About Yogaroo:​

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Yogaroo is in effect a type of Yoga/Therapy delivery service :) With the idea to bring yoga classes and holistic therapies directly to you - the student/client in a safe space. Currently also seeking studio space and appropriate room hire. 

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The inspiration for Yogaroo came following the current situation in the world. It seems an essential time for yoga, relaxation and wellness to be accessible to ALL due to significant levels of stress and anxiety globally.

 

By bringing yoga directly to people in their homes, gardens, local public spaces and online it enables those that would otherwise be unable to attend face to face classes to have on-going access to an important physical, emotional and psychological resource. Fostering and building resilience, health and inner peace during times of separation and struggle seems like the best way forward.  

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My yoga journey: 

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My yoga journey started when I was 17 years old practicing Iyengar Yoga until my early twenties. I traveled for periods in India between 21 to 22 years old and studied further with authentic yoga teachers in India and also practiced yoga and meditation in Dharamsala (in Himachal Pradesh where the Dalai Lama resides).

 

I commenced my first 200hr Yoga Alliance certified residential teacher training in Hatha Yoga in 2013 in an ecological, spiritual community called PachaMama, in Costa Rica (a holistic platform for a profound voyage into healing and self-discovery). I then undertook advanced level intensive 300hr Yoga Alliance certified Vinyasa Flow teacher training in Tulum in Mexico in 2019 with VY VinyasaYoga school (a renowned yoga school in Mexico). 

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I recently undertook a 20 hour training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) and I aim to teach and communicate in a trauma sensitive manner, without direct physical adjustments (unless requested) to ensure my classes are accessible and feel safe for all students.

 

I participated more recently in a Yoga Nidra for Mental Health course (translated as deep sleep- involving guided relaxation and visualization) and Yoga for Addictions online training. 

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Yoga teaching style and experience:

 

I have taught regular vinyasa flow adult classes at popular studios in the Brighton and surrounding areas. I have also been teaching regularly via Zoom throughout the recent pandemic and I currently teach regular small group classes in gardens and public spaces. 

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Adult classes are carefully planned, structured and themed to reach specific peak poses, warming agonist and antagonist muscles in a progressive way throughout the flow.

 

Classes also involve the use of specifically chosen Pranayama exercises (breath control), Mudras (symbolic finger, eye and hand gestures that are practiced to lead to certain states of consciousness and awareness), Chakra awareness (bringing awareness to relevant energy points within the body relating to specific physical, psychological and spiritual functions) and explanation of philosophical/theoretical concepts and ideas in Yoga (such as those detailed on page below entitled Yogic Philosophy). 

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I have been teaching yoga in numerous after school clubs with children between 5 to 12 years old. I have taught regular adult/child yoga classes at a local gymnasium which I found highly rewarding and encouraging to see the positive impact that yoga can have on parent/child relationships. The evidence of improved ability for emotional co-regulation and the overall experience of seeing parents and children having fun and enjoying yoga practice together has been truly inspiring.

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Other relevant training and specialist career paths:

 

I have worked extensively with vulnerable groups in the Community, including working in a residential childrens home, 6 years experience supporting individuals in homeless hostels, and volunteering for a Young Person’s Centre in Brighton. I qualified as a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 2012 and subsequently worked within an in-patient detox ward for individuals with drug and alcohol addictions. I was a Charge Nurse on an acute psychiatric in-patient unit for children and young people aged between 12-18 years old.

 

I obtained a Diploma In Holistic Stress Management (including modules covering anger and anxiety management) in 2006 and have completed Certificates in Counselling Skills. 

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I am continually looking to further my knowledge, skills and experience in relevant fields through regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development). I attended recent online Conferences including The Trauma Super Conference run by the Embodiment Movement and have attended face to face workshops on Treating Trauma in my local area. I also keep up to date with current research in alternative treatments and healing modalities for mental well-being and treatment of chronic pain, stress and mental health conditions. 

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I have also undertaken training in Reiki and Crystal healing therapies - I believe in the profound power of vibrational energy medicines to restore balance to the etheric and astral body. This in turn can enable the physical and emotional body to find a new sense of balance, rejuvenation and healing, working in a preventive manner to treat disease and both physical and mental disorders. ​

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Biodynamic massage sees individuals as energetic beings and health is apparent when there is a free flow of energy in the person. Given conducive circumstances individuals have the capacity to self regulate and look after their own well being. William Reich developed the concept of body armoring- chronic patterns of tension stored within the physical body that develop in response to our childhood conditioning, limited self beliefs, physical and emotional traumas and difficulties throughout life.  I have completed recent training certificate in Biodynamic massage techniques which could be a great complement to a yoga practice, essentially helping to free and release stagnated and stuck energies and to find a sense of grounding, openness and freedom of self-expression. 

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Personal interests and influences:

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I have a significant interest and passion for learning in the field of stress and trauma healing, somatic experiencing, mysticism and spirituality, positive psychology, mindfulness based therapeutic techniques and practices, and the neurophysiological and neurocognitive benefits of yoga based practices. I believe that yoga and mindfulness can provide a key to optimising health, promote stress reduction and increase self-regulation, from both a preventative and treatment perspective.

 

I have come to the realization that the mind-body connection and the unification of Eastern spiritual philosophies and Western psycho-therapeutic practices feels like such a natural relationship. Uniting these practices can really help to bring together ‘pieces of the puzzle of life’ and help people to achieve a sense of personal liberation, to feel physically and mentally uplifted and healthy, and to find an inner sense of eudaimonia (meaning human flourishing, fulfillment, blessedness and connection to spirit). 

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Personal growth and challenges: 

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I have in the last 5 years been recovering from a tropical disease which has lead to suffering from and learning to live with chronic pain symptoms. This has also been a significant part of my personal learning and growth in managing physical limitations with patience and equanimity. 

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I have relied heavily on my inner (and outer!) resources to cope with the psychological impact of this time in my life journey. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to draw from the yogic teachings I have been so privileged to receive over my years of practice. It is such an honour and blessing to now be in a position to share these teachings with others.

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‘’Whatever increases, decreases, limits or extends the body’s power of action, increases decreases, limits or extends the mind’s power of action. And whatever increases, decreases, limits or extends the mind’s power of action, also increases, decreases, limits or extends the body’s power of action.’’ Spinoza (1632-1677) 

From In An Unspoken Voice, Peter Levine. 

 

‘’My religion is simple, my religion is kindness’ 

Dalai Lama