My Yoga journey started 5 years ago at the age of 43. I was always told I SHOULD do Yoga, but when I tried it was big classes and I guess my head just got in the way, I never really knew if I was doing it right and off I went back to the gym.
I fell in love with Yoga when I went along to an intimate class of 4 people plus the teacher with a dear friend. Our teacher took us back to basics, we workshopped things, and she slowly took us further as our bodies opened. Unfortunately she had to move to care for a family member, so that was short lived.. Because I lwas quite a way from town and had young kids I searched Youtube and found Leslie Fightmaster and spent a year doing her online teachings at least 5 days a week, anywhere from 20 - 90 minutes at home. My family and I undertook an interstate move and once settled I found a little Yoga sign in my new town. Knowing it was time for a teacher in the flesh, I stepped through a door that would really change my life. I know it sounds cliche but it's true.
I met Terina Dent who had over 20 years experience and I started going twice a week. I was committed and as Terina got me familiar with the practice we just started to meet up to practice together a few times a week. I love her down to earth attitude around yoga and her sense of humour so I was hooked. Then came the mentoring in teaching, Terina took me under her wing on my private sessions we would discuss the principals around teaching. Under her supervision I was able to experience what that looked and felt like, working with beginners and pregnant women. I started looking into becoming a certified teacher and found Core life Yoga in Cairns. The 200hrs teacher training was amazing Jen Hamilton and Han Wee Tan guided our group beautifully. Jen with her postures, sequencing and somatic experiences and Hans amazing Pranayama and Meditation work. The teacher training was part-time which really suited me where I was at and made it so easy to achieve something I really wanted to do. It gave me time to integrate everything I needed to cover. I met amazing people as well its like a little family. With the continuing support of my teachers I feel very confident in my teaching abilities. Of course with every opportunity I get to instruct and teach I grow and evolve as a teacher, it's a beautiful process really.
Personally I love mixing up my own practice, I go to a few classes a week and practice at home. I partake in workshops and private sessions to fine tune my body awareness and all round practice. I have had the pleasure of leading general classes, teaching at retreats and doing one on one sessions. I love the diversity of meeting people where they are at and sharing in their journey around Yoga. It's so much more than just the postures, the breath work, the meditation is a beautiful addition to the busy lives we lead. Anytime on your mat is better than nothing, in saying that life can get in the way and sometimes our practice ebbs and flows, comes and goes. It's OK. Thats why its great to have a class to go to or someone to practice with to keep us accountable to something that is so worth while on so many levels.
If you are wanting a little more guidance around your Yoga journey, get in touch. Namaste