​Rathi Blankenship

How long have you practiced Yoga? How often per week?  Consistently for 5 years and inconsistently for several years before that. I usually practice 2-3x/week

What made you decide to practice Yoga?  I was a runner and started experiencing quite a bit of knee pain. I kept hearing over and over again that yoga could help with that and in general was great for runners. Turns out they were all right!

What do you like about practicing Yoga at National Harbor?  This was a first time experience for me. I live out of town. I was having a girls’ weekend with my sister and we thought it would be an amazing way to start our Saturday morning and her birthday!

What is your favorite Yoga pose and why is it your favorite?  I love tree pose! It’s one of those balancing poses that makes you feel grounded and strong. You feel invigorated in the pose and it brings you to a place of concentration, focus and peace. 

Describe how Yoga has enhanced or changed your life.  From a tangible aspect, yoga has definitely helped alleviate my knee pain while running. However, it has been much, much more than that for me. It has been empowering and has taught me that I can accomplish things I otherwise wouldn’t have thought I could do.  It has also given me a place to let go of and work out Lifes little obstacles. When I’m on my mat it is truly a place of peace and happiness!

PHOTOS BY GREG SCOTT-THE FOREVER YOGI