About Me
How and Why I Started Yoga
My yoga journey began around the age of fourteen or fifteen, following a YouTube video in my parents’ conservatory. Although my practice was sporadic at first—sometimes daily, sometimes not at all—it was initially driven by a desire for the physical “yoga body” often portrayed in Western media. It wasn’t until I was twenty-one or twenty-two that I started to appreciate the deeper, more mindful aspects of yoga. Discovering the practice’s emotional relief and calming effects on anxiety helped me establish a consistent, nearly daily practice.
The Healing Power of Yoga
Yoga has been a transformative force in my life, healing both my physical and mental health, in ways that continue to evolve.
Physical Healing: As a teenager, I was involved in competitive sports. This training, without adequate recovery time, led to a long-standing knee issue—initially misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, but later correctly identified as Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS). After undergoing rigorous physical therapy, yoga became my primary method for managing and monitoring ITBS. This practice has allowed me to regain abilities I once lost, such as running, cycling, and even climbing stairs pain-free.
Emotional and Mental Healing: Yoga has been a cornerstone in managing my mental health, including depression, anxiety, and C-PTSD. Regular morning sessions incorporating breathing techniques, Asana practice, and meditation have provided a stabilizing effect, helping me to manage these challenges more effectively. The practice’s grounding qualities and its benefits on the parasympathetic nervous system have been particularly beneficial in managing my responses to stress and trauma.
Profound Moments and Experiences
One of the most profound moments in my yoga journey came during a regular class at my local gym. As I became more comfortable with the practice, I experienced an unexpected emotional release during Shavasana, the final relaxation pose. This unexpected moment of crying was a powerful release of pent-up emotions, illustrating the deep, often subconscious benefits of a consistent yoga practice. It marked a turning point in my understanding and appreciation of yoga’s holistic impact.
Challenges and Growth
Like many, my journey has been marked by both physical and emotional challenges. Physically, I struggled with the aftermath of athletic training during my teens, which left me feeling far older than my years. Emotionally, during times of poor mental health, my instinct was to withdraw and engage in self-destructive behaviours. Yoga has been instrumental in helping me navigate and shorten these challenging periods, providing a tool to regain balance and perspective.
The Impact of Yoga on My Life
Yoga profoundly influences my daily life, shaping my mood, behaviour, and physical wellbeing. Establishing a morning practice has become a cornerstone of my routine, instilling confidence, mindfulness, and a grounded perspective that carries through the day. This practice has also significantly improved my physical capabilities, allowing me to engage in activities I once thought impossible due to pain and stiffness. Additionally, it has enhanced my flexibility and strength, and even led me to achieve my first wall-assisted handstand
What Fuels My Passion
Yoga’s impact on my physical health, mental clarity, stress, and relationships has been transformative. The practice has provided me with a tool to share that is both simple and profound; no matter the equipment, I adapt to any environment whilst ensuring you feel nurtured and empowered throughout your practice. This accessibility and versatility drives my passion for sharing yoga with others, as I hope to impart even a fraction of the peace and healing I have found through this practice. When you attend a class with Charmaine, every individual specific need is taken into account to increase accessibility and enjoyment!
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Yoga With Charmaine 