Women’s Embodiment + Pelvic Health + Resilience + Movement Education
Welcome. Here’s my story….
My mom always told me to become a teacher, envisioning me in the conventional public school classroom. I applied to only one university, got in, and promptly auditioned for the dance program – they rejected me. I spent the first few semesters trying to fit into the rigid education program (nope) and enjoying fine art classes, while attempting to figure out how to weasel my way into the only program I knew I belonged in. After performing in student works, and sliding into the dance studio with charcoals still swiped across my face from life drawing, I reauditioned and became a dance major. My mom didn’t exactly get her vision, but in a round about way, I’ve fulfilled her request in my own way – as an entrepreneur, movement educator, writer, and yoga therapist.
I was made to learn, teach, and inspire others into action, toward greater vitality and physicality – so that’s what I’ve focused on full time since 2007. I’ve also trained and mentored yoga teachers since 2010, knowing that as we expand our skills as teachers, we amplify our reach. My favorite role currently is serving as co-director and lead faculty of the accredited AlcheMe Yoga Therapy Training program since 2015.
In the same year I started my business, 2007, I became pregnant, separated, miscarried, divorced, and moved into my own ‘Sacred Solitude’ one bedroom apartment (that I helped renovate – ripping up old carpet and installing cabinet hardware is great therapy) even though I wanted to ditch town and run. I share this to be transparent. To give hope. To offer compassion if you’ve been there, too.
My body is where I broke down, grieved, persevered, fought, healed, and reawakened my own resilience. Exploring the range of movement and stillness, emotion and sensation in my practice became my personal medicine.
Since then, I’ve moved cross country three times (ufffdah), remarried and continue to feel madly in love with this man, and have birthed two beautiful daughters. Our first was born after 48 hours labor and cesarean. Postpartum grief, anxiety, depression and defeat lingered for many months. I’d already spent years focusing on pelvic health and women’s embodiment – I put it all to the test to make peace with that experience and reclaim myself through birthing again. Our second emerged in our bedroom at home, after a roaring delight of a swift 6 hour labor that felt transcendent and triumphant. My VBAC experience galvanized my desire to help women restore safety, integrate and heal traumas, and remember their boldness.
The stormiest seasons have taught me how to be comfortable with discomfort, how to perceive clearly, how to open to joy and love again. I believe healing is always possible, it often requires support and relationship, and it comes from within YOU. I share the tools and insights I use personally when working with others.
I’m after resilience and adventure, cyclical living that’s in tune with nature, more satisfying connection. I want to make big legacy moves – do you, too? I want a world without shame, where women liberate themselves and each other through compassionate witnessing, where fear is respected as a wise teacher and is used to cultivate discernment and boldness in return. A world where touch, sensuality, body-based knowing, and loving relationships are revered, studied and experienced by all.
This new world will be formed and supported by an intelligent and intimate, ongoing communion with our physical body, as it is the vessel for our experiences, memory, integration, creativity, and spirituality.
I’m honored to train new yoga therapists in the accredited program AlcheMe Yoga Therapy. My first book, Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman: A Professional Guide releases May 2022. When you order a copy, drop me a note – I’d love to say thanks!
If what you desire most includes skillful presence, peace, more pleasure, and power then we’ll get along splendidly. I help you inhabit and reveal your best self, through movement and embodiment.
Welcome home to yourself.
Welcome home to your body.
I’m taking a break from enrolling new clients until Fall 2022.
Here’s to your health, healing and happiness through movement!
I can’t wait to meet you.
Be bold, love,
Cheri Dostal Ryba
