Yoga - tree posture


Yoga for You
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I have been practising Yoga for 10 years. I started in 1993 with a Yoga class at a local school hall. What I was looking for was a way to maintain flexibility in my body. Apart from this I was not sure what else Yoga offered. I found the first few classes very difficult and uncomfortable and I wasn’t quite sure if it was for me. However, I decided to keep trying.

After 6 months I joined another Yoga group under the instruction of Ellen Lee. Her method of teaching spoke to me and she has been my teacher ever since. Through her instruction I did indeed become more flexible, however I also learned how to observe my body, to calm my mind and to have a greater awareness of self. This gradual education added to my enjoyment and commitment to Yoga practice.

The idea of Yoga is that it is something more than just physical exercise - it is about connecting to your true self. It asks that we respect our limitations and still challenge ourselves. It is uncompetitive and demands honesty and humility. Forcing your body to try to achieve a posture it cannot do, will hinder your progress. You must be kind to your body and listen to it!!! Do what you can and work with it. Through the physical practice of Yoga, mind, body and breath become one. It is this that pieces us together to feel whole and calm.

After many years of Yoga practice, going to workshops and retreats, I decided that I wanted to share my experience of Yoga by becoming an instructor. I received my training from the Yoga for Health Foundation and also had strong continued support from Ellen.

I love teaching and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with my students. I hope that people can benefit as much from Yoga as I have. In my teaching, I try to transmit to my students the importance of taking time out to sometimes be still. It is in being still that we learn to be peaceful, open and content with ourselves. When we are quiet, old thought patterns unravel and we can begin to hear our inner voice.