Teacher Feature: Rimmi
At the Yoga Center of Columbia, we strive to cultivate a space where students and instructors feel a sense of community and belonging for all abilities, all bodies, and all ages. Today we’re kicking off a special series to feature our teachers, who use their knowledge and expertise to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of all students, providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone.
Meet one of them: Rimmi Singh, E-RYT 500 and YACEP, who has been a dedicated practitioner and yoga teacher for over two decades.
With wit, wisdom and a keen eye for alignment, Rimmi guides students through practices centered on Svadhyaya (self-study). Rimmi encourages her students to balance strength, calm, flexibility and delight both on and off the mat. After studying multiple disciplines and texts including the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Zen Buddhism, Vipasana meditation, Ayurveda and Sanskrit, Rimmi is currently an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor and Meditation Specialist at the Yoga Center of Columbia. Rimmi also co-leads yoga retreats to India where participants can immerse themselves in experiencing the spiritual home of yoga. For Rimmi, yoga is more than a series of physical poses; it is the science of attaining inner well-being.
Check out Rimmi’s teacher page for a full list of her upcoming classes and Ayurveda for Summer: A One Day Wellness Retreat on Saturday, July 18th! In her spare time, Rimmi's other passions are traveling, cooking and hiking. Read on to discover more about Rimmi and her experience and relationship to yoga and to our studio.
What have you learned or how have you grown since becoming a YCC instructor?
Having taught for over 20 years at YCC, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know students individually and tailor my teaching to their needs. Creating a safe space for my students is paramount—one where they can practice and explore without fear of judgment. My classes are an offering of yoga, philosophy, alignment, meditation, and personal empowerment.
What are your most memorable trips or experiences relating to your yoga, Pilates, meditation and/or qigong practices?
Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of co-leading yoga retreats in India alongside Kelly. As someone born in India, this country holds a special place in my heart. Whether we’re practicing asanas on green grass, exploring ancient temples, or standing mesmerized in front of the Taj Mahal, each retreat has been a transformative and unforgettable journey.
Do you have any current areas of independent focus/study/interest related to these practices and what are they?
I am very interested in creating an Ayurveda nutrition and cooking program. This program will allow participants to create delicious dishes that offer healing benefits for both the body and mind.
Do you have some favorite quotes or mantras? What are they?
My favorite yoga quote comes from the Bhagavad Gita – a quote that reminds us to explore our inner landscape and connect to all of existence.
‘"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the Self."
My favorite mantra is:
"Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu” : May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
Do you have any current favorite books, philosophies, or teachers in your area of focus and what or who are they?
I’ve always found it challenging to pick my favorite books among countless amazing ones. However, there are two that I can read over and over again:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book always takes me on a new journey of self-reflection and self-discovery.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. After losing our dog, I returned to this heartwarming book numerous times. Narrated by a dog named Enzo, it shares the life of his race car driver owner, Denny Swift, exploring essential themes like love, loss, and the bond between humans and their dogs.
What is your favorite part of being part of the YCC family?
I feel incredibly humbled to have been a part of the YCC family for two decades. YCC is more than a place—it’s my sanctuary, where tranquility and renewal intertwine. It’s my temple, my church, where I find solace and recharge my spirit. Without it, life would feel incomplete.
Do you have a profession or hobby outside of the yoga studio?
I have a passion for traveling and hiking. I also find great joy in cooking and sharing my culinary creations with others.
The Yoga Center of Columbia has been supporting our community's health and well-being since 1992. We offer yoga, Pilates, meditation, and qigong in four classrooms in Columbia, Maryland: in-person and online. Click for details or to register for our 100+ weekly Classes and our specialty Workshops !
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