Today we’d like to introduce you to Edda Rodriguez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally from Peru, I moved to Chicago in 2002. I started practicing Yoga out of necessity in order to relieve back pain. Not only Yoga helped me relieve and eventually heal my back pain, but also started a process of self-awareness, self- acceptance, self- transformation and empowerment.
I practiced different styles of Yoga and meditation for 10 years before doing my teacher training. Introduced to Ashtanga Yoga during my 200 hours Teacher Training (2012) through Jonny Kest’s Life Power Yoga, I felt a strong connection to this specific school of Yoga. Since then, I have surrendered to the challenges and lessons of Ashtanga yoga, my personal practice.
Since 2013, I have been teaching Trauma Sensitive Yoga to veterans at the Captain James A Lovell Federal Care Center. I have taught more than 2500 hours at the Mental Health Unit, and have volunteered more than 500 hours at the PTSD unit, Assisted Living Facility for Seniors Veterans, the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center, and lately, the Military Sexual Trauma.
Yoga, for me, is more than a physical practice. It is a healing journey. I feel blessed to bring this healing practice to soldiers and veterans at the different units I work/volunteer. To witness how this underserved population explores their unique and innate capacity to heal and transcends trauma is humbling. Seeing them experience deeper levels of peace, acceptance and greater happiness gives me joy.
Since 2017, I have opened my practice to the community. Not only offering yoga and yoga therapy but also the different energy healing modalities that are part of my heritage. Each of the modalities I offer is trauma-sensitive. As a trauma-informed teacher/practitioner is my intention to create a safe environment for the students/survivors, helping them reconnect with their bodies and sensations gradually, so as not to overwhelm their nervous system; helping them tap into their innate ability to heal, always observing and tracking their reactions and body language, and readjusting my approach accordingly.
In order to better serve this population, I have attended many pieces of training, mainly in the field of Trauma such as the Neurophysiology of Trauma, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and others. I am currently studying Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. If all goes as planned, I will be finishing it by the end of this year. Parallel to my studies on trauma, I am working on my practicum hours toward the IAYT Yoga Therapist certification through the Inner Peace Yoga Therapy School.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Once I realized how important was for me to bring holistic practices to trauma survivors, doors started opening. I believe that when you find your mission in life, your dharma, the universe conspires to help you.
When you work with patients/clients who have experienced trauma or have mental health illnesses, you really need to take care of yourself, or you burn out easily. So, balancing sessions, family and self-care was a little bit of a struggle at the beginning. By the time, I was having daily sessions at the hospital, my daily yoga practice, which includes asana, meditation, pranayama, and chanting, was deeply established; and it is through that practice that I renew and cleanse myself every day. Having my own sacred space allows me to sit with my clients or patients with acceptance, compassion, loving kindness and humility, knowing that I am just a guide in their journey to reawaken their innate capacity to heal and become whole again; and that each one of them will walk a different healing path, a non-linear one. We all heal one breath at a time.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Edda Rodriguez – Healing One Breath at a Time – what should we know?
I provide private, group and corporate therapeutic Yoga, Reiki, and Peruvian shamanic healing arts. I have specialized in Yoga for Mental Health and PTSD as well as Functional yoga and yoga for Chronic Pain. All my offerings are trauma-informed. My sessions are tailored to the needs and want of my clients. These modalities are combined when needed or asked.
My mission, as a Yoga Teacher and Energy Practitioner and Teacher, is to guide my students/patients through a compassionate, non-judgmental, intuitive and loving practice so that they connect to their own personal wisdom, healing abilities, and expansive potential, transcending fear, transforming trauma and moving to a state of wholeness and peacefulness.
I offer these modalities in Spanish, occasionally in French. By reaching and including the Hispanic community, I feel I have completed the circle.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Above all, my big cheerleaders are my husband and children. They patiently support all my projects and keep encouraging me to follow my passion.
I’m deeply grateful to the Dalai Lama’s teachings on Loving Kindness and compassion. It’s through the practice of Karuna and Metta meditation that I started reconnecting to my true self. The humble Ashtanga teachers, Manju Jois, David Swenson and Tim Feldman who taught me that yoga is life, yoga is living in peace with yourself, others and every living being.
I wouldn’t be working in the field of trauma if it was not for a dear friend and yoga teacher, Lori Punko, who saw in me all the potential to become a compassionate trauma-informed yoga teacher. The big supporters of my work with veterans, Dr. John Schaut, and all the Recreational Therapists who make sure all is ready for my sessions; and, of course, the Social Workers and nurses whose help in reaching more veterans is paramount.
Many yoga therapists in the field of mental health have inspired me. To name a few, Richard Miller with his IRest to heal PTSD; Amy Weintraub, Yoga for Depression and Anxiety; Antonio Saussy, Yoga for Grief Relief; Durga, Yoga of Recovery; Genevieve Yellin, Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy… the list is long! All of these pioneers in the field of yoga therapy have informed my teachings.
Deep gratitude to all the veterans I have had the honor of meeting and working with. Thank you for your service.
The yoga studios that opened doors to me and continuously support my work, Fusion Mind/Body in Elgin, Prairie Sunshine Studio in Grayslake, Central Street Yoga in Evanston.
I am blessed to have a wonderful group of female friends who support me, hold me when I need it and keep me grounded. Gracias Brujitas!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.eddarodriguez.com
- Phone: 224-588-2622
- Email: edda_rodriguez@me.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddarod/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddaggi
- Other: http://www.thebreathenetwork.org/edda-rodriguez
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