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Article: PORTRAIT SERIES : ASHLEY RUCKER

PORTRAIT SERIES : ASHLEY RUCKER

PORTRAIT SERIES : ASHLEY RUCKER

Ash Rucker is a highly respected figure in the world of wellness as an executive director of her non-profit Therapart. Known for her expertise as a trained yoga instructor, meditation, and movement educator, with a passion for promoting physical and mental well-being, Ash has dedicated her life to helping others achieve balance, strength, and mindfulness through the practice of movement meditation, yoga, and art therapy. Drawing on years of experience and training, Ash brings a unique and holistic approach to her teaching, emphasizing the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Her classes are renowned for their ability to challenge and inspire students while also creating a sense of peace and tranquility. As an advocate for lifelong learning, Ash continues to deepen her knowledge and understanding of yoga, meditation, mindful movement, and art therapy regularly attending workshops and training with leading teachers from around the world. Through her teaching, Ash strives to empower others to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and a greater appreciation for the transformative power of movement and stillness. 

How would you describe what you do in a few words? 

Energetic Liberation, freedom and love. In a normal class we move through things in the body using a mix of meditation, free form movement and art therapy. We are exploring our inner worlds and landscapes  to make space and growth for our outer worlds. Unblocking the shit that keeps us stuck to reach our greatest potential. 

Tell us about TherapART and The Inhabit Method.

Therapart is a non profit organization. We primarily work with incarcerated youth and teach them tools and modalities such as movement, meditation and art therapy. Upon completion of the program their charges are dismissed and sealed and all charges are dropped. The community is where my heart is and giving back to the youth and the community. 

The Inhabit Method is the spiritually guided workout with my partner Rob. We teach a mix of alignment base core work and free form movement,  tapping into and inhabiting our most creative self and expressive self. 

How did the process of founding a non-profit begin?

 My brother suffered from an addiction for many years and initially my idea was to raise enough money to send him to rehab. The process began for me when I was in deep pain and turmoil. I didn't know where to turn for help and guidance and I soon realized I needed to look within myself to find that.Everyday I started moving and dancing and realized what a release it was for me. Fast forward 5 years later it became clear to me how important this work was not only for my own healing but I also posed the question on how I can bring this to a larger community for collective healing ? I can make this free and accessible to all and Therapart was born.  

 

 

What is a go to item in your wardrobe? 

My go to item is my collection of Margiela shoes! I have them in all different styles and they are my statement piece and to be honest the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. 

How do you continue to develop your own practice and stay inspired as a teacher?

By moving every single day. When I move I connect to spirit and I connect to a higher power and as crazy as it sounds to some, I receive downloads and clear messaging. Having this daily practice always pushes me to think, go inward and have that conversation on how I can be better and do better and how I can show up for my community. It is important for me as a teacher to stay inspired and continue to always do the work! 

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

Simple, classic with a side of hot sauce. I actually have a uniform on rotation, it makes it easy for me! I really love to play with shoes and switch things up. In terms of style it is minimal, chic and classic. I wear a red lip every single day, even if I am in sweatpants and running around you will never see me without a red lip, a big fro or a big top not. 

 

What is your favorite form of self-care or pampering ritual?

The Russian bath house downtown ! I love it, it is my favorite place to unwind and relax. I also love a good massage and facial. I am all into self care and as a space holder of a lot of energy it is in my practice to take care of myself and do one of those things once a week. 

Do you have any role models or mentors who have inspired you in your life? If so, who are they and why?

Yes ! so many. Maya Angelo, Alice Coltrane, Alice Walker, James Balwdin my mom and dad and all of my ancestors who have come before me to pave the way I move in the world now. These people have truly inspired me and my practice because we have a shared experience. I have seen how these artists / authors and my parents have moved through hard times in their lives and turned their pain into power. A way of not getting stuck in the story or the narrative but moving through that learning those lessons and making them into something ! 

Your imagery is full of feeling, how does visual art in the form of film/photography overlap with movement for you?

 For me it is all about telling the story, and telling the story within my body.I think that's how it overlaps because I have so much to say and it is all stored in the different parts that make up who I am so I try to convey that in all the work that I do. It isn't meant to look perfect and pretty, it is meant to be real and raw and full of emotions and the real shit ! that moves us and makes us who we are.  

What are some of the most important things you aim to impart to your students during your classes?

That they have the magic, they are the magic. I want them to leave feeling a little bit more liberated in their bodies, minds and spirits. I want them to be inspired and say you know I may have gone through xyz but I am overcoming it! I can overcome it and I can do anything I want to do in this world and be whoever I want to be in this world. That is the key for me, the room / students make up the magic, I am just blessed to witness them in all of their glory. 

 

ASHLEY RUCKER

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