I have been practicing Yoga since 1998. After only a few classes I was intrigued and hooked. I dipped in & out of it as I inadvertently let family, work & life take priority. Having let self care slip and become unwell, I now choose to give my yoga practice a much better priority and feel it is as fundamental to looking after oneself as what we might unwittingly give a greater priority to – eating, drinking and working. It is a whole practice of being kind to and nourishing one’s body, mind and spirit. Why would we not do it?! It is about ‘being’ not just ‘doing’. The hard part is listening to what our intuition (teaching from within) is telling us and taking note. That is yoga (a Sanskrit word which translates roughly as union/yoking/connection). Being awake and aware and enjoying life, connected to all aspects of ourself and the world in which we live. It can be so much more than just the postures which are great for keeping the body strong and flexible but is often all yoga is seen as today. It is about how it positively changes your life and relationships.
I am now a complete enthusiast of the whole practice of yoga and the many facets of the ancient tradition and wisdoms that can be relevant and helpful at different times and I love learning, sharing and teaching it. It is complimentary to other ways of looking after ourself and enjoying life. I personally also enjoy my family and friends, being out in nature, sailing, skiing, tennis, swimming, walking, gardening, music, reading, cooking and creative activities – pottery, painting. Being connected to all the elements – space, air, fire, water and the earth.
I have a 2i degree in Biological Sciences and a PGCE Teaching Certificate. I started the 3 year (500 hour) Yoga teacher training with the Inner Yoga Trust in 2012, and graduated in 2015 with Jenny Beeken and other wonderful teachers: Chris Wyeth, Lesley Charters, Pauline Sawyer, Gary Carter, Simon Barkworth , Sarah Waterfield for Vedic Chanting and recently on zoom, classes with Sandra Sabatini & Michal Havkin in Italy (both students of Vanda Scaravelli who was taught by Sri BKS Iyengar). I also learnt a lot from and shared the journey with my fellow students, most of whom are now teaching and it is a constant renewal of enthusiasm to share our knowledge and evolving understanding.
The Foundation Year introduced us to anatomy, physiology, asana (postures), breathing (Pranayama), meditation and the ancient philosophies. Years 2 and 3 cyclically expanded our understanding of all the aspects of Yoga and included the ancient texts and Vedic chanting in the old Sanskrit language, by learning on residential weekends and summer school weeks. It was a 500 hour Course which actually included so much more than the formal hours of tuition. Personal practice is fundamental, is ongoing and is constantly interesting and exciting. I have enjoyed many CPD hours on both in-person and online courses since finishing my formal training.
The learning really begins when one starts to teach others. I have been teaching yoga for over 12 years now and really enjoy introducing Yoga to people and sharing the many benefits that it can bring. I feel I am a facilitator and guide as much as a ‘teacher’ and instructor. Teaching and learning is a wonderful 2 way process. We learn from each other:) Only you can move and transform yourself, when you are open and ready.
I teach daytime and evening classes on Zoom, in person and private 1:1s & small groups. My classes include a mixture of asana ( postures/poses/gestures) to keep the physical body flexible, strong, adaptable and functioning well, breath awareness and exercises (pranayama), mindfulness and relaxation. I introduce other aspects such as the philosophies, chanting and meditation according to those present.
I went to Kerala in SW India in 2013 and October 2018. I really enjoyed feeling the positive energy of the country and people, seeing the vibrant colours, hearing the cacophony of sounds, being in wild nature and witnessing ancient traditions. We learnt from local indian yoga teachers as well as Jenny who led the 2018 trip. ‘Yoga’ is a Sanskrit word which can roughly translate to ‘union’ or ‘yoking/joining’. It is becoming aware of and respecting the connectedness and wholeness of ourselves and everything around us. It is a gentle but strong and subtle empowering practice of awakening, blending and nourishing the different aspects of ourself (our physical body, our mind, our emotions, our soul/spirit). We are energy. A unique ever-changing blend of different vibrations of energy.
When we are ready, it goes wider in awakening us to become aware of and caring for the parts of our own self, ourselves with others, and the world we all share.
I enjoy seeing the seasons change, adapting my own practice and teaching with the seasons. Nature is all around us, it is there to be observed, enjoyed and respected. We are interdependent. I particularly like teaching outdoors whenever the location and weather are conducive to it!
I really welcome feedback from those I teach – what they enjoy, what they need, would like to do more of or less of, how it affects them and any ideas or suggestions for classes.
I am also interested in complimentary practices. The qi gong moves of Tai Chi are particularly complimentary to yoga postures and enhance my understanding and awareness.
I have enjoyed 3 years of training in Tai chi Qi gong with Sue Woodd, and include aspects of this where appropriate in my classes and private sessions.
I would like to thank all my teachers and students for their support of my journey so far and the privilege of teaching and learning.
Namaste!
October 2018
Kerala & Mysore
I and 10 yoga teachers who trained with Jenny Beeken of the Inner Yoga Trust went to SW India with her to 3 locations, met local yoga teachers, saw, smelt and felt the amazing colours, food, sounds and energy of India.
Here is a short montage of our time there to share some of it with you.
TAI CHI QI GONG
I have more recently learnt and now also practice the very complimentary practice of Qi Gong (the moves within a Tai Chi practice). I first encountered tai chi about 15 years ago, have taken part in sessions at Festivals and since 2023, have been training with Sue Woodd. It is SO interesting to have become more aware of another similar ancient wellbeing tradition.
The mindful movements, breathing and effect on the energy systems of ourselves are approached in a similar way to yoga but have come from a different ancient lineage.
The movements (gong) clear and enhance our life energy (qi) and so give support and nourishment to our many organs,, glands, vessels and tissues, supporting us on a cellular level within the physical body and energetically on our minds and souls.
As with yoga, I love practicing and teaching with the seasons. The light, warmth, energy differs through the year. It is best to work with this not ignore it.
I particularly like teaching and practicing outdoors – in the countryside and at the seaside. Out in fresh air. I personally do so at both, on the significant seasonal days of the year like solstices and equinoxes, following the Celtic calendar as that is the ancient wisdom of the part of the world in which I live.
