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Aug. 20, 2024
Balancing Physical Fitness and Spiritual Awareness: A Yogic Approach
In this episode, Harmony and Russell chat with Arbely Rubalcava, a yoga teacher with a rich background in rhythmic gymnastics and over a decade of Ashtanga Yoga practice. Arbely shares her journey from competing in rhythmic gymnastics at a young age to discovering Modo Yoga in Montréal, which became a transformative practice for her. At 19, she traveled to Kerala, India, to complete a 500-hour Modo Level 1 teacher training, and later transitioned to Ashtanga Yoga, studying under Sharath Jois in Mysore. Arbely talks about the challenges of teaching yoga internationally, leading teacher trainings across various countries, and the emotional and physical toll of constant travel. Her story highlights the discipline required in both gymnastics and yoga, the importance of breath and meditation, and the evolution of her teaching practice over the years.
Key Discussion Points:
- Arbely’s early years in rhythmic gymnastics and the pressures of competitive sports.
- The transformative power of Modo Yoga and how it helped Arbely embrace and love her body.
- The journey to Kerala, India for a 500-hour Modo Level 1 teacher training at age 19.
- Transitioning from Modo Yoga to Ashtanga Yoga after moving to Regina for university.
- Studying Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore, India under Sharath Jois and assisting renowned teachers in Bali.
- Teaching yoga internationally and leading teacher trainings in Canada, Peru, and Thailand.
- The challenges of constant travel and the toll it takes on both body and mind.
- The importance of breath, meditation, and mindfulness in yoga practice.
- How yoga can be adapted to serve life’s changing circumstances and remain accessible to all.
About the Guest: Arbely Rubalcava is a dedicated yoga teacher with over 1000 hours of yoga education and more than a decade of experience in practicing Ashtanga Yoga. Born in Mexico and raised in Montréal, Arbely’s journey began with rhythmic gymnastics, leading her to discover the healing power of yoga. After completing a 500-hour Modo Level 1 teacher training in Kerala, India, at the age of 19, Arbely has since traveled the world teaching yoga, leading teacher trainings, and continuing her own education. Her approach to teaching is compassionate yet firm, and she believes yoga can be made accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or experience level.
Connect with Arbely:
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- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arbss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arbely/
- Website: https://www.yogawitharbs.com/
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- Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview
02:20 - Meet Arbali Rubakava
02:37 - Journey to Bali and Vipassana Meditation
09:13 - Arbali's Arrest in Thailand
11:34 - Growing Up in Mexico and Moving to Canada
16:04 - Discovering Rhythmic Gymnastics
21:39 - Struggles with Gymnastics and Eating Disorders
27:33 - Transition to Yoga
34:55 - Moto Yoga to Ashtanga Yoga
37:30 - The Challenge of Ashtanga Yoga
38:05 - Breath and Nervous System Connection
38:38 - The Tristana Method and Mental Clarity
43:06 - Traveling and Teaching Yoga
48:17 - Future Plans and Aspirations
49:41 - The Reality of Constant Travel
53:00 - Teaching Methodologies and Experiences
56:06 - Exploring Opportunities in Asia
01:00:57 - Connecting with the Audience
Arbely Rubalcava
B.Kin., E-RYT 500, YACEP
Hello! I’m Arbely. I was born in Mexico, grew up in Montréal and later moved to Saskatchewan to study a bachelor in Kinesiology. I was drawn to sports at a very young age, and started competing in rhythmic gymnastics when I was nine. After leaving the sport in my adolescence, I was searching for something healing yet physical, and discovered Modo Yoga at 18 in Montréal. The intensity and rigour of the practice felt like home, but what really captivated me was the warm guidance of the teachers, the feeling of rejuvenation I felt after every class, and the welcoming and supportive environment. This was the first time in my life that I felt that I could be myself, without needing to perform in any way. I was able to accept my body, and love it for what it can do, without feeling like I needed to change it or constantly strive to be “better”. The transformation within was so pivotal, that I knew I had found my path and that I needed to share this practice. A year later at age 19, I went to Kerala, India and completed a 500 hr Modo Level 1 teacher training in 2009, followed by five more yoga teacher trainings, resulting in over 1000 hours of yoga education.
My yoga journey then led me to Ashtanga Yoga after moving to Regina in 2009 to study university. Ashtanga continues to be my main practice which I have maintained for over twelve years. I have travelled to study Ashtanga at the source with three trips to Mysore, India under the tutelage of Sharath Jois. I have studied with many experienced teachers including Ted Grand, Jess Robertson, Ryan Leier, David Swenson, … Read More
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