It's great to meet you...
Thank you for finding me!
I've been practicing yoga for over 15 years and managing anxiety for a whole lot longer.
I initially trained as a lawyer, then as an actor and most recently as a yoga teacher but through all these big identity shifts, I never quite managed to leave anxiety behind...
In therapy I was introduced to Polyvagal Theory. I now understand how our nervous systems are constantly scanning for signs of safety and of danger, responding by moving from a state of connection to a protective state of either activation (fight or flight) or detachment (collapse, dissociation).
Sometimes we become "stuck" in one of these survival states, meaning that we can no longer access a sense of safety and connection.
I incorporate the principles of Polyvagal Theory into my teaching and practice, offering a space to ground in awareness so you can begin to understand the workings of your own, unique nervous system. I encourage you to tune in and to experiment with what feels right for you.
I believe that for the anxious yogis out there, it is essential to work within our window of tolerance. As therapist Deb Dana says, we can best increase the resilience of our nervous system in a place of "stretch, not stress" - excuse the yoga pun!
My mission is to support you to develop a flexible nervous system that can cope with the natural shifts we all experience - flexible bodies are a bonus! Together we will build our individual, self-directed practices, guided by our intuition.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me and my approach and I hope to see you in class soon.
XxX
My approach
Nurturing
We take care of ourselves and each other during practice, moving mindfully with the breath and working with what's present.
Balanced
We move through postures of softness and strength in a balanced practice that mirrors the ebb and flow of life.
Inclusive
Not just for the ultra-flexi/ultra-strong. We progress through the practice at our own pace, resting as needed. We know our bodies best.
Regulating
Our classes work with the autonomic nervous system in mind to help build confidence and resilience, both on the mat and off.
Education & Qualifications
200HR YTT - Breeze Yoga, Beckenham
Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga: Dr. Arielle Schwartz
Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (CPCAB)
Oxford School of Drama - Postgraduate Diploma in Acting, Movement and Voice
