Welcome

I'm Holly

My journey with yoga began in my teenage years when my mum took me to a yoga class led by a man in an orange robe. She hoped it would help lift my low mood, as yoga had been a part of both her and my Nan’s lives to manage day-to-day challenges. However, at 13 years old, I struggled to connect with it. Perhaps if it had been a class tailored for teenagers, it might have resonated more deeply with me. Now, as someone who teaches yoga to both adults and younger people, I recognize how vital it is to find a class that suits one’s age and stage of life. I believe yoga is for everyone, but the key lies in finding the right style and teacher to truly connect with the practice.

Exploring Yoga for Mental Health

In the years that followed, I sought to understand and incorporate yoga into my life in various ways. I purchased yoga books, DVDs, CDs, and even decks of cards. I also participated in a mindfulness clinical trial, all in an attempt to support my mental health. In the back of my mind, I always believed that yoga could help—I just needed to find the right way for me.

Yoga During Pregnancy

When I became pregnant with my first two children, there were no local pregnancy yoga classes available, so I turned to prenatal yoga and Hypnobirthing DVDs and CDs. By the time I was pregnant with my third child, I actively sought out yoga classes, attending them throughout both my third and fourth pregnancies.

Looking back, I realize that these pregnancies offered me a unique opportunity to care for myself, not just for my own sake, but for my children. I allowed myself to attend yoga and aquanatal classes, taking time to nurture myself. Once my youngest child was old enough, I began attending evening yoga classes solely for me. This time allowed me to reconnect with myself beyond the identity of being a mother. It provided a space to pause, slow down, stretch, and exercise.

Finding Balance and Strength Through Yoga

Over the years, I enjoyed participating in intense activities like running, the Great South Run, and Tough Mudder events. However, these activities eventually led to migraines and foot pain so severe that doctors considered reconstructive surgery. Yoga emerged as the perfect exercise for me—it didn’t raise my heart rate to trigger migraines and helped rebuild my body strength, ultimately relieving the pain in my ankles and feet.

The Power of Community and Connection

Slowing down, being present, and taking time for myself has always been a challenge, but attending in-person yoga classes has made a world of difference. Stepping away from the home environment allows me to fully relax and let go. While I have always had the best intentions to establish a rigorous home yoga practice, I continue to enjoy the community and accountability that in-person classes offer. Even though we each practice our own exercises, the shared energy in the room connects us, making the experience truly special.