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. Strip away all the baggage and misconceptions and 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 which has continued to grow.
The physical challenges of yoga are a doorway into greater vitality and to being able sit comfortably in stillness. For urban bodies living in stimulating times, our breathing bodies, give us back our ‘wildness’ and simplicity: fundamental resources in maintaining mental and physical health. Pattahbi Jois (developed the Ashtanga Vinyasa form) was often heard to say to his students “Practice, practice, all is coming.” These practices can help us find 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, meditation and stillness – and how these practices overlap with the everyday practice of living.
I love to translate yoga into simple teachings available to all, irrespective of belief system, gender, cultural background or level of experience
Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice
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
Tuition – What We Offer
Classes
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 – no public classes at present.
One:One (or more)
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.
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
Graduate of the Michael Stone Meditation Facilitation Mentorship programme (YogaCampus London) and offer Mindfulness Meditation as a stand-alone practice or as part of your training in yoga or voice.
Teacher Trainer
Faculty member at the Abby Hoffmann Yoga School teaching on 200 hour and Embodied Dancer teacher trainings.
Specialist Yoga Teacher Training module Voice for Yoga Teachers a one or two-day course in embodied voice production for yoga professionals (can be tailored to fit other groups). Functional voice-work & vocal self-expression interfaced with the subtle breath and sound practices of yoga.
Yoga, Meditation and Creativity
I’m currently developing a set of short courses and training that underpin creativity with yoga and stillness practices. These will focus on creative writing, self-expression and the voice. Check the workshops section soon!
These will be CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accredited by Yoga Alliance
