My Yoga Journey

I was born with a condition which meant having surgery immediately, consequently being unable to move as a baby would at the early stages of life;  an awkward, clumsy and fearful child, holding a great deal of tension and unable to let go.

It was in my late twenties when I realised how unfit and inflexible I had become. A ‘hatha’ yoga class started up in 1981 and I joined.  Everything I tried to do was demanding and challenging and downright painful and most of all my ego got in the way; being unable to breathe correctly was a drawback.

Serendipity played a part when I participated in a few weekend workshops with Chrissie Tucker. I loved the way she moved so freely; almost dance-like. She mentioned The Inner Yoga Trust which had changed her thinking and way of moving. I confided in Chrissie my ambition to teach and she gave me encouragement without which I would not have begun my own yoga practice in 2001.

Over the years I began to evolve along the lines of Vanda Scaravelli’s teaching, although I was unaware of her teachings at the time;  I suppose this had to do with me beginning to allow my body to unfold naturally and freely, an instinct which is echoed in all the teachers who inspire me.

It took me a long time to be in touch with Yoga Thai Massage Master Iain Davison, who has for the past six years been instrumental in helping reduce the immense tension in my hips and shoulders. We started on a weekly basis and only recently reducing visits to every 2/3 weeks.

To this day I continue to work on my feet, waiting and listening to my body; when I pay enough attention something is given to me and I gradually unfold. For some this may take a very short time; for me this has been a lifetime of pleasure as well as frustration; learning to leave my ego behind and enjoy being where I am, without any expectations. 

My thanks to Pauline Sawyer who presided over my teacher training and who continues to be an inspiration, along with Gary Carter, Pete Blackaby, Sophy Hoare and Diane Long.

My yoga path is to continue to unwind and try to be lighter and move effortlessly; be more aware of my feet and enjoy all of this as a meditation. I always remember reading in one of Donna Farhi’s books that we want to move as elegantly as possible and I guess this stays with me throughout.

I currently teach small classes and workshops in my studio in Glasgow.

July 2013