The willow was my mum's favourite tree, and during tough times as a family, she would describe how the willow becomes more beautiful when exposed to the elements and adversity. It's a sentiment I've come to appreciate deeply.

Soon after my mum passed away in 2011, through a series of serendipitous events, we found ourselves viewing our home in Sussex and making an offer as we left the driveway. Despite its dated 1950s design at the time, it was the three magnificent willow trees in the garden that told me this would be our forever home, alongside the incredible energy I felt as I walked around the garden.

The willow teaches us to bend rather than break, to embody flexibility in the face of life’s challenges. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me, especially as I embark on the journey of creating a space for healing and transformation.

Then, as if guided by fate, serendipity intervened once more. Just as I was visualising creating my own healing space, my yoga teacher and mentor, Jeff Lester, reached out with an invitation to join his mentorship programme, "Rising Tides Retreats." It felt like a sign from the universe, confirming I was on the right path. As we brainstormed names for this sacred space, ‘Wild Willow’ emerged as the clear choice — the shala is under a willow tree, my mantra is "wild and free," and my Celtic tree birth sign is the willow.

I am Rachael Richards, founder of Wild Willow, and a breathwork facilitator and yoga teacher. Yoga, breathwork (pranayama), and meditation have supported every aspect of my life—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—for the past 15 years.

It brings me great joy to share these transformative tools, empowering people to connect with their own inner peace, power, and purpose. I’m constantly amazed at how such a simple, accessible, and free resource (the breath) can have such a profound, powerful effect.

In addition to my offerings at Wild Willow (and regular yoga classes in Chichester), I also facilitate yoga and breathwork sessions at various retreats, festivals, and in corporate settings. My aim is to remove the barriers that hinder personal growth, allowing people to let down their guard and embrace our sessions with authenticity.

Other things that make me feel alive include quality time with family and friends, genuine connections, adventures in nature (from learning new watersports to mountain biking in the South Downs), and dancing!