My journey to Yoga, by Ed
As far back as I can remember I have been obsessed with sport of any form, with cricket as my passion.
Playing cricket involves plenty of throwing and bowling balls. These actions, particularly bowling, can cause wear and tear on the body. By the age of 22, while living in London, I was suffering with chronic back-pain and visited an osteopath. He explained that the muscles in my lower back had seized up and recommended yoga. I meandered to the nearest bookstore and bought this book (Yoga the Iyengar Way). It changed my life and yoga became a part of my daily practice. Thus, began my yoga journey.
At this time, I was fortunate to be teaching sport at a London school. This experience was invaluable as it required me to dissect various sporting actions so I could teach the students effectively. Ironically, the very act of bowling was something I had to show children how to do safely.
In 2001 our young family moved to Qatar and after looking for a class to supplement my home practice, I found Nadine. Nadine was a passionate teacher of Ashtanga yoga. Nadine’s classes showed me how much I loved to move my body and what a difference a passionate teacher can make.
After four years in the Middle East, we were ready to set down roots in a country we could call home. We moved to New Zealand, the birthplace of my wife, Kate. Initially living in Devonport, we moved to the wonderful community of Northcote in 2011.
It took a while to find a yoga class that suited and would complement my daily practice. After a recommendation from a friend, I discovered Positive Balance at St James Church. It was here that I met the Monday night teacher, Jill, and I immediately connected with her style of teaching and the authenticity of her practice – I was in my happy place!
Then when Positive Balance, due to Covid, opted to close down, I met with Jill to see if we could together, bring yoga to our community – Connect Yoga was born!
I enrolled in The Ralston Method teaching course and under Nikki Ralston, completed my 200 hours of training to become a qualified yoga teacher in November 2022.
I am very passionate and committed to yoga. I look forward to sharing this part of my journey with you.
