Lessons I've learned through Social Media | Rachel Brathen | TEDxAruba

Rachel talks about the impact social media can have on your life, and how to stay authentic.

Swedish native Rachel Brathen is a New York Times best selling author, motivational speaker and international yoga teacher residing in Aruba. Rachel's Instagram account @yoga_girl has over 1.6 million followers – making it the largest yoga account in the world.

Rachel is known for her inspirational inversion practice and inverted poses into her classes, breaking challenging asana down into steps making them accessible for all levels. She is also one of the first people in the world to take yoga from the mat and onto a paddle board, and she teaches SUP Yoga (Stand-Up Paddle board Yoga) in all of her retreats and also at festivals and events in different countries around the world.

Rachel released her first book this year, “Yoga Girl”. Part self-help and part memoir, YOGA GIRL is an inspirational, full-color look at the adventure that took her from her hometown in Sweden to the jungles of Costa Rica and finally to a paradise island in the Caribbean that she now calls home.

[DonaldPillai]

That's right Rachel. The truth can sometimes hurt you. The truth can most times change you, but the truth will set you free all the time, and yes, the truth will change the world.

[sarahelh]

It's why I love you. My favortie post of you was when you told us there are a lot of poses in yoga that are difficult for you, and it's when I decided to subscribe. I did'nt subscribe to an account, but to a person, to vulnerabilty, to a soul.

Thank you Rachel !
With love from France

[Mochama]

We always blame the social media but we never realize that it can connect us so beautifully and pour us with so much unconditional love. We need to use it the right way and show the world who we really are.

[kaylashae]

everytime i listen to rachel brathen, i feel at peace. i think she has a purity to her that is missing in todays society, its not that she's perfect because I've read her book and i know she's had a crazy past but its the way she handles her problems and is honest in a way that most aren't, thats what makes her captivating. xoxo

[ewns]

This is hands-down one of the most moving TED talks I have ever watched.

[JohnDennery]

I don't know what I was expecting but this definitely wasn't it! Really really good, genuine honesty. Isn't it weird how that often feels like it won't be well-received? The more authentically we share, the more vulnerable we make ourselves to judgement and criticism, but ultimately we will never be happy unless we can live in our own truth.

One of the best quotes: "If I want to be FREE, I've got to be ME."

[jaypicksfla]

You have been one of the biggest inspirations of my life! I have nothing but gratitude because of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[saraaugustin]

I am so very happy that you exist. Thank you so much for sharing your light and love <3

[girlballer]

You are an absolute inspiration Rachel. Thank you so much for sharing your happy moments, as well as the hard times. You're making a huge difference in the world, and helping everyone with the grieving process. Thank you <3

[mayakeay]

Can't believe how well spoken you are. I aspire to be able to talk this well in front of people! What a wonderful talk.

[stephaniejane]

I can never get through something of yours without crying! Thank you for being such a huge inspiration and for being vulnerable and trusting the universe. I am so grateful that I found you on instagram so many months ago from searching through pretty yoga pictures on the beach, because you have given me so much more than that. You amaze & inspire, please never change!

[chylawalsh]

"Tell the truth. It might just change the world."-RB You are like Ghandi says, "Be the change you wish to see." Thank you for always being you. So grateful you are in this world just as you are.

[toniarenae]

Thank you so much for sharing your life with social media/the world. You were the first "Yogi" I started following on social media and you have been such an inspiration not only to my practice but to my life as you remind me to be authentic to my own personal practice, no matter what.

[annaamorimm]

Thank you so much for existing and inspiraing us Rachel Brathen, we love you!

[lienepriede]

Thank you Rachel, I had this feeling of pain also when my twin brother was in accident in other part of the world, yoga is all about listening inside of you and your intuition and following your heart, best wishes, love.

[Brittnaysbeastin]

I followed you back when you only had a couple of thousand followers, and i believe i found your profile through a hashtag... Not only is it amazing to see how much you've grown over the last few years, it's amazing to see everything you've accomplished and how you've helped other people in their day to day lives. I personally started yoga after seeing your profile and i cannot thank you enough for bringing that light into my life. You are such a wonderful soul, keep doing what you're doing!

[meghanhowe]

The first photo of yours I ever saw was your stomach with bandages on it. I read your story about your friend and felt instantly connected to you. I followed you that day and I still follow you today. I want to tell you congratulations on everything you've accomplished from Sgt Pepper's friends to the recent launch of one o eight. Your openness and transparency and vulnerability was what interested me. Thanks for being an actual person on insta. <3 your follower, luna

[carolynbishop]

I love those words "tell the truth" on social media, you are so right there are so many people out there that they think everyone lives this perfect life, when in fact as you say no one can lead such a perfect life. I have to say I am very inspired with what you do

[thebumtrotters]

Brilliant speech Rachel. You are a true gift to this world.

[dancer]

Very beautiful Rachel!! this message is absolutely needed right now. Your bravery and vulnerability is going to change the world. xx