Yoga

is a term which means ‘to yoke’, to join together, to unite.  It’s a vast field of knowledge and practice that continues to grow and cross-fertilise beyond culture, belief or geography. If we strip away all the baggage and misconceptions, we find an archetypal and empowering set of life skills that help us cultivate a state of awakened, joyful, embodied living.

My first experiences of yoga were from a book, as a teenager in N E Scotland. There were no classes in those days. Years later I found Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and loved the freedom of ‘self practice’ and the flowing breath-focused form. I was hooked. It was the beginning of a much broader enquiry into the field of yoga.

I was taught a long time ago that the physical challenges of yoga (the asana work that we tend to think IS yoga) are really the means to get still and be able to sit comfortably. For Western bodies, it seems we need to work pretty hard at that. Pattahbi Jois (who developed the Ashtanga Vinyasa form) was often heard to say to his students “Practice, practice, all is coming.” I’m starting to understand what he meant. These practices give us the inner resources to move through life with grace, gratitude and joyfulness – whatever else is going on.

A love affair with yoga and the moving body inevitably leads to, a sitting practice and the study of meditation and mindfulness – and how these practices overlap with the field of yoga and with heightened creative states.

I love to translate these practices into simple teachings available to all, irrespective of belief system, gender, cultural background or level of experience

I teach what I love.

Increased flexibility & strength
More energy and vitality
Improved breathing
More self-confidence
Ability to relax and restore well-being
Greater resilience in dealing with day-day challenges
An increased awareness of energetic flow states
A growing sense of connection with others and with the natural world
More congruence in being regardless of external stressors
The ability to breath deep and be present

I currently teach classes at Bristol University as part of the ‘Get Active’ faculty. Having run independent classes in Bristol for the last 15 years, I’m taking a break until the autumn term. I have no public classes at present.

I teach an adaptable style of yoga in response to the student’s needs and level of ability – from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners. Meditation, breath or voice work can be included.

I work with all sorts of people and ability levels – from wheel-chair bound through to the super-fit and quite often with couples who have complicated and differing needs. I currently have some availability.   

I’m an experienced mentor to trainee and new teachers.

References provided on request.