It is amazing what life throws at you and the myriad twists and turns you may make on that journey!
I first trained as a nurse in Stirling then qualified as a midwife in 1988 at St Mary’s Midwifery School in Paddington.
Now, 30 years later, here I am teaching yoga! That really wasn’t part of my game plan for my 50s but carpe diem.
In 2007 my son won 4 free yoga lessons in a school raffle. In March 2008, in great trepidation I went along to a church hall. At that point, I was about 16 stone and very self conscious and vulnerable about my size. I needn’t have worried. I felt welcomed and supported. I nearly quit after the first couple of classes as I was so sore but my teacher, Julie Hanson looked me in the eye and said “You can continue on your old paths or you can choose to take a new alignment”! It was said firmly but kindly and I came back for the next 2 lessons and then 2 more and then I was hooked!
In 2013 and 2014 Julie suggested I do the Seasonal Yoga Teacher Training course. I was like, “Me??” So from 2014 to 2015 I was fortunate to take the 200Hrs YTT and graduated in 2015. I was inspired by the other teachers, Marit Akintewe and Sue Woodd.
Having thought I would be teaching pre and post natal yoga, I found myself wanting to teach people who might otherwise think they would be unable to practice yoga! Inclusive and accessible yoga is what I felt passionate about teaching. I took an online Yoga For All Course taught by Dianne Bondy and Amber Cairns. My classes are open for all abilities, ages and genders.
Last year, I was very fortunate to be able to continue my yoga education with Seasonal Yoga Academy and completed the 300Hr YTT in February 2018 despite a year of sadness and loss. The Seasonal Yoga Academy YTT is certified by the Yoga Alliance.
I have also been fortunate to attend workshops and classes by John Scott, Coral Brown, Indra Mohan and Leslie Kaminoff.
I am always learning and will be doing so till I leave this earth!