Why Do I Practise And Teach Yoga
Yoga came into my life over a decade ago. A family friend in his 30s had tragically died and it left me reeling. I simply could not make sense of a world that would allow this to happen.
Around this time I read an article about a yoga teacher who was doing some great work. Everything she said really resonated with me. I ordered her yoga videos (yes I’m showing my age now!) and her beautiful mantras and songs. They became my go-to when I couldn’t sleep, and were my first introduction to the healing potential of yoga.
I spent a couple of years practising regularly, trying other yoga styles and classes. The time I spent on the mat was the most special time of my whole week, and I experienced a calm I hadn’t ever felt before.
Sadly soon after this, my Aunty died from breast cancer. As I sat at her hospice bedside, I felt very strongly that there must be a place for yoga in people’s treatment during illness, to help them feel peaceful and connected.
This was the catalyst that started me on my yoga teacher training journey, learning how to share the benefits of yoga with people who really needed it.
I began my training in Restorative yoga, with the wonderful American yoga grande-dame; Judith Hanson Lasater. Her parting words at the end of each day’s training were ‘Be like the water lily – at home in the muddy water’. I loved this idea – that no matter how ‘muddy’ our lives felt, we could shine and bloom just like a beautiful flower.
This quote and my yoga practice helped me through some of the most difficult years of my life, when my marriage came to an end. Yoga – more than ever – became my salvation.
I knew that for the duration of the time I spent on my mat, the monkey chatter in my brain would be quietened and I always left feeling as though there was light in the dark tunnel I found myself in.
It was this rather painful shove that I needed to step up and complete my 200 hour teacher training. It was the best decision I have ever made. Practising and teaching yoga have helped me to transform my body and my life in ways I didn’t know were possible. I have found a strength and an openness to learn and grow both on and off the mat.
Its important to point out that yoga isn’t just for the difficult times in life; it definitely adds a sparkle to my day during the good times too! Feeling that connection between our mind and our body is so important in our busy world, and I love sharing this through the beautiful teachings of yoga.
Yoga challenges me daily both physically and mentally, and through regular practice has enabled me to find the confidence to step up and become visible and share what I love with the world.
If you had told me at the start of 2020 (when Covid was something we hadn’t really heard of) that I would have an online yoga business and would be writing my first blog (yes this!) to appear on my own website I’d have laughed at you, but wonderful things do happen, and here I am, doing the work I know I was put on this earth to do, living a beautiful life that I have created for myself.
Come and experience the transformative effects of yoga for yourself. I ensure that my classes are non-intimidating and accessible - no matter your starting point. I love seeing the effect yoga has on my students, regardless of age, health, fitness or flexibility.
Simply click here to see my schedule of classes and upcoming events. I’d love to see you on the mat.
