Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney-Lynn Rizzuto.
Hi Courtney-Lynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was introduced to Yoga as a young teen and instantly fell in love. I caught the Yogi bug! Shortly after that, I became fascinated with health/wellness, and spirituality. I specifically remember buying as many books as I possibly could to increase my knowledge. As my knowledge continued to grow, things quickly changed. I noticed that so many people in this world suffer from illness, stress, anxiety and emotional issues. I was always conscious of the world’s problems, but I had trouble wrapping my brain around the fact that we, as humans, have to suffer so much. I hated knowing that most of us despise our own lives. Most of us are too burnt out to even do the things we love. It became clear to me that I just wanted to help others heal. At the time, I didn’t know what that might look like for me, but I just decided to trust in my own path. I knew that if I took the time to surround myself with like minded people, absorb as much information & guidance, that I’d eventually land somewhere that was meant for me. After spending years of practicing yoga and working in the health & wellness field, I eventually listened to my intuition and began my Yoga Teacher Training journey. As of today, I am now a Certified Yoga Instructor and run my own online & in-person business under the name Hands To Heart Yoga.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a bumpy ride! As a child, I became utterly aware of my body. The negative self-talk and disordered eating slowly began, which became a new normal for me throughout my adolescent and teen years. Although my love for health was the starting point in my career, it became quite obsessive. This pattern of destruction took over my life in many ways. Isn’t it ironic? I had such motivation to help others, and yet, I couldn’t even see the pain I had inside. With a lot of reflecting, time, and most importantly, yoga, I knew that the only way to survive was to open up the space for my own healing. I still have to work at it every single day, but I’m at peace. I talk about this part of my life because these events have truly shaped my perception of what it means to be human; what it means to connect. Whenever we step on the mat to practice yoga or to meditate, we are choosing to connect with ourselves. I’m able to help others, because I finally helped myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I just actually launched my very own website a few days ago, www.handstoheartyoga.org. There, you’ll be able to book an online or in person private 1-on-1 session and sign up for online group yoga classes! I really wanted to create a safe space for all communities. I want to make Hands To Heart Yoga a safe haven for people of color, members of the LGBT community, disabled individuals, and people who have experienced trauma. The website is up and running, so please do check it out!
What do you think about happiness?
I find utter joy in connection. Sit me down in front of anyone, and I can always find a way to get to know someone. Of course, I prefer speaking with like-minded individuals, but I love connecting with people who have depth. At this point in my life, I have no problem saying that I cannot and will not do surface-level interactions. My happiness involves building relationships, meeting amazing beings. You will always find me enjoying *many* warm cups of tea (tea addict over here), laughing at silly/random things, napping when I feel like it, putting my health & wellness first, and appreciating moments of stillness. If you have genuine, true love for me, I’ll pay that back tenfold.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.handstoheartyoga.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_handstoheartyoga/
Image Credits
Yoga Pointe Studio
