ABOUT DIANA

Diana Paschal is a 1000 E-RYT Yoga Teacher & Somatic Coach who supports individuals find more harmony, clarity, and wellbeing. For over a decade, she’s taught at top studios, led International retreats, conferences, trainings and her signature AwakenAwe programs.

Diana has a syncretic offering from her dedication of studies in Vinyasa, Iyengar, Katonah Yoga, Toism, somatics, FRC, 5Rhythms, CBT, yoga therapy and meditation with master teachers around the world.

Diana is Trauma certified and has studied Somatic Experiencing with Peter Levine. Diana holds an advanced yoga therapeutics certification from Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman; She is certified to teach Katonah Yoga® from the founder Nevine Michaan.

Diana utilizes the body as a vehicle to bring insight and harmony within oneself and to deepen our connection to life. She is grateful to share the wisdom that has supported her own healing and evolution.

MY STORY

Born a lover of movement, animals, nature, and all art forms, I grew up in a small town in west Tennessee and spent my youth riding my bike, swimming, dancing and climbing trees. My parents had me as teenagers, and they struggled to find stability and peace in their lives. They went through divorce and re-marriage, where I was shuffled from various homes, and step-parents and step-siblings came in and out of my life. I was abused and witnessed addiction and struggles around me.

In high-school, I found fulfillment and community through athletics, Church, music and mentoring other kids. I loved cheerleading, gymnastics and dance and used movement to get out of my head. I got out my angst with Nirvana, Alanis Morisette and Weezer. I became a competitive Cheerleader throughout high school and college, while also teaching kids gymnastics and swimming. I discovered Yoga in College, but I would not dedicate myself to the practice for many more years.

After graduation, I spent half a year living in London and traveling Europe, then officially left the south for the concrete jungle of New York City to create "a better life," but it wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped. While pursuing a career as an actress, I spent too many nights partying with anybody and everybody, washing down pizza with Tequila. I wasn’t connected to myself. I avoided and numbed my pain. I felt restless, scared and alone. I protected myself from getting hurt again by closing myself off from vulnerability and deeper relationships. I built a shield and bottled everything up inside, until I eventually, learned how to process and be with my difficult emotions. I learned how to trust again.

After a few meltdowns, at 27, I dove deeply into self-inquiry with tools from wisdom teachings, yoga, mindfulness, holistic health, coaching and conscious relating. I quit drinking alcohol. I recovered from co-dependent, toxic relationships. At 30, I took a sabbatical to Asia, exploring, studying and uncovering more truth. I’ve been on the path ever since and began coaching and teaching in 2014, and my offering continues to evolve with my own growth. Through years of practice, I've cultivated a deeper presence, sensitivity, compassion and connection to divinity, and I am grateful to share and guide others on their path.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Middle Tennessee State, B.S., Cum Laude

American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYC, Theater Conservatory

LYT Yoga, Lara Heimann, 200 HR YTT

Katonah Yoga, Founder Nevine Michaan, New York, 200 HR YTT

YogaShanti NYC, 300 HR YTT: Yoga Therapy, Pranayama, Meditation, Rodney Yee

YogaVida NYC, 100 HR Teaching Mentorship

Wanderlust, CA, 75HR Advanced TT, Schuyler Grant    

Trauma Informed Yoga, 100 HR SoulWork

Somatic Experiencing, Esalen Institute, Peter Levine & Bessel van der Kolk

Cognitive Behavior Coaching Cert, Renaissance Life Therapies

AWAKENAWE