Smarter not harder.

I first saw yoga in the 1970’s. In the 1980’s I shared a house with a yoga teacher and my oldest friend tried to persuade me to engage in yoga in the early 90’s, but I was not for turning;  I was a high octane loving man:  squash and gym daily, running, biking, tennis and skiing but by my mid 40’s my body and mind were worn out.

A wise yogini once said “you come to Yoga when you are ready”. Eventually, I was ready and as I did the first downfaced dog posture I thought ‘this is amazing’, followed quickly with ‘I have to teach this’. With a daily practice and attending classes 3 times a week I went on to complete my first teacher training course, followed by an Ashtanga training with the world-renowned David Swenson. I travelled to Oxford regularly (a thriving hub of Ashtanga at that time) to learn from visiting international teachers and met Patthabi from India on his visit to London.

I taught regular classes in Tatsfield but this was not enough. I told my partner Claire I wanted to teach full time.  Her response was “what’s stopping you?” So, I gave up a secure job, company car, private health, paid holidays and a pension for an uncertain future with an adapted lifestyle.

I took this one step further and moved to Spain.  My wish was to set up a retreat for people to come and experience yoga away from home in a relaxed environment. Yoga retreats are usually vegetarian and alcohol free but I felt this could put many people off experiencing the joy of yoga, feeling it was too austere. We created a calm, beautiful retreat with a dedicated yoga studio; a place full of yoga energy and fun. 

I am often asked ‘what’s yoga about?’ There are many forms of yoga but all aim to get the mind in a good place through various different techniques and practices. These practises include: posture (asana) which is the one most of us think of as ‘yoga’, breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation (nidra), and meditation.

Even within the practice of postures (asana) there are many different styles which can be very confusing when first considering taking up yoga.  The style I teach is ‘Ashtanga’. This is the yoga that was brought to the public eye by celebs like Madonna and Sting. Whilst it is an aerobic, core strength, dynamic practice it is a primarily a moving meditation where postures are linked by the breath creating a routine. The breath informs the movement and gives focus when postures are held. With practise the mind, anchored by the breath, can become still. 

What are the benefits? Yoga has enabled me to maintain good muscle tone, flexibility, lung function (especially welcome in these times) and a calm mind.  It helps me manage my life and improves my core strength. It is a challenge, a joy, a gift and I am so lucky I can teach this and share my passion.

Yours in Yoga 

Les

Yogatone.co.uk