Luisa Golding
'A person is neither a thing, nor a process, but an opening, or a clearing through which the Absolute can manifest.' Ken WilberI was first introduced to the great healing arts of yoga and meditation by a sequence of lovely Americans when on travels in Bali. Since then I have explored various traditions, including yoga from the Krishnamacharya lineage (astanga yoga, viniyoga, Iyengar yoga), sivananda yoga, tai chi and vipassana meditation.
While working for UNESCO in Bangkok I studied for three years with Bihar school of yoga trained yogi Adrian Cox at his wonderful studio, Yoga Elements (which is still there - go! it's beautiful). Nearly two years of this time involved in-depth teacher training in anatomy, Sanskrit, yoga history and philosophy, chanting, pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (the physical poses), meditation and sequencing of poses. I achieved my first level certificate here - the 280 hours Yoga Alliance approved training.
Back in the UK, I found the good people at the Life Centre in Notting Hill, London, and joined them for their Level II teacher training. I then studied for another two years with a series of amazing and inspirational teachers, including Mukunda Stiles (yoga therapist expert), Shiva Rea (a wonderfully inspiring and creative yogini), Tias Little (anatomist and poet) and Alexa Harris (breather and wise one!), I am now a British Wheel of Yoga Teacher.
I draw my inspiration from my daily self practice, my students and my teachers. I have a heartfelt desire to help students to safely open their bodies and their minds, so achieving a lighter and happier way of being.
In June 2010 I joined the Prison Phoenix Trust as a Yoga Coordinator. This Oxford-based Trust supports prisoners in their practice of yoga and meditation, and I am very much enjoying being part of the small PPT team in Summertown. I've just been to one prison so far up in Hull, which was fascinating. The students were so gracious and attentive. Hopefully will be going to more prisons soon. Will keep you posted. Until then, enjoy links below.
Links
The Life Centre (London studio)
Yoga Elements (Bangkok studio)
The British Wheel of Yoga (UK accrediting body)
Yoga Journal (Useful web resource)
Astanga yoga in Oxford (Oxford-based Astanga teachers)
The Prison Phoenix Trust (Wonderful charity supporting yoga and meditation teaching in prisons)
Bliss Divine Yoga (Lovely teacher in East Oxford area)
Vipassana meditation (Amazing meditation school)