Today I’m very happy to introduce you to Rachel Zinman.

Rachel and I met a few months ago on top of a beautiful rolling hill looking out over Byron Bay.  She’s a beautiful yoga teacher, and, as it turns out, a very lovely gratitude photographer.

Lauren: Tell me a bit about yourself Rachel.

Rachel: My name is Rachel Zinman and I am a Yogi and Yoga Teacher Trainer who travels nationally and internationally. I have lived in the Byron Shire for over 28 years. I am an avid amateur photographer as well as lover of creating flower mandalas. I am also a  devotional Kirtan artist.

Lauren: Why did you decide to join capturing gratitude? 

Rachel: I have been struggling with a health issue and decided I need to switch my focus from what hasn’t been going well to what is really beautiful in my life. My intention for the month was to remind myself daily of all the things I am grateful for.

Lauren: Tell me about one of the gratitude photographs you took during November for Capturing Gratitude.

Rachel: I took a photo of my beloved partner just as he was about to do his Yoga practice. I can’t express enough how grateful I am to see his lovely face everyday. We waited 8 years to meet in person and through a series of unexpected circumstances ended up in a wonderful collaborative partnership. He has taught me more about myself than I dreamed possible.

Lauren: How was this month for you? Did photographing the things you were grateful for change your life in any small (or not so small) ways? 

Rachel: The month was really special. I had to really think about what I was grateful for and what I noticed was that I love flowers, friends, beauty, the sky, simple everyday things. It made me see things in a different way. Everything I looked at or was grateful for became a photograph. I also loved seeing  everyone else’s photos. Human beings are the most creative and wonderful creatures and I found myself feeling so blessed to even have the ability to be grateful.

Lauren: What role will gratitude play in your life from here on in? 

Rachel: Interesting question… I just keep feeling gratitude for its own sake and in all sorts of ways. Since November my  health has started to improve. For every little step back towards balance I keep reminding myself to be grateful that’s what Capturing gratitude inspired in me. To remember the power of gratitude!

Lauren: Here’s your opportunity to share something close to your heart with, be it your business, your art, your poetry, your favourite cause or a charity. The stage is yours……..

Rachel: I decided to include a poem I wrote for xmas last year…

I love it when you remind me of thankfulness
to take time to remember each precious drop of rain
These days my thoughts are like dreams falling
and I can’t remember how I was before

closer than a gift
and humbled
I  am grateful

My website is http://www.rachelzinmanyoga.com
Email info@rachelzinmanyoga.com

Lauren: Thanks so much Rachel.  It was really lovely seeing your photographs throughout November, and reading about your journey here.

PS: If you’re thinking about taking a yoga teacher training course or considering a yoga retreat (I believe there’s one coming up in Bali soon), I can’t recommend Rachel highly enough x

All photographs in this post were provided by Rachel.