How did your Yoga journey start? 

 My yoga journey started n my teen years after I experienced some health issues related to my voice which led to me not speaking or singing for 3 months. As communication broke down, so did my natural way to express myself through singing. I found release through movement and dance during this time and spent much time meditating with my father, who follows a Buddhist practice. I became more interested in meditation, mindfulness & wellness. Soon, I began to form a daily yoga practice that helped alleviate many of my health issue's physical and mental effects. 

How about as a Yoga teacher? Do you remember a moment you decided you wanted to teach Yoga? 

I don't remember there being a lightbulb moment when I knew I wanted to teach Yoga... I just remember realising how much Yoga had helped me on my own journey, and I felt if I could share this with others, what a beautiful thing that would be. Unfortunately, after recovering from my vocal health problem, I was told that some long term damage to my vocal folds would mean a professional career as a full-time singer was unlikely. And so, I was forced to take a new direction - and I chose Yoga. The more I learnt, studied, taught, experienced, the more I realised that this was the path I was meant to be on. 

You are also a musician, sound healer, writer... Do you weave those talents into your Yoga classes? 

Music and writing have always been a big part of my life; I actually find it quite hard not to naturally weave them into my classes! Sound is such a powerful thing. It moves, shifts and connects us as human beings both to ourselves and others. Sometimes we don't realise its power until we're in a yoga class and we listen. We hear the sound of our own breath, a Tibetan bowl sings, we open our hearts chanting mantra... By flowing and embodying vibration, we become the flow state itself. 

I love to create a healing space for my students and guide them through a journey of sound using various world instruments such as Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, rain sticks, guitar and harmonium. I'll often invite my students to sing mantras with me or let them relax whilst I sing sacred songs to them in savasana. I close my classes often with beautiful poems that reflect the theme of the class. 

What are your other passions? What do you do when not on a yoga mat teaching or practising? 

Off the mat, you will mostly find me in the ocean! Surfing has always been an essential part of my life... I love exploring new wild swimming spots where I live, and when I travel - there's something magical about discovering a new place to dive in. Ocean will both challenge you and show you stillness. 

You can find me in the mountains when not in the water - hiking, skiing, snowboarding! My guitar comes with me wherever I go so that I never miss a songwriting opportunity. 

You live in Cornwall now, can you tell us a bit about it and why you decided to settle there? 

Cornwall ( named the surfing capital of the UK !) is pretty much surrounded by water. I moved here to study music at its university 7 years ago (and did much more surfing than studying!) It captured my heart. 

Between teaching Yoga and travelling between countries, I have always been drawn back here. Its beautiful nature with its vast cliffs, hidden coves, amazing surf breaks combined with its creative communities feels like home. 

What is your most significant source of inspiration? 

I spend a lot of time in nature, but water is where I find my creativity flows most freely. When I come out from a surf session, I often get this massive surge of new ideas that I immediately have to get down on paper! But, I strive to find inspiration all around me. 

I love to travel and immerse myself in new cultures - music, food, Yoga - so much creativity is around us, just waiting to inspire. We just have to be open to receive it. 

Anything inspirational you discovered lately and would like to recommend to our community? 

Album - Jamie Catto - Internal, Music for dissolving. Flow to this and let it take you on a journey- it's pure magic.

Also - Water People Podcast - By Lauren L Hill and Dave Rastovich for Ocean and nature lovers. The stories are really moving and teach me something new every day!