My first experience of yoga was during my time at VCA acting school in 2009. To me, it wasn’t just exercise; it was an art form, and an honest one. I was humbled, but hooked. Growing up as an uncoordinated, non-dancing, non-sports playing child, it was the first time I discovered true unity with my body, and strength and grace in the way it could move.
I think both of my vocations at their core are about trying to understand others and connection. I live for interacting with people. In that sense I’m a true extrovert. I love building authentic, profound relationships. I love art, storytelling, film, theatre and history. My students probably wouldn’t pick that behind my bubbly exterior is a passion for grim apocalyptic fiction and podcasts about true crime, dark chapters of history and psychology. I find humans and the limits we go to absolutely fascinating! I didn’t choose it intentionally, but I believe it is no coincidence that all my primary yoga and acting teachers have happened to be Buddhist. These teachings make a lot of practical sense to me, and are interspersed throughout my classes, as is the SomaChi style of yoga; a highly fluid style that is influenced by Buddhism, Somatic Psychotherapy and Tai Chi.
Finally, I am grateful for my children, who are my greatest teachers of all. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” (Dalai Lama XIV)
My classes are full of warmth, playfulness, creativity and experienced hands on adjustments. I enjoy accommodating all levels of ability (and injury) and believe one of yoga’s greatest gifts is its power to nourish our nervous system for mental and emotional wellbeing.