practice of yoga through asana (movement), Rachael dove into the philosophy and mythology that forms the foundation of the practice. Guided through the study of epic texts such as The Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Yoga Sutras she explored some of life’s biggest questions. Who am I, why am I here, what is my purpose?

“I’m a proudly imperfect yogi”, Coopes states. “I have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to embody these texts in an attempt to apply them in this crazy ass world. They have taught me how to access my inner strength and face the battlefield of life with as much grace as I can muster.”

Rachael will be sharing her knowledge of yoga philosophy and its practical application in The Heart of Yoga, a four day course offered exclusively at Rare: 8am-5pm  25-26 November and 2-3 December 2023. The training will explore how we can use the fundamental concepts of yoga to develop greater self awareness, cultivate more meaningful relationships and intelligently serve the world.