Today we’d like to introduce you to Reanna Livingston.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Reanna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Yoga and writing are the two things that saved me and guided me to where I am today.
Growing up, I loved to write. I had multiple journals throughout my teenage years that were filled with teenage love woes and best friend break-up’s. My love for writing eventually gave me my first break when I entered a contest and won a [very] small grant for college. Once I started college, my unresolved childhood trauma became the new leader of my yellow brick road path. My past trauma opened up a door of vulnerability creating a home full of depression and drug use. I was lost and sought healing in dark places. I lost the passion for writing, misplaced my pen, and eventually dropped out of college.
When my medications stopped working, my therapy sessions ran out, and addiction took over—I found myself in my first yoga class, which led to a second class, which then grew into an everyday practice. With time, yoga calmed my mind and opened my eyes to a new perspective, a profound self-love and a therapeutic journey.
This awakening led me to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Business with a focus in Marketing, I became a certified yoga teacher in 2012, and my writer’s block started to dissolve. My love for writing slowly resurfaced and I re-discovered my love for words. I am lucky to have found my pen (which was always in the last place I left it). By finding my pen, I found my voice and by finding my voice, I found a home for myself.
I am a big believer that writing and yoga is a rhythm guided by your mind, body, and soul awaiting to be awakened. From writer’s block to a published other, from drugs to downward facing dog—I am grateful for the lessons learned and for my teachings and practices full of purpose.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I can’t say living your passion is always full of rainbows and unicorns, but I can say that it makes me internally happy and full of purpose. Teaching is a service and I am so incredibly thankful for where I am today, even if it’s not always the greenest grass on the side of the fence where I’m standing.
The plus side of being on the other side of the fence is the opportunity to stand back and absorb a beautiful picture of being in the moment and the chance to find a new path to get to where I’m going. The shift and uneasiness are the true stepping stones to leading your business into an ocean of prospect.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wild Leaf Yoga story. Tell us more about the business.
It was a long and bumpy road, but I am proud of my hard work over the years in becoming an E-RYT 200, RYT 500, and YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider®). I am honored to have self-published my first book with the help from my editor Bryonie Wise, cover creation by Jenny Pugh, Photography for my book by Sandra Johnson, and my community who constantly reminds me of my purpose. The creation of Wild Leaf Yoga makes me proud because it shines my truth and I am so grateful for my journey of up’s and down’s because it led me to exactly where I am today.
A peek into what I offer:
Classes: My intention is to lead with a vibrant passion and a soulful shine. My vinyasa and yin classes are fueled with self-em[power]ment of mind and body techniques that can be used on and off the mat.
Workshops: My workshops are educational, accessible, and welcoming–and I enjoy providing a safe-space for breaking down the deeper aspects of yoga. A few I offer every year: “Heavy on the hands, light on the feet: beginner head and handstand”, “Beauty of the Props: how to modify and advance using props”,
Retreats: From Blue Ridge Mountains to Costa Rica… check out my “Finding” series for a true escape to inspire the mind, body and soul.
Author: In December of 2016, I published my first book “the words I read to {You}”, which is a collection of readings that empower, inspire and create room for self-discovery. Words that fire up your inner truth, inspire the mind and relax the restless soul. In December of 2018, I will be releasing my second book “Pieces of a Purpose”—shhhh more to come in December!
Catch me on the mat:
Be Yoga in Marietta Square: Monday 7:30 pm, Tuesday 6:30 pm, and Fri. 12:00 pm www.beyogaatlanta.com
The Center for Yoga in Woodstock: Last Friday of every month for a 90 minute Sun + Moon flow (vinyasa+yin), Sunday Yin at 3:00 pm and private sessions. www.thecenterforyoga.com
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe we can change our chances, which may bring us more “luck”. My life and business couldn’t be defined as luck.
I think it’s well-defined as working hard, staying focused on goals, living my intention, staying authentic, and appreciating the moments I fall flat on my face–because these are the opportunities where I am given a second chance to rise taller, stronger and brighter. You are your own chance-so get out of your own way and shine your passion, show your best-self, and speak your truth.
Pricing:
- Drop-in classes $12-$18
- Workshops: $20-$50
- Retreats: $500-$2000
- “the words I read to {You}: $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildleafyoga.com
- Phone: 4042479098
- Email: wildleafyoga@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Thu Tran and Sandra Johnson
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
