This excludes a huge portion of the population! The marketing of Yoga has led many people to falsely believe that if they are not young, fit and healthy, that Yoga is not for them.

Tell about what you are passionate about in regards to Yoga teaching?Īs a Yoga teacher, I’m most passionate about changing people’s perception of Yoga. It was developing my own practice which I feel is where the “magic” of Yoga happens.Ī dedicated student to my own Yoga practice and teaching from my own experiences, continues to be invaluable. However, I now see the value in my years of self guided practice. At first I felt annoyed that I’d done this all alone when I could have had the road-map of Yoga to follow, possibly even a teacher to guide me. At the time, I didn’t realise that what I was practising was Yoga until, at the age of 20, when I attended my first Yoga class.

Having my own meditation and breathing practice, has helped me in many ways, one of which was relieving my insomnia. It wasn’t an instant fix but once I had established a regular practice it became a part of my life. I disappeared into the local library where I read countless books and started a regular practice of breathing and meditation. I recall going to my GP, whose well meaning advice was “just close your eyes and go to sleep”! Little did I know that this useless advice would be some of the most helpful I’ve ever received as it set me on a lifelong path of study.įrom a very young age, I have always loved to read. Looking back, I realise I suffered high levels of anxiety due to my overachieving nature. I was born and raised in Guernsey, and I had just received an academic scholarship to a prestigious college. I was only 11 years old and already suffered from chronic insomnia. I wasn’t lured to Yoga in the way that most people are, it wasn’t the promise of flexibility, a Yoga body or spiritual enlightenment. I am excited to share her wonderful insights with you all. Naturally, Charley responded in her soft, warm tone, “Of course, I would be more than happy to.” So I decided to approach Charley, the person I have grown to trust dearly and ask to interview her. I have had so many questions from my yoga students about Yoga Therapy as a mindful, trauma-informed movement modality which is gaining international recognition. I am nearly halfway through my 2 year training with The Wisdom Yoga Institute. Over the last 8 years, she has taught as a Certified Yoga Therapist and provides students the opportunity to have a one-on-one therapeutic class, specifically catered to the individual’s needs. From people unable to walk without assistance to those who are very young.Ĭharley’s classes, along with the four other teachers she hires, are a testament to Charley’s values absolutely anyone can practice Yoga and feel included.Ĭharley doesn’t teach only large group classes.

What immediately drew me to Charley’s classes was the fact that the age and ability range in her classes are vast. During this time they have had families, changed jobs, moved houses, travelled, studied, suffered sickness and injuries, lost loved ones all alongside their weekly Yoga classes. My mother would always say out loud to me, “yes, yes, alright I’m short BUT GOOD things come in small packages!” In the case of Charley, my mother’s words are true.Īs I place my mat down, I can feel the warmth in the room, and I’m not talking about temperature.Ĭharley has taught a lot of these students for up to 17 years. Her quietly confident manner always puts us at ease from the moment we walk in the door. Charley’s small stature and build may deceive you. I turn to say a hello to her and as always her face is smiling and ready to receive us all as we enter one by one. Charley has a way of attracting wonderful people and her classes are a true testament to her kind and welcoming nature. There is a low hum of the various conversations taking place between the friendly group. The space is very modest and inviting, just like Charley. There are no fancy Yoga decorations, posters or props. As you enter the Applecross Tennis Club, you look out immediately onto several mats already laid down with students ready and waiting for Charley to begin.

Ispeak therapy pixabay