About me

Hi! I’m Stephanie Barnard, a Reiki Practitioner and 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with certifications in Mindfulness and Yoga Nidra. My path to wellness took many twists and turns, shaped by personal challenges and profound moments of growth.

In high school, I felt constantly weighed down by frustration, sadness, and anger. Any free time I had was spent binge-watching shows on Netflix (my favorite was Supernatural) as a way to escape the emotions I didn’t understand. I didn’t know a happy life was possible. During senior year, I would break down crying in my classes, not knowing why. It was a cycle of emotional turmoil, and I felt stuck in it.

When I got to college, I realized that life didn’t have to feel that way. I started therapy, where I learned about self-compassion—a concept that felt foreign at first but brought me to tears when I understood how harshly I had been treating myself. Therapy introduced me to new perspectives and tools, but I still struggled with anxiety and depression. My therapist suggested medication, which helped temporarily, lifting some of the fog. But when it began to lose its effectiveness, I felt myself slipping back and knew I needed something different.

This search led me to yoga. My first class was Yin Yoga, which felt approachable given how long it had been since I’d moved my body. By the end of that class, I felt relaxed in a way I never had before. Yoga gradually became a grounding practice, a way to connect with myself. Over time, I expanded to other styles like Hatha, which challenged me to stay present and face discomfort. I knew then that yoga was bringing me relief and insight that medication hadn’t, so I chose to stop taking it and fully commit to my practice.

Eventually, I decided to deepen my practice by enrolling in a yoga teacher training. Although I was nervous, I felt called to it. That training became a transformative experience. I learned to regulate my thoughts and emotions, seeing them as natural parts of life rather than obstacles. Teaching came with its own challenges, and while nerves haven’t completely disappeared, yoga taught me that life is about experiencing everything—not just the positive. Through practice, I learned that we can choose how we respond to our emotions, allowing them to guide us rather than overwhelm us.

Around this time, one of my yoga teachers offered a Reiki training. I didn’t fully know what Reiki was, but I was drawn to her teachings and enrolled. My first experience with Reiki felt surreal—sensing energy through my hands was incredible, though my mind wrestled with the concept. Still, I continued to practice, and after my second training, I noticed a shift in my awareness, particularly in my relationship with media and external input. I became more conscious of how constant stimulation affected my internal world, leading me to cut back on screen time and reconnect with myself.

Yoga Nidra was another transformative discovery. After my first Yoga Nidra session, I felt a profound sense of peace and freedom from mental constraints. It was a state of deep relaxation that touched my physical, mental, and emotional layers. Later, I pursued a Yoga Nidra certification, delving into the incredible potential this practice holds. For me, Yoga Nidra remains one of the most effective ways to release stress, let go of anxieties, and connect inwardly.

All these practices—vinyasa yoga, Reiki, and Yoga Nidra—have become pillars in my life, and they are the foundation of what I offer at Rooted Bliss Wellness. Having navigated my own path through anxiety, depression, and self-discovery, I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing space where you can step out of life’s constant stimulation and reconnect with yourself. Through personalized vinyasa yoga sessions, Reiki, and restorative Yoga Nidra classes, I am here to support you in finding peace, balance, and a deeper sense of self.

If you’re ready to explore your own journey to wellness, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, understanding, and guidance. Let’s grow, heal, and discover together—through movement, stillness, and everything in between. True wellness isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about creating lasting practices that nurture your mind, body, and spirit.