Hi, my name is Manon and was born in Holland. In 2005 I qualified as a yoga teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga, recognised by sport England as Yoga’s national governing body and I have been teaching ever since.
My personal journey to yoga started to manage my through the roof stress levels, daily joint and muscle pains, increasing back and neck aches, low energy levels and ever fluctuating weight. Somehow I wondered if there was a better way to growing older without the aches and pains and increasing waistline. And so my inquiry began.
Realising the benefits of yoga very quickly: the power of breathing properly, a routine of strengthening and stretching poses, meditation, relaxation and finally maintaining a healthy weight. I was encouraged by my then teacher Lavinia to train as a teacher myself. The timing was perfect as by now I had 2 children under the age of 2 and I could teach around my family, having left my very interesting but stressful job and time consuming commute to London.
I have been hooked with a never ending enthusiasm to learn more. Over the years I have gained more qualifications in the fields of nutrition, Pranayama (breathing practises) meditation and Pilates, and trained as a gym instructor. My passion is to help others to feel calmer, fitter, healthier, manage moods and the waistline too!
One of the most common blocks for a beginner to start yoga is the belief that you need to be flexible or be able to do headstands. Yoga is not about twisting and knotting yourself into contorted shapes and postures. With yoga you start from where you are... THE IMPORTANT THING: IS TO START! Within time you will realise your goals and successes.
My approach to yoga is to make it accessible to all, by helping people fit it into their modern, busy lives without worrying about “doing it wrong”. It is essential to allow everyone to learn at their own pace, in a safe and non judgemental environment. This way you can realise its benefits and enjoy time spent dedicated solely to yourselves knowing you are improving your practice in a time and space that is right for you.
You might find your goal is for you to be at peace with yourself, without desire, totally in the present, not regretting the past or living in the future, because that is what everyone ultimately desires as it brings happiness and contentment. Yes, daily practice required!
It is well documented that looking outside yourself to achieve happiness and contentment by material gain, a bigger house, more money or through another person is basically useless as only true happiness lies within. Yes, more daily practice is required, but once you realise that, your habits for your success will probably be well established. I will be there to help you do so.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Namaste
Manon