How One Yoga Class Changed My Life: And Led Me to Becoming a Yoga Teacher
Celebrating the journey to becoming a yoga teacher! My incredible YTT 200-hour training group on graduation day in India – a transformative month of learning, growth, and deep connection. Grateful for this experience and excited to share the journey with you!
Hi beautiful friend,
Welcome to my brand-new ‘all things yoga’ blog! Here, I’ll share my personal yoga journey, insights as a newly qualified yoga teacher, and tips for deepening your yoga practice!
One yoga class changed my life. At the time, I had no idea it would set me on a path to becoming a teacher - but it did. And now, I’m here to share that journey with you.
A New Beginning
My name is Sophie, I’m from Leicester and recently moved back home after four years living in London. With a background in musical theatre, I have been lucky enough to perform in some incredible shows over the past decade. When I wasn’t on stage, I was waiting tables - just the typical life of a performer. But hey, you’ve got to pay the rent somehow, especially in London!
Coming Home
I am so delighted to be back home. One of the things I felt was missing when living in London was a sense of community. It’s a big city, 8 million people to be precise, but it can feel incredibly lonely at times. One of the things I am most excited about as I begin my journey as a certified yoga teacher, is building a supportive yoga community; so if you’re looking to add yoga to your weekly routine and connect with like-minded souls, you’re in the right place.
The Turning Point
I had practiced yoga casually for years - mostly for flexibility and strength. But in Spring 2023, I hit rock bottom. I was drowning in a relentless cycle of 40+ hour restaurant shifts, auditions, self-tapes, dance classes - and barely booking any jobs. I lost my sense of direction. Life felt hollow.
A friend at work suggested yoga. Honestly? I couldn’t think of anything worse. At my all time lowest, the last thing I felt like was exercise. But eventually, I signed up for a ‘£1-for-your-first-month’ promotion at a local studio and dragged my sorry self to a class.
That 60 minutes completely sold me on yoga.
One class was all it took.
Discovering Stillness
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.2 states “Yogas citta vritti nirodhah” - yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.
For weeks I’d been consumed by anxious thoughts and negative self-talk, but as I moved through the poses, focusing solely on the breath moving in and out of my lungs, something magical happened - the noise finally stopped. In that moment of stillness and connection, I found a sense of calm that had eluded me for so long. I left that first class feeling lighter and more hopeful. Since then, yoga has become my sanctuary, a space where the chaos of life fades away.
Two years later and here we are.
I’m a yoga teacher, coming to you straight from my yoga teacher training (literally - I got home from India less than two weeks ago) and I’m feeling more confident than ever!
A Transformative Experience
Completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training in India was more transformative than I ever imagined. While I learned about the yoga philosophy, history and practical aspects of teaching a class, I also learned a lot about myself. Through the physical practice, meditation and self-reflection required in the training, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and learned lessons that will stay with me forever (more on this in a later blog)!
My time in India wasn’t just about learning to teach yoga - it was a journey of personal transformation. And now? I can’t wait to share it all with you.
Sharing the Journey
As a new teacher, my hopes and dreams are simple: to inspire and empower others to discover the transformative power of yoga.
I’m not sure if I found yoga or if yoga found me, but I have been grateful every day since that first class that yoga and I came together.
What You’ll Find on This Blog
Personal insights from my yoga teacher training journey
Tips for building a consistent yoga practice
Beginner-friendly yoga advice & mindfulness techniques
Updates on my yoga classes, workshops and retreats
Join the Community
Ready to deepen your yoga journey? Subscribe below for exclusive yoga tips, mindfulness practices, and updates on my latest classes & events. Let’s grow this beautiful community together, one pose at a time!
And remember, whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or returning after a break, yoga meets you exactly where YOU ARE.
All my love,
Sophie x
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I’d Love to Hear From You
What has yoga meant for you? What was your first class like? Or, if you’re new to yoga, what’s your biggest curiosity about starting? Drop a comment below - I’d love to connect!
My Go-To Yoga Mat
This mat from Yoga Collective changed my practice. It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and my absolute fave!
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