Belonging starts with gratitude for the body, and in this lifetime, we only have one. Farah (she/her) is a Filipina immigrant adopted at the age of five to live on a farm in Metamora, Ohio. Belonging was often a struggle, especially in her early years, often being told through words and actions that she didn’t belong. Fast forward thirty-something years later, residing in Brooklyn, NY, and after having three children. Farah turned to Pilates and later to CrossFit to sculpt and shape her body to fit society’s culture. After a cancer diagnosis and losing both her parents she decided to explore Yoga and meditation, and in doing so, she discovered that Yoga is more than exercise and aesthetics. It became her path to self-love and true belonging. With deep gratitude to ALL her teachers, she received her initial yoga certification in 2018 at Brooklyn Yoga Project’s 200 Hour YTT with Ossi Raveh. Reiki 1, 2 attuned by Lisa Levine at Maha Rose, also in 2018. In 2023 she completed her two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification program led by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, mentored by La Sarmiento. She is honored to be a graduate of The Shala’s 2022-23, 200-hour YTT, led by Barbara Verrochi and Kristin Leigh. Farah’s Vinyasa practice is influenced by Ashtanga sequencing and mindful movement. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, silent retreats, long walks, and listening to Dharma talks. Her aspiration is that all beings live with ease and experience glimmers of joy.