Desiree Rumbaugh (USA)
International Yoga Teacher, Author Fearless After Fifty
Desiree Rumbaugh is an internationally recognized yoga teacher. She travels the globe offering workshops and retreats, sharing knowledge she has accumulated over the past three decades of working with students of all ages and levels of experience. She is the co-author of “Fearless After Fifty: How to Thrive With Grace, Grit and Yoga” and has online classes available through Tintyoga, Yoga Download, Shri TV, Gaia and Yoginit. Desiree holds fast to the teaching that Love is Stronger Than Fear. Having navigated personal tragedy, she has relied on the study and practice of Yoga to help her move forward in life with inner strength and courage. Known also for her warmth, authenticity and playful sense of humor, Desiree is a master at delivering the complexity of yoga in a down-to-earth, easily understandable way.
She currently resides in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with her husband, Andrew Rivin. Read her whole story.
What's your definition of a SoulJour?
A SoulJour is someone who remembers who they are at the deepest level by devoting themselves to some type of regular practice. Upon this remembrance, they are inspired to reach out to others in some way to help however they can. Dedicated helpers.
What mantra/quote/belief do you life by?
Love is Stronger Than Fear is a guide for my mind and heart. I return to it whenever I feel afraid or unsure. In the end, the response that stems from love always feels better.
What's been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been learning to go with the Flow of Life. The experience of losing my son in 2003 forced me to finally get the message that I am not in control. I had to learn to weave this deep loss into my spiritual journey and I had to expand my perspective 1000 fold to even begin to understand how to hold grief and joy simultaneously in my life. This work has helped me grow in compassion for others who suffer in any way and it has taught me to live more fully and appreciate each precious moment. It has been painful of course, but after so much time has passed, I can see the perspective it has given me.
How did you heal?
A heavy dose of counseling, plus sharing my story with others.
How did you turn this challenge into opportunity?
That's a tough one. I am not sure I will ever to be able to say this was a gift, that is just too difficult for my human mother self. My Divine Self can see it though and can understand that the gift or the deepening has been around my level of connection with and compassion for all the others in the world who have suffered such a big loss.
What's your daily practice?
Hatha Yoga. It's my absolute passion and my healing place.
What's #1 on your bucket list currently?
Live on or near a farm.