Donna
Yoga Teacher
@yoga_withdonna
What was your journey to becoming a yoga teacher?
I was a professional dancer for 11 years which eventually took it's toll on my body, when I began to experience chronic pain I was devastated to not be able to dance anymore. I knew that I needed to move my body and so I tried many different yoga classes, at first I was frustrated that I wasnt able to do certain poses or push myself as much as I wanted. Delving deeper into the spiritual side of the practise, I soon learned that's not what yoga was about. It helped me beyond words physically and mentally and my love for it only grew, I wanted to share the benefits with others in an accessible way to help others like it had helped me. When I was pregnant with my first baby, pregnancy yoga was a natural part of my journey and again was invaluable in helping my body and mind at this time. I am so grateful that I can now share this with others now that I am pregnant with my 2nd.
What's your favourite yoga pose or style + why?
My favourite style of yoga is slow and Intuitive hatha flow. My self practise hugely inspires my teaching. I like to move my body in a way that creates space, eases aches and pains and creates opportunities for self reflection. I find teaching Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga so rewarding. If I had to pick one pose it would be Childs Pose, lengthening the spine and releasing the hips.
How does practicing yoga help your day to day life?
It helps me to be a more calm and centered version of myself. It goes without saying that it makes me stronger and more able physically as well.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Oof! I'd have to go with the classic 'let it go' - holding onto stress, worry and negativity only weighs you down. Take a deep breath and choose to put down what feels too heavy.
What does your downtime look like?
Downtime for me at the moment (pregnant with a toddler) is getting into my pyjamas, making myself a cup of tea and either reading a book or watching a series. Cliche but so needed! At the weekend I love a good walk out in the fresh air and nature.
