Hi!! My name is Stephanie Ramirez and I'm a yoga teacher in Houston. I first discovered yoga when I was 18. A curious soul with a twist of rebellion I am well acquainted with the challenges we face in our journey of inner growth. When I was 15, I fell into a downward spiral with substance abuse, self-degradation, inner conflict, and self-doubt which ended up leading into a depression that I didn’t even realize I had. As a result, I lost several friends, lost trust from those who loved me, quite frankly I was a mess… and in denial. Fast forward 10 years later, when I got into my first serious relationship, I decided to clean up my act, and we quit drinking together (a true life saver). Unfortunately relationships don’t always last and that’s what brought me back to yoga. Following our break up about 3 years ago, I ended up feeling completely lost, lonely and pretty much hit rock bottom. I lost my job, car, boyfriend, and apartment (since we were living together). I dove back into yoga again but this time it was different.

 After months of consistent practice, I noticed I was no longer reliving the stressful events from my troubled past. I realized that I had ignored and buried unresolved feelings throughout my life, which was hurting me on a deeper level than I knew. My realization of this disconnection transformed my life moving forward, which lead me to be more conscious of my actions through daily meditation and yoga practice. With this new found awareness, I started reacting less and reflecting more. Making new friends I realized that the universe was guiding me towards others like me. This new community around me eliminated any need or desire to pursue the unhealthy habits of the past and I found myself to be increasingly happy, accepting and loving towards others and MYSELF

 
To share this amazing gift, I want to educate others on how to reach deep inside their hearts to find their true power and inner peace. My first step in developing professionally in teaching the art of yoga to others was completing a Yoga Teacher Training course in Houston in 2014. Since then, it has become apparent to me that my motivation to continue down this path is fueled by the fulfillment I receive from helping others live more positive lives by find freedom from negative emotions through the practice of meditation and yoga.

For the past year, my focus has been volunteering with at risk youth, mostly girls ages 12-17 in juvenile centers and safe house facilities. Our time together is spent practicing meditation, yoga and discussing the hurdles these young girls are facing in their lives. My ability to relate my past to their present has helped build a heartfelt connection these girls can relate and benefit from.

At this time I am raising money to be a part of what could be the biggest positive turning point in my life, attending the Citizen Peace Service Learning trip as well as the World Culture Festival in New Delhi, India. As part of this 3 week long journey, I will be attending four amazing events:

Art of Living Global Youth Leadership Forum
Advanced Peace Leadership Retreat -
World Culture Festival in New Delhi –
Sustainable Development Solar Energy Service-Learning Initiative
 
Through your financial support in this experience I will grow personally, but more importantly I will grow in my ability to transform others with my experience and knowledge; the people at my yoga classes at the studio, the schools where I teach kids (ages 3-8), and where I volunteer (ages12-17). I know that what I take from India will be shared with all ages, races, and genders and through them they will spread it further.

Asking for donations is honestly one of the hardest things I have ever done, but is a necessary step for my personal growth to become a better leader and mentor to others. The funds I raise will go towards travel, course fees and other necessary traveling expenses while I am abroad. I believe that so often our light gets dimmed by allowing ourselves to go against how we truly feel. The more we go against what we truly feel is good for ourselves, the more our light fades, but no matter what, our light is always there. Through my teaching, I want to share this message with everyone. I want to inspire others to love themselves, each other and our planet.

 

Thank you for supporting me.
Love and Hugs,

Stephanie

Some details on the events I will be involved in while away:

Art of Living Global Youth Leadership Forum - A rare platform with world leaders from spirituality, academia, business, and government, working to build peace through education, service and social change initiatives. I will get an opportunity interact with these leaders, and learn from their experiences, leadership skills and wisdom. I will also meet like-minded youth from across the world and share my project ideas and learn from their feedback.
 

Advanced Peace Leadership Retreat - Acquiring knowledge and skills for both inner transformation and social change through techniques of yoga, meditation and mindfulness from world renowned experts in this field.
 

At the World Culture Festival in New Delhi - An opportunity to participate as a part of 3.5 million people coming together to meditate, strengthening my commitment and passion of meditation through participating as a community. To be a part of something so dear to me would be magical!
 

Sustainable Development Solar Energy Service-Learning Initiative: An opportunity to work in partnership with rural community members to install solar PV panels, and help create clean energy access for rural households who do not currently have access to electricity.