1. Tell me about your personal journey with yoga. Why is it important to you?
My yoga journey started nearly 20 years ago after I was given a DVD called “Geri Body Yoga” by Geri Halliwell. It wasn’t Sadhguru or Mooji who introduced me to yoga, nope, it was all thanks to a Spice Girl! Since then I’ve been lucky to be mentored by some of the most wonderful, knowledgeable yoga teachers around the world.
I love how many different lineages and styles there are, and my practice is ever-changing; Flow practices help to light that fire and inspire, while yin is my go-to for when I need to be still and listen. I see yoga as a complete system for living, one that helps me to lead a more vibrant, conscious life.
2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?
Around 4 years ago I travelled to India to take yoga teacher training with no intention of becoming a teacher, but just to deepen my personal practice. After teaching my final class, several students had tears running down their face, and I’ll never forget the calm, peaceful energy that was generated during that class. The feedback was just beyond anything I could have imagined, and my group encouraged me to become a teacher and share my gift. So that’s what I did!
3. What makes your classes unique?
In a world full of doing, I offer classes that promote being. I hold space to allow students to come exactly as they are, to heal, to move and to simply be. My favourite thing to teach is a sweet and soft hip-opening yin class with a guided meditation journey and a heavenly savasana. I sprinkle a huge blend of offerings and traditions into my creatively sequenced classes. Depending on the class or workshop I may incorporate journalling, breathwork, meditation, visualisation, aromatherapy, and reiki.
4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?
Music adds a whole new dimension to my classes. I carefully craft playlists to uplift, energise and encourage flow. I play music in all classes, but at the same time I also value the power of silence, and use it as an invitation for students to journey inward.
5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online.
I’ve long dreamed of leading an African yoga retreat, and this year that dream is coming true! This November I’m hosting a Yoga Safari in Namibia. It’s set in a beautiful tented lodge, and I’ll be teaching morning flow sessions and sunset yin classes out on the decking as wild elephants and buffalos roam below! The Yoga Safari includes nourishing plant-based foods, superfood elixirs, safari drives, boat trips and bush walks. It’s going to be magical – head over to my website for more details www.alishayoga.com
You can also take my free classes and meditations on YouTube: Alisha Yoga, and connect with me over on Instagram @alishayoga. Namaste 🙂
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