Yoga Training
My yoga training was at the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012 and, I have continued with my professional development ever since. I have achieved over 330 hours of teacher training as recognised by the Yoga Alliance International and Sivananda International Vedanta. Since qualifying, I have taught over 10,000 hours of face to face and online classes. Yoga has been a part of my life for many years and, I see it as a therapy for both physical and mental well being. My working background has primarily focused on Counselling, coaching and mentoring adults and young people. I love understanding people, or trying to, and lectured in Psychology for a several years after graduating in Psychology and Drama as a mature student. I have worked for many charitable organisations and was a Youth Worker for over 7 years with a focus on older teenagers. This lead me to a post graduate degree in Youth Work. I especially love teaching yoga to teenagers and young adults. My passion is to help others be the best version of themselves both physically and mentally. Since being certified by the International Yoga Alliance, I can honestly say that I love going to work every day and feel privileged at having the opportunity to teach yoga. As a qualified, registered and accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist i offer yoga as a therapeutic tool as well helping people navigate their way in areas of life where they feel stuck.
I was introduced to asana (postures) practise of yoga in the late 1970s by my mother who was experiencing early menopause. As a young, I remember the wonderful feelings I felt when practising yoga postures and, in particular, inversions. My father, an avid and talented golfer, would often teach me various stretches and introduced me the the shoulder stand. However, one of the things I love about yoga, is that you can start at any age and, the advantages are endless. It’s a lifestyle choice and one that can drastically improve your quality of life, both physically and mentally whether you start at 8 or 80. Im not hyper-mobile and have many injuries including a fractured pelvis, a disc pressing on my spine and broken both knees in skiing accidents. Traditional Yoga has helped to strengthen these areas of weakness and also given me empathy with those who have limitations and injuries or weak areas.
Breath Work
In my 30’s I was introduced to the Pranayama (breath work) aspect of yoga by an Indian, Catholic, Priest I was working with in the UK. As a Christian, I found that the pranayama breathing techniques are an aid to quietening the mind and helping to cease the internal dialogue thus aiding meditation and assist in listening to that quiet voice inside. None of the styles of yoga I had practised before becoming a Yoga Instructor had focused much on pranayama (breathing techniques). Like my students, I have found the benefits of regular pranayama, especially the advanced breathing techniques such as Kapalabhati, to be a real asset to our busy lives, and I incorporate them into most classes. Pranayama has huge benefits for physical and mental health as breath work, acts as a natural cleanser of the internal organs and can also assist with weight loss, when practised regularly alongside a nutritious diet. Breath work has such a positive impact on our well being and we can choose how we breathe to aid a feeling of inner peace and, lets’ face it, peace is all any of us want in life. Our brain function is impacted upon by our breath and has a fundamental impact on our hormones, which send signals to our brain and, influences the bio chemistry of the brain. Paying attention to our breath can support our long term physical and mental health. The brain is a biological reactor to what is going on around us. Breath work helps support the recovery from trauma, so, stop being a hamster on a treadmill and get in touch with your breath.
We live in the prefrontal cortex and are not conscious of ourselves and, trauma can cause disassociation with the self making the mind and body separated. Breath work supports a reconnection through an awareness, and can be practised any time to support a healthy mental attitude.
Meditation and Mindfullness
Yoga for me is a physical practise that uses the physical to go beyond the physical. I tried meditation and mindfulness at various retreats in my 20’s and 30’s but instead of achieving a peaceful or blissful state, I just became more frustrated. I was encouraged to try walking as a form of meditation and to continue practising yogic postures. I find that after practising the physical aspect of yoga, preceded by the breath work and followed by the relaxation, just like a good run or opportunity for an endorphine hit, i’m more relaxed mentally and physically after class, and experience a sense of peace. Everyone is different, and open to things at various times, so, you can only find out what works for you by giving things a try. The more I practice yoga, the more I want to and, if i do take a couple of days off its amazing how quickly I stiffen up, therefore I try to practise most days. Why don’t you see what yoga at Yoga 7 class can do for you and book your first class today?
Yoga 7 is proud to be continually, independently rated as offering the best yoga classes in Worcester since 2014 by the ‘3 Best Rated’.
Yoga Classes in Worcester
Worcester Yoga Classes
I offer a range of yoga classes in Worcester city centre and in some venues across the Worcestershire. Most classes are also online so you will find students from various parts of the country and globe joining our online classes. View my yoga classes page for more details.
