Yoga and me ten years on! my yoga journey

Ten years ago, I decided to pursue my passion for yoga and become a certified yoga teacher. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Yoga, for me, could, at best, be described as a slow burner which developed to become a massive part of my life, helping me navigate challenging circumstances and my own full to bursting life. 

That first yoga class

As a runner and cross-fitter, I most definitely had preconceived notions of what yoga was - mainly lying on your back and farting - no thanks! It was safe to say I didn't fancy it much.

I vividly remember the first class I ever attended - reluctantly, may I add - after agreeing to go to a local class to shut my running friend up. It was nerve-wracking, what should I wear? Do I need a mat? What do you even do in a yoga class? I had all sorts of questions and no definite answers! 

But I needn't have worried the first class was everything. I had finally found something I was good at, and in a room full of strangers who would eventually become some of my closest friends, I felt like I belonged.

By the second class, I was hooked. I loved the feeling of peace and calm that it brought me; I loved the movement, the breath, the holding and yet letting go at the same time, the non-competitiveness of it all, and as that second class came to an end, I just knew that wanted to share this with others. 

Yoga practitioners in a low lunge pose, practicing in a bright, airy studio.

The journey to becoming a yoga teacher

Becoming a yoga teacher is not an easy journey. 

It's not just about the training programme, the study of yoga philosophy, or the study of anatomy; yoga has a way of creeping into your life, and once it has its hold, positive changes begin to occur. Friends you thought you'd know forever disappear, never to be seen again.

Before you know it, your diet changes, and you look more favourably towards fruit than you do biscuits; you begin to accept challenges for what they are (lessons no less) and become an entirely better version of yourself. 

So, what is teaching yoga like? 

Teaching yoga is the bravest, most challenging and most rewarding thing I do each week. Every student is different, but I have learned to adapt my teaching style to accommodate every person's unique needs over the years.

It is also lonely and requires a lot of self-reflection, self-study and self-practice. Time is another factor in teaching; hours of my time are spent researching and planning each class, and that does not factor in the time it takes to travel to and, set up and pack up and travel home from each class. 

But despite the challenges, I have seen first-hand how yoga can transform lives by improving physical health, reducing stress, and creating calm by increasing mindfulness. And I feel very grateful that I get to do what I do.

Join me on the mat

My classes cater for every - body and being online means you can get your zen on without leaving the house:

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