1. Tell me about your personal journey with yoga. Why is it important to you?:
I began my yoga journey at the age of 14. I was training to be a singer and I felt I wasn’t using my breath correctly. My body felt tight when I inhaled and although I wasn’t aware at the time, I was instinctively listening in and helping my body to function better through breathing lessons. Then at 19 I bought the Tao Te Ching not knowing consciously about it’s context, yet extremely intrigued by the Chinese philosophy especially the ability to overcome the self.
The physical practise began at the age of 21 through a series of classes at the gym and a home yoga video. I loved how it made my body feel and it challenged me. I was into running, spin and body pump at the time so this practise was slower and more mindful and I just knew it was so good for me.
As the following few years went on I realised that yoga was important to me because it was offering my body the love and attention it required after strong physical exercise. And I was stretching my body and noticing the benefits and difference the yoga practise gave me.
2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?:
I first began yoga teaching in 2015. I had been a Vocal Coach for the ten years leading up to the transition to becoming a yoga teacher and at the beginning of 2015 I asked for guidance. One Saturday morning as I walked towards my vocal studio, a rather large white feather, floated down by my feet. As I watched it circle, I knew it was the right time to notify my students and go on a journey.
I flew to America and studied with Ganga White and Tracey Rich at The White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara. It was an intense two week training and I wanted to challenge myself by staying on the land for this entire time. Retreating inwards and reflecting, understanding and facing the fears which no longer served me.
I left America back to England and began teaching straight away. With 10 years teaching on my belt I felt confident however the feeling of sharing a practise with my fellow yoga students was beautiful. I feel peace and contentment each time I go to the mat and teach channelling the art of stillness and the beauty of being human.
3. What makes your classes unique? :
I am a qualified Master Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner and I use positive language to encourage my students to move beyond their limiting beliefs, and transform the way they perceive themselves so they can achieve great things. I also channel guided meditations at the end of each session, after having listened to what my students need to release and help them do so through the meditation.
4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?:
Music benefits my guidance from an intuitive perspective. The vibes of the music resonate with our energy and even if the student isn’t switched onto this unconsciously the body begins to release and feel more relaxed as they soften to the beats and become more fluid with their thoughts and movement.
As a singer I love to use songs with vocal arrangements for me it heightens the relationship between the mind and the body.
5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online:
I have just launched my own brand of yoga clothes called The Kandi Collection. We are exhibiting on the 22nd October in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. I will also be offering free yoga demonstrations and explaining how choosing the right yoga clothes can offer you confidence. The collection gives you support where you need it yet movement to not restrict or make you feel too conscious, allowing you to embrace yourself and accept who you are.
To keep in contact with me visit my website www.yummyyogagirl.com.
You can also find me on Instagram and Twitter @yummyyogagirl.
I am always welcoming new tribe members to my Facebook Page Yummy Yoga Girl.
Look forward to meeting you soon Natalie x
Until then spread a little yumminess…
