At one of the busiest points in his life, Rich Lyke was always on the go. He was running multiple businesses, raising a family, and moving through each day with a full plate and little time to pause. On the outside, things looked fine. But on the inside, he felt drained and disconnected.
Looking for a break, he decided to try a yoga class. Just one hour on the mat gave him something he hadn’t felt in a long time, a space to breathe. That simple moment of quiet sparked a bigger shift.
“That first class became the beginning of something transformative,” Rich said. “Yoga became not only a practice, but a path.”
Wanting to learn more, he enrolled in MiraCosta College’s 200-hour yoga teacher training program. At first, he wasn’t planning to teach. He just wanted to understand the practice more deeply. But as he studied breathwork, anatomy, and yoga philosophy, something in him began to realign. The program helped him reconnect with parts of himself that had been buried under stress for years.
“Earning that certification felt like reclaiming a part of myself I had long ignored,” he said. “One rooted in presence, compassion, and awareness.”
The support Rich found at MiraCosta made all the difference. His instructors, Ally Wheatley, Susan Kremer, and Casey McFarland, brought care, wisdom, and authenticity into every class. Rich said they didn’t just talk about yoga. They lived it.
McFarland also shared how much of an impact Rich made on the group.
“Rich stood out from day one,” she said. “He showed up with dedication, asked thoughtful questions, and created a space where others felt supported and welcome. He truly embodies the heart of yoga.”
Rich also found comfort in the community around him. His classmates came from all walks of life, each bringing their own story. When things outside of school felt overwhelming, he reached out to Student Services and got the guidance he needed. For him, MiraCosta became more than a place to take classes. It became a place to grow.
“MiraCosta truly offers more than just classes,” he said. “It offers support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.”
Juggling school, work, and parenting wasn’t always easy. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion. But yoga taught Rich that it’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, even when things feel messy. He learned to meet himself with kindness and to stay present in the moment.
Today, Rich is combining his business experience with his passion for wellness. He is building a platform that combines yoga, spirituality, and mindful leadership. His vision includes hosting healing retreats, leading workshops, and exploring how technology can support mental and emotional health.
“I hope my story shows that it’s never too late to realign with your purpose,” he said. “You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start where you are.”
Rich’s journey began with a single breath. It deepened through MiraCosta and continues with intention and purpose.
Sometimes, all it takes is the right place and moment to help you find your way back to yourself.