Recently I shared in an online post about my ‘compelling reason’. Why I am focused on providing yoga to people who may not find it accessible for their body. It was 11 years ago while working a busy administration job that I felt unexpectedly ill. I visited the Dr and to cut a long story short, blood tests showed my body was fighting a massive infection. Once the worst had passed I was left with some residual symptoms that later led to a diagnosis of encephalitis.
Unable to work, couldn’t drive, couldn’t be in social situations. I had difficulty with words and the most incredible brain fatigue that required me to nap frequently. There were many tears and much frustration. The multi-tasking I had always prided myself on was now out of the window.
Spoon Theory
It was then I learned about ‘Spoon Theory’ . If you’ve never heard of it please take the time to read Christine Miserandino’s account of a coffee shop outing with a friend. It may help to open both your eyes and your heart to what some fellow human have to deal with in their lives. Frankly, I was pretty low on spoons.
I took up yoga. It was a slow burn. I liked it, it wasn’t boring (like pilates was for me) and I had a fantastic teacher. Over time my yoga practice developed and became an important part of my life. I eventually found a beautiful yoga studio to call home, and started Teacher Training there. That was a pivotal moment in my life and I am grateful for everything it brought me.
Maybe, like me, you what it feels like to not fit the ‘instagram-able yoga mould’. To feel like you don’t fit in. I want to teach yoga to people like that. I offer an accessible class – ‘Easy Yoga for Every Body’ which caters for all levels of flexibility and experience. I also have a Workshop series starting up – ‘Restorative Practice’ which is designed for anyone looking for a supportive healing environment. It offers Restorative Yoga, Guided Meditation, Yoga Nidra and Sound Healing. My aim is always to empower the student, to let them know it’s OK to adapt their yoga. To take a functional approach rather than an aesthetic one.
I’m passionate about bringing yoga to ‘Every Body’ as I know what a positive effect it has had on my life – physically, mentally and emotionally. No-one should miss out on that simply because they don’t feel they look acceptable in a pair of yoga pants or they’re perhaps a little short in the cutlery department.
