Younite and Empower Retreat in Sri Lanka - Meet the Teachers

We are super excited as our first co-hosted yoga retreat in Sri Lanka approaches this coming March!

We’ve planned an action packed itinerary including equal parts thrill and chill. But we know that most yoga retreats offer a stunning location, and bucket list excursions, so what truly sets a retreat apart from all the others?

The teachers! Meet #RastaYogi and #HippieHeathen!

Prior to becoming the Rasta Yogi, Derrick "DJ" Townsel, was an NFL athlete. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Derrick was always extremely athletic. His hard work paid off as he received a full ride to play football for Murray State University as a 4-year starter. The NFL Houston Texans picked him up for the 2010-2011 season, he followed that up with two other NFL organizations and two other professional leagues (AFL and CFL).

During this time, Derrick was pulled towards taking up yoga in 2012. He credits this to a number of amazing individuals on social media, Instagram in particular. At the time he was shy about his yoga practice, following online sessions in the comfort of his own living room. But as a self taught yogi, his passion grew and he began to study not only the physical aspect, but also the mental and spiritual, along with the history of yoga.

As his football career came to an end, he transitioned into making a career out of his passion for helping others realize their physical and mental potential as an Orlando-based personal trainer, health coach, and yoga instructor. He is an inspiration to thousands of individuals who didn't think a passion for fitness or yoga could be a possibility for them, mainly men and people of color.

Known for his crown of dreadlocked hair, his love of listening to Bob Marley during his practice and a pride for his West Indian ancestry, Derrick became known as the "Rasta Yogi." He is a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Instructor, Acrobatic Yoga Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, and Level 2 WCO Calisthenics Instructor.

As his football career came to an end, he transitioned into making a career of his passion for helping others realize their physical and mental potential as an Orlando-based personal trainer, health coach, and yoga instructor. He is an inspiration to thousands of individuals who didn't think a passion for fitness or yoga could be a possibility for them, mainly men and people of color.

Tie Simpson, aka Hippie Heathen, began her yoga journey in July 2013. She completed her 200 hour YTT at the renowned Kashi Urban Ashram in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for her bold, free-spirited and captivating nature, Tie humbly attributes her success in the yoga world to her strong foundation of the three P’s (practice, patience and persistence).

As an advocate for self-love, empowerment, and holistic healing; Tie uses her social platform to encourage, and promote the practice through her own personal journey to Self.

Tie notoriously blends the wellness of mind, body and spirit with the artistic nature of yoga. She expresses herself through lifestyle blogging, writing, artistic yoga photography and modeling in addition to teaching yoga and mindfulness. She is also a mother of two. And if all of that wasn’t enough, she has started Lotus Souls, a holistic wellness and lifestyle culture brand/organization.

We cannot wait to flow on the island with these two inspiring teachers March 1-7, 2018! If you feel the same, click here to find out more and/or claim one of the remaining spots.