Follow along as we share stories of self-discovery, inspiration, resilience, aspirations, and bravery that showcase the unique yoga journeys of the passionate individuals who make up this member community.
“I am a multifaceted person that does not let any one thing define me. I am a mother, daughter, teacher, business owner, metaphysical minister, and Washoe tribal member. All of these things mean the world to me and each one is so very important.“
– Dr. Jackie Cope
Q: First, tell us a little about yourself.
A: I am a multifaceted person that does not let any one thing define me. I am a mother, daughter, teacher, business owner, metaphysical minister, and Washoe tribal member. All of these things mean the world to me and each one is so very important. I grew up in a small town which gave me strong values of friendship, family and connection to nature. When I went to college I was lost, I had a hard time connecting with an urban setting and being around so many people. I had recently had knee surgery due to a sports injury and had a very hard time getting around campus. Within the first few weeks of college I took my first yoga class and it grew into a beautiful practice that never stopped. My first yoga class was with a very athletic black man and he was very keen on repairing and healing sports injuries as that is what happened for him as well. My first yoga experiences with this teacher enlightened me and taught me natural healing. I will always remember my first yoga teacher. As I got further into my yoga practice after college, I soon realized that the space was not as diverse as I would have liked it to be, especially compared to my first experience. I have yet to have another black male yoga teacher. I believe yoga still has room to grow and diversify. By my late 20’s I knew I wanted to go to yoga teacher training on top of all my other accomplishments. After I finished my doctorate in education, I rewarded myself with a less traditional academic program and signed up for my 200-hour yoga teacher training online as society shifted post pandemic. It was the best decision I ever made. Taking time to focus on my mind, body, and spirit was exactly what I needed after living such a traditional academic life. I currently own and operate my business RavenRabbit LLC. I am on a mission to help people have a spiritual, holistic, indigenous approach to life, healing and happiness.
Q: What does yoga in action look like to you?
A: Yoga in action looks like people deeply connecting to who they are in this modern world. Yoga connects you to mind, body, and spirit, which ultimately brings you back to nature and mother earth. Yoga is a physical practice that awakens your earthly body. Through that awakening and realigning, you can start to take yoga to deeper levels, such as meditation, resilience and healing. Our modern world is full of distractions that can lead us off our path of enlightenment. We have to actively search for the positive, light, and love while here. Then we have to continually remind ourselves about it. Yoga is one step in connecting to the light and love that is abundant around us.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting a yoga journey?
A: If you are thinking about starting your yoga journey just do it! I waited years to finally do it and wish I had started sooner. I put it to the side as I pursued my academic journey and professional journey. I really needed more balance in my life and focusing on yoga would have helped with that balance. Now that I am an instructor my work life balance is starting to regulate and I know my nervous system is thanking me for it. We do not have to confine ourselves to the demands of a capitalistic society when our health is on the line. Put yourself first and take care of your body, or else you won’t be able to achieve anything else that is important to you.
Q: Tell us about the community you serve?
A: I serve my small town I grew up in. After college I came home to be a Kindergarten teacher. I started teaching yoga to my students for an after-school club and it was great to see kids tap into their mind and body. I opened a Wellness Studio in my small town at the beginning of 2023 and have served many community members. I mainly help older clients who need healing in many ways. Some need to increase their mobility and flexibility to continue to enjoy the things they love. Some need time to de-stress and get back into connection with their mind, body and spirit. I also serve a lot of mothers who need time to reconnect to who they are and their body. Motherhood is a major shift for many women and yoga can help mothers navigate the changes. It is so important to serve my rural community because there are not many options for health and wellness where we live. While my clients live an outdoor life connected to nature, our town does not have the amenities that support a well-rounded life.
Q: The most meaningful part of my Yoga Alliance membership has been…
A: Staying connected to the yoga community as a rural resident. There are very few yoga teachers for me to connect with in my rural town and it’s nice to log on and read meaningful articles, get emails, and stay connected.
Ways to learn more about Jackie and her work:
Follow Jackie on social media here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenrabbitllc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenRabbitLLC
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenrabbitllc
Website: https://ravenrabbit.com/
Find Jackie in the Yoga Alliance Directory here: