Take 10 with Rachel Tenenbaum, Life Coach and Yoga Instructor

We’re back today with another installment in the January wellness series! Today it’s all about Rachel Tenenbaum, who is the Founder of IAM Living, a Life Coach, and Yoga Instructor. Busy gal! Not only is she a busy gal who teaches a kick ass yoga class (I love her Power Hour at Joy Yoga and can’t wait to try Rock Your Flow), she is simply one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. She’s a breath of fresh air and I’m so grateful she’s in my life. Keep reading for what inspired Rachel to get into Yoga, why meditation is such a big part of her life, and much more.

from prosecco to plaid: You left NYC after 8 years working in the fine jewelry and fine arts industries. What made you want to take that jump/leap of faith and make this big career change?

Rachel Tenenbaum: I loved my job and NYC – at the end I was traveling 30 weeks out of the year and had the opportunity to meet some incredible people — but I felt like something was missing. I started to journal every night, making a list of what brought me joy in life. After 40 days, there was a resounding list of repeated items: meaningful conversations, yoga, making a difference in someone’s life, my mother and friends, water. I decided I could vocationally continue down my path and keep my job, and avocationally bring more of what I loved into my life. Then someone asked me a life altering question: “you know what you have to lose by leaving NY, but what do you have to lose by staying?” That was the bludgeon I needed. I would lose the opportunity to really make a difference in peoples lives – to bring them joy in unforeseen ways. I would lose the opportunity to stretch myself in this manner – to see if I really could do something greater than myself.

FPTP: When did you first get into practicing yoga and what inspired you to do so?

RT: I was 16 and initially started with a Bikram practice. At the time, I was merely looking for a great workout, a cleansing sweat and something to enhance my flexibility. I actually think it saved my life in a terrible crash at 18. My body, used to so much more, was able to handle the terrible collision (and multiple flips) and I walked out with mere scrapes and bruises. Though the Bikram style is no longer a part of my regular routine, it was the gateway to my practice today.

FPTP: What would be your advice for someone who wants to get into yoga, but is a bit hesitant to begin?

RT: I would inquire as to what their reservation is. Flexibility? – I promise you 70% of my students are not extremely flexible. No strength? 60% of my students cannot do all the poses and modify until they can. Too type A? Come to my class! It is fun (great music!), I get you working, but I also guide your mind to slow down.

FPTP: What/who inspires you on a daily basis?

RT: Wow – how to answer? Can I say everyone? Most specifically my friends and my mother. While that may sound commonplace, each are so unique and offer such incredible support and inspiration.  Through their being, I desire to be a better version of myself each and every day, mind you from an inspired standpoint, not critical. On a more aspirational level, I would say Seane Corn – an incredible yogi of the mind, body and spirit, her practice really goes ‘off the mat and into the world.’ She jointly started an incredible NGO dedicated to bridging yoga and activism and her teachings have inspired so many to ‘live big.’

FPTP: I know you’re a big believer in meditation (which I’m starting to really love and get into!). How has meditation affected you and changed your life?

RT: It grounds me.  When I lived in New York, I would wake up at the very last minute, pop out of bed, push myself out of the apartment, jump onto my bike and plunge into my workday. There was rarely a pause to sit with me…to be. Setting aside time in the morning (or later in the day if need be) is like pressing the re-set button on my energy and mood. If I wake up in a great space, it settles and grounds further; if I had a bad dream or wake up on the “wrong side of the bed,” it serves to re-align. My mind still has a tendency to try and run a million miles a minute during morning meditation, but I am training it to clear out the cobwebs and create space to just “be” and that drastically affects how I approach life and the rest of my day.

FPTP: What motto/quote do you live by?

RT: How are you going to show up big? I have that on my bathroom mirror. ¨How are you going to show up big, today?¨ Can´t say I am able to do it every day, but it is certainly the intention!

FPTP: How do you unwind and relax?

RT: Time with the people I love and who make me laugh. NEED laughter. Dance! Music..so necessary for the soul. A great big bath with candles and exfoliator. Acupuncture.

FPTP: What is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?

RT: Thats hard! But I think Peru. Met some incredible people there….One family we stayed with built their entire house (and very basic plumbing system) themselves. They ate what they grew and lived a very ¨simple life¨ but were filled with such joy. Mind you, their one electronic was (not a stove) but a  radio and even on this little peruvian island, they were still very concerned with the death of Michael Jackson! (that had occurred weeks before we arrived).

FPTP: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? If so, care to share a few?

RT: Hard questions! Can’t say I have any New Years resolutions, as I (sometimes exhaustingly!) set new intentions with my own coach every week (and she checks in to be sure I am doing my ¨homework¨).  One I am currently really working on is to acknowledge that ¨this moment¨ is all that matters. Im so used to looking at how ¨this moment¨ plays into the next, years ahead, or am just lost in my own head, but have recently really understood the power behind literally ¨living in the moment.¨ It so simple, SO empowering (and rich!) when lived, but somehow not easy, especially with all the stimulation, apps, and aspirations we have these days.

FPTP: What are you most looking forward to in 2016?

RT: Oh my goodness! So much! More love, laughter, growth and continued exploration. Working with the Houston community in a larger way. There is so much out there and I am excited to jump in!

Be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram and check out her website, IAM Living. You might be wondering what IAM Living stands for: I AM Living stands for Intentional Abundant Mindful Living. The company was started to incite Intentional Abundant Mindful Living through coaching and yoga services.

Like I said, a TRUE inspiration! Thanks, Rachel!