Being in the right place, at the right time

I was doing yoga on and off for years, and was lucky to discover Yoga at the age of 15 in school. The decision to train as a Yoga teacher was influenced by a few life events that came together at the same time. I had a bit of a ‘light bulb’ moment and knew that I needed Yoga in my life I began to carry out daily practice at home and attend a Yoga class each week.

As a full time Occupational Therapist working in the NHS, I was training as a Mindfulness practitioner (MBCT). I also began a Foundation course with BWY and it was during this time I attended a MBCT conference where I met Jasmin and Jake and discovered the teacher-training programme with Bahia Yoga in Nottingham. It was a case of being in the right place at the right time. I met the necessary requirements to apply for the course, once my application was accepted; I met with Jasmin for an informal interview and was subsequently offered a place on the teacher-training programme.

The Yoga teacher training with Jasmin at Bahia Yoga was excellent, it was really hard work but very authentic and from the heart. We had expert teachers who brought their own experiences and knowledge as well as Jasmin and Jake, which gave the training more depth.
I was with a great bunch of people and we really supported each other through the course. We worked as a team using a strengths approach where we would share resources, information, study skills and go the extra mile if one of us was struggling with an aspect of the training. We still remain great friends.

The most challenging aspect of the course was study for the course duration and fitting this into my other commitments. I did put a lot of hours into the home study, and it really paid off, as I know the material inside and out which enables me to feel confident in teaching classes.

I learned so much about myself, some good bits and some frustrating bits, working with a body, which would not conform and perform to what my mind expected!! I developed a frozen shoulder and had to work with this, which frustrated the life out of me at times. I had to learn to work with my weaknesses, facing them head on. Tears were spilled on the mat many times. And now I see, ‘all of that’ was the journey I needed to go on and come out the other side with acceptance and compassion for myself.

All the things I asked from the training have come to fruition; I have been able to put plan B into action, turning a hobby into a business, I have toned up, become more strong and flexible in both mind and body. I have more balance in work, life and the fun playful aspects of my life. I feel happy again, which is priceless.

I have two classes a week in Mansfield and these are very popular, I was lucky to inherit the venue and some students from my previous Yoga teacher. Posters and word of mouth has ensured a good turn out each session and I have about 20 plus people attending each session. I love the continuation of my development including, self-practice, reading, session planning and teaching. Yoga is a fully integrated part of me now I don’t know where one starts and the other ends. I can’t thank Jasmin enough for being my guide and inspiration.

Sue Bower graduated with Bahia Yoga, on the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in March 2015 on the first weekday Yoga training programme run in Nottingham.

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