Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Boriack.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I guess it all started because I was running away. Running away from my conservative family by getting married too early. But I wasn’t far enough away so I ran to the missions field. And then, I was living in a little village on the side of a mountain in Haiti where I couldn’t run. So, I had to be still. I struggled with culture shock. I learned the language and formed friendships. I struggled with poor nutrition. Fresh vegetables we’re discouraged as they could bring Cholera. I got sick. I found myself in a situation where I was abused by the leaders of the organization I was working with… eventually being confined. I suffered my first panic attack. All I could count on was my breath. So, I began practicing yoga. My yoga practice became the small corner I was able to survive in. One week, I was ban from eating. This same week, I also witnessed a level of corruption that endangered a child’s life. That is when I knew I had to get out. Luckily, able to contact someone for help, I was able to be evacuated… then quickly went back to the missions field. But the health issues and a marriage that wasn’t working… it all caught up with me. I came back to America severely underweight and sick. I was soon diagnosed with PTSD. I felt so completely broken and alone. But I was still able to breathe. So, I continued deepening my yoga practice. Even though I was moving my body, I began to feel like I was finally being still… not running.
My entire healing process rooted in yoga… to the point that I pursued yoga teacher training with Jennifer Carmack at Wild Spirit Yoga and received my teaching certification. When I started training, I was like a person curled up and hiding from the world. But through training, I started opening up to the community and believing that I had a value that I could bring into the world. Coming from such a dark place, the mental and physical healing felt like a miracle. Beyond that, I started noticing the ways that my body would communicate with me… warn me when something was or wasn’t right. I started noticing my breath become shallow and my belly tense in response to something negative… or my brow would relax and my weight shifts back in response to something positive. This body communication guided me through relationships, job changes, losses, and great risks. This body communication guided me to a place of abundance and thriving. I watched the right relationships and opportunities flow into my life. I started to build and have an actual relationship with my own beliefs. And this is what I learned… I am meant to thrive. And I do.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you? And what advice would you give someone starting to pursue their passion?
Just like any good story, my life has definitely had challenges. Some of them caused by my own running. I went through a lot of rejection after telling my story and then even more rejection after my divorce. I hit rock bottom with all my family and friends either rejecting me or at a loss of how to handle the broken version of me. And as chaotic as life was on the outside, it was more chaotic on the inside. I felt so much shame. I felt like a failure. I felt like a waste of space. I felt terrified of the next panic attack. I felt alone. But I still had my breath. This is the most basic truth. I breath. SO, this is where I always encourage others to begin. Through the challenges and oscillations… breath. Get to know yourself. And as you do, be gentle in the healing and growing. It’s hard stuff! When you find something that gives you joy pick up on the trail. Follow the things that make you happy. KNOW that when something resonates with you… that’s your mind and body guiding you to exactly where you are supposed to be. Every bit of messiness is worth what is coming. You don’t even have to believe it… you just have to choose to take one more step. At least this is what I tell myself, and I can only give the same advise that I have given myself. I’ll be real, this journey was over 8 years for me. I spent much of that time running, broken, and doubting. But I have learned… I am meant to thrive. My choice is to listen to that. You are meant to thrive. Trust that.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
For the first 20 years of my life, I never knew what I wanted to do… never dreamed of any career. But through my own wild ride, I have found my passion and purpose. I teach yoga at several studios. What I love is the personal connection that I am able to bring through private yoga sessions. I offer private yoga lessons that are 100% built on the needs of the client. Sometimes, a person finds power through the poses and accomplishing a set goal. Sometimes a person needs to take a whole journey of healing and stepping into their power. Private yoga sessions are a client’s investment in their relationship with themselves. I bring all my experience and knowledge to support that.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Take time to have a relationship with yourself. It is the most important relationship you will ever have. The health of every other relationship will come from it. Learn to listen to your body’s response to situations… learn to recognize fear, embarrassment, discomfort, excitement, etc. If you are looking for a mentor or network get close to the people that feel good to be around. And then, get real! Verbalize admiration, a desire to learn, the things you are going through. This purposeful vulnerability will open the door for the right people to be in your life and the wrong people to exit. Let yourself explore, change your mind, and shift your direction. If you find a community you like, get brave and involve yourself. Community sets the stage on which you can thrive. It’s one of those things in life that is worth the risks.
Pricing:
- $80 Per Private Yoga Lesson/Mentorship
- $300 4 Pack Yoga Lessons/Mentorship
- $420 6 Pack Yoga Lessons/Mentorship
Contact Info:
- Phone: 713-826-3794
- Email: ccashleyboriack@gmail.com
- Instagram: @yogaaash
Image Credit:
J’nae Bless Williamson, Anthony Rodriguez, Nick Allinson
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