Finding Purpose in Loss: Paula Franco Ruiz's Healing Journey Through Yoga Episode 96

Yogalebrity

Welcome to the Yogalebrity Podcast, hosted by Angelica Govaert. In this weekly show, we delve into the captivating origin stories of different yoga teachers, aiming to inspire others to practice yoga, explore its depths, and perhaps even embark on their own journey to becoming yoga teachers themselves.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of introducing our special guest, Paula Franco Ruiz. Paula is on a mission to share the incredible benefits that yoga has brought to her life while drawing inspiration from her students and their unique journeys. With a passion for working with diverse individuals from various cultures, backgrounds, bodies, and special needs, Paula continuously seeks ways to make yoga accessible to all.

Breaking stereotypes, Paula embraces her identity as a proud Latina and a 44-year-old with a big body, defying the conventional image of a yoga instructor in the West. Her profound connection with yoga traces back to her childhood when she spent summers at her grandmother's house and accompanied her aunt, a dedicated yoga practitioner, to her classes. The experience left a lasting impact, igniting Paula's love for yoga and its transformative power.

As life unfolded, Paula moved to San Diego, where she discovered a yoga studio conveniently located near her apartment. Eager to rekindle her yoga practice, she attended classes sporadically during her twenties, sometimes facing financial constraints. It wasn't until her thirties that she committed to a more consistent practice, realizing that she desired a deeper understanding of yoga beyond what regular classes offered.

Driven by the ambition to enhance her own practice, Paula enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training, initially without the intention of becoming an instructor. However, her natural teaching skills, leadership experience in dance, and voluntary work with children complemented her journey. Coincidentally, as she graduated from the training, she discovered she was pregnant, leading her and her husband to relocate to Long Beach, California, where unforeseen circumstances awaited.

Tragedy struck when Paula and her husband lost their first baby just four weeks before the due date, leaving her in a state of emptiness and purposelessness. In search of solace and a means to heal, Paula and her husband sought physical activity together. Their quest led them to a sports and health center, where Paula's husband encouraged her to inquire about teaching yoga. Despite her initial lack of confidence, Paula took a leap of faith, realizing she had nothing to lose. This bold move paved the way for opportunities as the center offered her substitute teaching positions that gradually transformed into her own classes.

Paula's teaching repertoire includes Yoga Flow, Hatha, prenatal yoga, and Yoga Trapeze classes. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Pilgrimage of the Heart in San Diego under the guidance of the incredible Iyengar teacher, Nikole Fortier. Additionally, she obtained her Prenatal Yoga Certification from Danielle Brand-Lemond at Pilgrimage of the Heart and completed the Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training with Lucas Rockwood at Sage Studio in Fallbrook, California. Currently, Paula is pursuing her 300-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training with our very own host, Angelica Govaert.

Join us on the Yogalebrity Podcast as we unravel the inspiring journey of Paula Franco Ruiz, a yoga teacher who defied expectations, overcame personal challenges, and discovered her purpose through the practice of yoga. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and enlightened as we dive into the stories of remarkable individuals who have made yoga their way of life.

Connect with Paula @radientlightyogi on Instagram and YouTube

To apply to Angelica's Yogalebrity Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs visit https://www.yogateachertraining.yoga

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