I began my yoga practice close to 40yrs ago. Some of my first experiences as a yoga student were of a very dynamic almost martial practice that concentrated on strength, extreme flexibility, and accurate technique. As a strong young man I initially warmed to this style and the discipline required but after a good period of time I tired of the almost gymnastic competitiveness, injury, and steamroller style of the instructor. I took another path!

I stopped classes, taught for a short period, completed my studies, traveled and entered a career spanning 30yrs in  business. I never really went back to classes again!! However, I never forgot what I had been taught and spent time most days practicing, something that has served me well since.

Many years ago a close friend of mine who operates a large yoga studio in Brisbane encouraged me ‘to come out of retirement’ and help her at her center.I retrained as an instructor with a wonderful teacher who showed me a more balanced approach. I still like the strong stuff BUT it’s not for everybody. The most important principle in yoga practice is to enjoy it and the key to this is to pick the intensity you want to perform at (and find a class where you have the latitude to do this). If after every session on the mat you feel energized and clear-headed (i.e feel good) then naturally you will want to do it again and eventually all the ‘maidens of the Hatha yoga system’ ie. flexibility, strength, artistry and proficiency will come of their own accord BUT your first priority must first be to savor what you are doing.

Yoga and meditation have been a real gift to me. You don’t have to have great proficiency at these practices to feel immediate benefits.