Desirée Rumbaugh’s Style of Yoga
Following her passion, Desirée Rumbaugh transitioned from dance, to aerobics, and finally to yoga. She has traveled the world for over 20 years teaching a method of alignment-based movement to a loyal community of followers.
Finding Joy After Tragic Loss
The book Fearless After Fifty, How to Thrive with Grace, Grit and Yoga was coauthored by Desirée and Michelle Marchildon as an inspirational book for the second half of life. The first chapter tells about the unsolved murder of Desirée’s son and his girlfriend and how Desirée made a conscious decision to find joy in her life again.
Nonetheless, her first years were especially rough and she could have become bitter and depressed. While acknowledging that she, her son, and her family are victims, she determined they would not be stuck in a victim role. That would not be their full story.
Desirée explains that yoga gave her the opportunity to challenge her thoughts and live honestly without bringing the past into each present moment.
“Every one of us has a story. Although we can’t go back to rewrite the beginning it’s up to us how we write our ending.”
Yoga Is So More Than the Class Itself
Yoga isn’t just what happens in the class but, also, what is taken out of class. Students learn body awareness in alignment-based yoga (e.g., the position of the feet and knees in relation to hips and shoulders). It’s important to etch efficient movement patterns for continued activity and longevity.
A forward head, forward shoulders, and rounded back have become an unfortunate “normal,” Desirée says. “If you want to feel vital again, find someone to help you get into an efficient posture.”
Desirée laughs that some people think yoga is simply about flexibility, but it’s so much more than that. “We’re strengthening, cultivating adaptability, and actually changing the gray matter of the brain.”
“We’re not running away from aging. Rather we are embracing this time in our lives and seeking ways to thrive with our current physical challenges. It’s our belief that we are held back by fear and not by our actual capabilities when it comes to pushing our limits.”
Desirée Rumbaugh and Michelle Marchildon
Desirée Rumbaugh Lives Life Intentionally
Using a version of a Ghandi quote, Desirée encourages, “Learn as if you’re going to live forever and live as if you’re going to die tomorrow because it’s never too late. It’s important to continuously uplevel, transform, and remember to be teachable.
Please share your thoughts in the comment box below…
No one knows if there’s a day or 40 years left to live! How do YOU want to live the rest of your days?
Do you think about the alignment of your body? Or, the alignment of your thoughts with the way you want to live?
Please go to Desiree’s website, buy her book, take an online course or attend a workshop or retreat.
Wow, so inspirational and moving. I actually watched it twice! I can relate to so much of the interview. I had bought a back brace after my back surgery to help me with my posture and wore it for awhile but as with most things it fell by the wayside. After watching this and seeing how the both of you sitting straight I looked at myself and she was correct about sitting forward and the rounded shoulders. I have gotten the brace back out and will start wearing it again. She was also correct about flexibility, strength training is nothing if you aren’t flexible. This was by far the best interview you have posted or maybe the one that I can really relate to. Also, the mat is helping with my feet issue, thanks Cuz.
Gary, SO glad you enjoyed this interview. Thank you so much for your comments and please SHARE!
Tina, pretend you are going to have a wooden board laid across your body as you plank, it must balance from your head to toes on an downward angle, and don’t lift your bottom too high when aligning in plank pose. I hope that helps! I love planks.
Planks need to be taught by a qualified teacher IN PERSON because most people don’t have the body awareness to know exactly how their body is positioned OR how to recognize their weaknesses while holding
Looking forward to a blog on plank! Tried to do, but not sure if correct.
Thank you for whatever help you will give!
Very insightful and motivating. I am now inspired to go back to yoga and start feeling more alive and flexible again. Thanks for a great presentation!!
Jim, thank you for commenting! So glad you are feeling inspired!!
You are never too old to learn!
Great attitude for a healthy brain and body!
I have been inspired AND convicted! What an uplifting interview. You both bring a wealth of insight and wisdom to those you teach and help. Now I need to go find that person to help me correct my “comfortable posture”…. Kathryn??
Thank you for sharing your friend, Desiree, with us!
HAPPY to help, Tina! And thank you for your kind comments!
I believe performing planks help keep our core toned and posture correct.
That’s a tricky one, Linda. Planks done incorrectly create poor body patterns AND a sore back. You just inspired me to do a blog post on planks. : ) THANK YOU!
What a great conversation between two amazing teachers who truly embrace aging gracefully! Yoga is so much more than being flexible – it is about being where you are and mindfully moving forward- physically, mentally and spiritually. You inspire me!
Thank you, Jane, for such a nice comment. You’re so correct that yoga is much more than being flexible!