I could either remain unhappy or I could change

From 2017 I realized that my life was not working out as I intended. I was stuck in a rut in a retail job that didn't satisfy me or creatively challenge me.

I was unhappy and I decided that I could either remain unhappy or I could change. But at my age it's too easy to find yourself in a position that you think is permanent.

My background had been in modern dance and I worked latterly as Artistic Director of an educational dance company and taught and choreographed extensively in the UK. I worked in community with children, young people and adults at schools, colleges and universities. Sudden ill health caused me to halt. I was inactive for 15 years.

Whilst in Tenerife in 2017 I took my first yoga class and in that hour, by the ocean, my life changed. It was as if I had come home to my body and my soul felt joy. In the middle of the first week of classes, my teacher suggested a yoga teacher training course for me. I continued classes every day for 4 weeks. After the trip, I found classes at home and went on a retreat in Bali.

I planned to resign from retail and move abroad to study yoga. I wanted to teach but didn't have the confidence. Every teacher I worked with encouraged me.

I completed my RYT200 course with 5 Elements at the end of April 2018. It was a fantastic experience. The course offered me a perfect balance of physical practice, anatomy, philosophy, history and teaching knowledge along with practical business information. I left thoroughly energized and equipped to be the yoga teacher that I had aspired to be.

Since graduating I have had a very exciting journey. I began teaching in my friend's studio the very next day and it was a real privilege to share with the students.

I was responsible for all the yoga on a raw vegan boot camp retreat and that experience was also mind blowing, working in such a focused and positive environment. I have been teaching classes on the beach, it's beautiful with the fresh air, the blue sky and the sound of the ocean. Private 1-1 sessions have also been going well. It's fascinating to work with enthusiastic beginners keen to learn quickly as well as more experienced yogis.

Teaching at the local spa has also been amazing and I'm currently devising the yoga program for another retreat and collaborating with a few others.

It's been a truly blessed time and I look forward to the new opportunities that the universe is offering me.

I have met many beautiful souls and I'm really grateful to Szymon and Vinay for their excellent input and ongoing support.