Rotem Ratner

A senior Yoga instructor, owner of Desert Spirit Yoga studio, has been walking the path of Yoga for over 20 years. Leader of group, individual and workshops practices

 

 

I live in moshav Pharan, in the the Arava desert. Happily married to Rotem and mother to Lia, Naomi and Oded.

I was born and raised on the moshav.

In my youth I practiced different forms of sports. I used to be a professional gymnast and later danced and took part in different sports.

When I was first exposed to Yoga, during my travels in India, it felt natural and familiar. 

The magic around the new hobby intensified the more I understood that Yoga is a lot more than just physical workout.

 

Yoga is a way of life for me. 

I have been practicing since 1997 and teaching since 2002.

 

Waking up early in the morning, laying out the mat, closing my eyes, checking in on my well-being. Starting to open my body, soul and heart. Sitting in silence and meeting myself and anything that comes up. No matter if I am tired, painfully restless or nervous is it all part of the practice. 

 

“This practice is puts down roots when done correctly with persistence and overtime” (Pantajali)

 

My practice had grown and changed with me. I have met wonderful teachers from different traditions that have influenced me and who I am grateful to. From Hata Yoga in India, Ashtanga Vinyasa with Gili and Miri Haruvi and Shimon Ben Avi, to Yoga Therapy with Gil Zolberg, Vijanana with Orit San Gopta and Noga Barkai, Kundalini Yoga with Sarit Maor and Yoga for Pregnancy Women’s with Dana Dovrat Lavie, womens Yoga with Mira Artzi  Padan and Vini Yoga with Gila Zion.

There is a constant exchange between the practice on the mat and practice in everyday life and a striving for balance and peacefulness.

 

For me, Yoga is an inner quest, bringing me together with my deepest layers. By peeling away the subordinate, the essence is revealed. With reduction and introversion there is more focus, quiet and clarity. It is a wonderful way to cleanse and improve - be better human beings. Live in a world with less fear, sadness and depression, and more love, health and self-acceptance.

From deeply listening to our bodies needs daily – a precision and creativity is comes into being.