Desirée Rumbaugh brings her unique form of yoga to Abu Dhabi

Desirée Rumbaugh's Abu Dhabi workshop can help students get strong - on the inside and outside.

Desiree Rumbaugh, a California-based yoga instructor, has a background in Iyengar and Anusara yoga. Courtesy Desiree Rumbaugh
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With more than 27 years of yoga experience, California-based Desirée Rumbaugh travels all over the world inspiring students with her form of ever-evolving yoga and now she’s bringing it to Abu Dhabi. We caught up with her to find out how yoga helped her find joy, even after the sudden death of her son.

When did your yoga journey begin?

In 1987 when I took a yoga class at an aerobics convention in Los Angeles. Back then, yoga was difficult to find as it wasn’t “in style”.

How has yoga transformed your life?

It has made me more peaceful and accepting. I now go with the flow and I’m stronger on the inside and softer on the outside. I realise that I was living under the influence of fear before I found yoga. While my material needs were met, I wasn’t happy with my life and I was searching for answers. I was in a very difficult marriage at the time and that pain prompted me to seek help.

Tell us about the style of yoga that you teach.

I now teach from my own inspiration. I come from a background of Iyengar and Anusara [which is a method that comes from hatha yoga and is based on biomechanical alignment of the body]. I’m trained to understand how the body works and find this very empowering because I like my students to understand their bodies and “own” what I’m offering. My mission is to teach people how to become aware that what they are doing on the mat can also help them live more skilfully.

You also teach at My Yoga Online (now Gaiam TV) – why do you think online classes are so popular?

I think it’s because they are so convenient, especially for those with small children or people who live far away from a teacher. Students can also experience a wider variety of teachers.

What can someone attending your workshop hope to achieve?

My intention is for people to learn more about how to heal and strengthen their bodies and minds with yoga. I hope that people will go away with a clearer idea of the entire practice of yoga. This includes strengthening and increasing flexibility in the physical body as well as training the mind to be strong and flexible. My workshop will include everything from standing poses to backbends, inversions and balancing postures.

Your workshop focuses on playful balancing poses for all levels.

Yes it does. Often, balancing on one leg or doing a handstand can be a bit intimidating. By turning them into play, the learning process becomes more fun and accessible. So, you can expect a lot of laughter and serious playfulness in this class.

How did yoga help you get over the loss of your son Brandon?

My son was murdered in 2003 at the age of 20 and ever since, I have relied on what I have learnt over the years to help me find my way back to joy. It took years of practice along with individual therapy to overcome this intense grief. Since yoga is a study of the union of the mind and heart, besides the postures, the breathing and meditation helped me. To be happy in this unpredictable life, we need to learn to find our own centre and be strong in it. That way we can cope with any event – from the ecstati­cally joyful to the crushingly sad.

Besides yoga, what are your passions in life?

Dancing, playing the piano, gardening and cooking. My favourite cuisine is gourmet raw vegan food, but I also love Asian and Indian food.

What are your future dreams?

Simply to be happy and healthy. I love teaching and hope that I’m of service in some way until my time here on Earth is through.

Lastly, what's your mantra in life?

Love is stronger than fear. It’s the message I’m always learning.

• Desirée Rumbaugh’s yoga workshop is from September 25 to 27 at the Abu Dhabi Country Club Sport School. Rates are Dh1,800 for all six workshops over three days, Dh700 per day and Dh400 per session. For more information, call 056 737 4711, or email yogasparkle2012@gmail.com

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