Today (21st June) is international yoga day and just over a year since I qualified to teach, so I thought it a good opportunity to reflect on my journey to this point.
It may be worth pointing out that my love of yoga was not an instant thing but has grown over time. When I was first introduced to the practice, I found it hard, my muscles were tight and inflexible (still are) and fairly typical of someone who has participated in high impact sports my whole life.
But what I did feel fairly early on, was the sense of calm that an asana sequence brings. I was exposed to different types of yoga, by different people, in different settings, repeatedly over a period of time and was simultaneously learning the physiological effects in various books and podcasts and suddenly one day I found myself craving that vinyasa flow feeling.
I embarked on a yoga teacher training course, not so that I could teach others, but to gain more from my own practice, but as so often is the case, it is the act of teaching others that ingrains the lessons in your own mind. And so I have found it to be that each time I teach, I come away feeling a glow and sense of calm that almost always wasn’t there when I went in.
Since qualifying I have been fortunate to have had experience teaching in a variety of settings. In studios, gyms, schools, church halls, city parks and even online. Having tried it briefly, I have decided not to commit to my own regular class for the time being but rather to offer my support as a cover teacher in the local area. This suits me perfectly and works well around a demanding day job.
My own practice has steadily improved as the year has gone on, in frequency, content and location! I have been practicing outdoors as often as possible since march and discovered the perfect woodland spot nearby where I can settle on my mat with the sounds of a babbling burn and the birds for company (as well as my trusty canine companion).
Each outdoor sessions has felt more and more magical (the topic of biophilia is one for another day) and I have noticed a significant difference in how I handle day to day stressors after taking time out for a moment of calm.
Also I am truly grateful for the other yogis I have met along the way, in Edinburgh and further afield. It feels wonderful to be a part of a kind and caring community, to learn from and to spread the vibes.
The world feels like a different place this year. I am excited to see what the year to come will bring.
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