I have practiced yoga on and off for many years to bring balance to a very busy career and knew I wanted to do more than the odd class here and there and in 2013 life’s journey took me to Glasgow. It was here where I was encouraged by my teacher to deepen my practice.
In 2015 I took myself off to my first yoga retreat in Spain with Sally Parkes Yoga and on my return, I signed up for teacher training. I completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, with Sally Parkes Yoga in London.
I am trained in hatha, vinyasa flow, yin and restorative practices.
All yoga stems from the hatha principles that are based on energy, neutral alignment, healthy mobility and breath work. Both the hatha and vinyasa practices can be described as yang type activity, this means they focus on working the muscle groups and provide a full body workout, nourishing and energising the body without exhausting it.
Yin, being the opposite of yang, works in an entirely different way. Yin works deep into the connective tissues (such as fascia, ligaments, tendons) and also the joints, working beyond the muscle groups to lengthen and soften the tissues, encouraging healthy mobility. There are fewer postures in this practice and it’s mainly floor based, but the time spent in each posture is around 3-5 mins. This can sometimes present a physical and mental resistance, but the very essence of yin is to “go within” both the body and the mind. Yin is known to be a very meditative practice and a perfect balance to yang type activity.
Restorative provides the opportunity to engage in a short meditation, focus is on breathwork and postures are similar to yin but we use lots of props to support the body and fully surrender. This is a purely relaxing class, it’s purpose is to restore the nervous system and allow yourself time to reset and recharge those batteries. It’s perfectly okay if you nod off in this class.
Having always taught yoga and studied aplenty alongside a full-time career in marketing and communications, including having my own business for a few years, I believe the time is right to let go of the things that no longer serve me. I am so looking forward to carving out a new pathway filled with things that bring happiness to me and to those around me.
I truly believe there are different types of yoga for different stages in life, and I would encourage anyone to try them all. Yoga goes way beyond the shapes on the mat. Find what you like and go with the flow. When you feel you’re not getting what you need from your practice, it’s time to explore something new.
I love the outdoors and connecting with nature, from time to time I volunteer with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust helping to maintain reserves, landscapes and taking part in wildlife surveys. I am also part of the ICE Women NE Community taking part in weekly sea dips in my swimsuit (wetsuits are for wimps!), using the power of the breath to boost immunity and keep healthy. I also busy exploring sound therapy for relaxation, something which I would love to bring to the studio.
My mantra – Show kindness, take nothing for granted, be open to learning and accept you are a work in progress. Do not seek perfection but strive to be the best version of yourself.