My Yoga Journey

Having been born with Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis meant having surgery immediately. Consequently, being unable to move as a baby in the early stages of life resulted in an awkward 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 major drawback.

I participated in a few weekend workshops with Chrissie Tucker and loved the way she moved so freely, almost dance-like. 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 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: Pete Blackaby, Gary Carter, Sophy Hoare and Pauline Sawyer.

Iain Davison, Yoga Thai Massage Master, has for the past 10 years been instrumental in helping reduce the immense tension in my body

I continually 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 many years of pleasure as well as frustration; learning to leave my ego behind and enjoy being where I am, without any expectations.

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 am presently teaching small classes and workshops in my studio in Glasgow.