About Isabel Raci

Yoga Empowers!
When a book falls on your head in a bookstore, you pay attention.  The book was, “Yoga & Common Sense,” written by Ina Marx.  I was 17-years old.  So began my yoga journey.  Ina Marx's story of rehabilitation using yoga methods after surviving a fire and jumping out of a 3rd story window to save her life was so compelling,  Her story convinced me yoga helps us heal and I set out on a path of discovery.  Ina sustained a fractured spine, broken pelvis, internal injuries and miscarriage.  Post-traumatic stress, a term not yet officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association at the time of her injuries, was surely another condition affecting Ina’s health.  She writes, “as my body changed, my mental outlook and attitude did also… It was nothing drastic or sudden, but a slow manifestation of character change…   I was healthier and more energetic.  For the first time in years, I fell asleep easily.” 

I read Ina’s book cover to cover many times, practiced the poses again and again, and pondered her philosophies.  It was a few years before I found a yoga studio where I could practice regularly.  Chicago Yoga Institute at Fullerton and Clark in Chicago, long gone but not forgotten, was where I refined and honed the foundation of yoga which has become my lifelong practice.  As I look back, I was called to yoga therapy.  Yoga has helped me recover from injuries and stay centered during various life changes.  I’ve trusted the process, and it works.

Now an IAYT certified yoga therapist (certified by The International Association of Yoga Therapists), an E-RYT 500 yoga teacher( Yoga Alliance), certified meditation teacher, relaxation guide and laughter yoga leader with more than twelve hundred hours of training including training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), yoga for cancer, pain management, and trauma through the Veterans Yoga Project and Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy, I bring my passion for the practice of yoga and meditation as self-care to hospitals, wellness centers, studios, corporate and private settings and community centers in the region.
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My teaching is happy, educational, nurturing and lighthearted.  My goal is to provide a safe, peaceful, inclusive environment. 

People are saying:

"I am very glad that you are my teacher as you bring so much to the class. When you teach the atmosphere is calm and you always encourage everyone to do the best that they can.  You have helped me with my balance and flexibility and I have learned so much from you. I always look forward to coming to the class every week."  Sue W.

"Working with Isabel has been like a ray of sunshine for me! Before I began practicing restorative yoga with her, I was in pain, like everything was an effort. Now that I've incorporated the techniques and lessons I learned from Isabel into my life, I'm feeling that I'm finding myself again.  I’m happier overall because I’m in control of my life now and pain is not in control of me and that feels so good. I say things like "yes, I want to and I CAN do that" and instead of lying around I say "let’s get up and go for a walk". I am so grateful to her!"  Erika H.

"I have learned a lot about yoga from Isabel. Yoga has helped me to relieve stress, reduce or eliminate back pain and lets me connect with mind-body through meditation. I look forward to each yoga session as there is always something new to learn. Isabel is highly qualified and very dedicated to the teaching of yoga and all its healthful benefits."  Ralph T.

"Isabel, I want you to know...my body feels wonderful today! I thank you for the two best yoga sessions I’ve ever had. Really. The stars aligned (well, of course they did,..) and those blocks I had placed to not resume my yoga practice are washed away. I just wanted to let you know your talents as a yogi are appreciated!" Caryn S.