“Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.”
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BKS Iyengar

I feel that this quote - apart from being one of the most beautiful descriptions of yoga - shows how the practice is truly holistic, a way of life, incorporating all aspects of being. The ‘body’, or asana practice, which has become such a popular physical exercise practice today, is really just one part of the greater composition. 

I came to yoga, like many, predominantly for the physical practice, as it offered benefits in both strength and flexibility, which complemented the other exercises, hobbies, and sports I was doing at the time. After a few years of practice I began to be exposed to the other aspects and other benefits of yoga, and decided to broaden my understanding of it by travelling to India for a teacher training course in the holy city of Rishikesh, the so-called “Yoga Capital of the World”. Here I studied traditional Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga with an Indian teacher who really showed me the extent of the roots and traditions of yoga. This two month immersion in Indian culture and traditional yogic practices expanded my practice and knowledge beyond the physical, asana element and inspired my interest in the vast and beautiful tradition of yoga. 

I then went to study with a friend and teacher, Stefen Camilleri, in Sri Lanka, where I learned to fuse the brilliance and precision of traditional Iyengar Yoga with modern understanding of anatomy and physiology. This Alignment Based Vinyasa training also showed me how to make the practice safe, accessible and enjoyable for students. 

My most recent training was back in India, this time with yoga legend Simon Borg-Olivier, whose depth of knowledge, extensive experience and passionate attitude truly amazed me. His method, YogaSynergy, emphasises the importance of having a safe and sustainable practice. It is a challenging but fun practice, with a strong focus on spinal mobility and natural, active movement. 

Currently, my regular asana practice is mostly based on this YogaSynergy method. I still, from time to time, practice Ashtanga, and have just completed an intensive retreat and workshop on the second series with John Scott; but the YogaSynergy principles form the foundation of my current practice and teaching. I also love to do arm balances and use methods like Functional Range Conditioning, which I see as a more therapeutic practice, to enhance overall mobility and work on asymmetries. 

I feel there is much to be learnt both from the ancient traditions and from modern science and I continue to study and explore both as I evolve what I am sharing with my students.