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Describe Byron Yoga Retreat Centre in three words?

Serene, nurturing, beautiful.

Describe John Ogilvie is three words!?

Inspiring, knowledgeable, kind.

A residential training Vs a part time training: what are the pros and cons?

With the residential training I found I could totally immerse myself in learning without any of the usual day to day distractions. It was a really beautiful time and the bond that was built with the other students was so lovely, we all supported each other and there was lots of laughter, good energy, and a few well-earned tears. For some, the time away from home can be a bit hard, especially leaving kids – that can be challenging. The retreat centre or ‘compound’ as us students called it was the perfect environment for learning, it’s a safe space with no judgement, and the centre is beautiful and serene and the food….amazing!

The part time training allows time to absorb the learning with more time to get into the flow of a personal practice, more time to study and practice teaching.  You don’t have to take time out of work or home commitments and can study at your own pace. The part time teachers are as amazing as those that took the residential training and are available online or by phone in between weekends. Taking the course in your own city means that the other students are generally local so it’s great to have the network and support after the course ends.

Tell us about your teaching journey and at what point you decided to join the Level 2?

My main work over many years has been in corporate finance, with my true passion being all things health, fitness, mind and body. I work in a corporate role but gained my certification in various health and fitness modalities over the years and have been teaching fitness, Pilates and Yoga part time purely for the love of it. I completed by Level 1 YTT at BYC last year. I am a believer that we are all forever students, I truly love learning; so for me the natural progression was to continue with Level 2 training.

What made you join a Retreat this time instead of another training such as Yin?

I chose a retreat this time as my work and study means I am always thinking, making decisions and generally always on the go. So I wanted to be somewhere I could just turn up, be me, be nurtured and be looked after with no pressure. I also wanted to reset on my health for the new year, the food at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is perfect for that and I plan to kick off my detox. I will also get lots of yoga in so my practice will improve. I am sure I will come back to do other teacher training intensive but am focussing on my part time Level 2 training for now.

What’s your favourite pose to teach and why?

At the moment I am absolutely loving Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand), for my own practice and also teaching it. I enjoy seeing students who believe they can never do a handstand actually get up, starting with a supported version. It’s quite an imposing posture and often it’s our mind preventing us from kicking those legs up and felling the weight of the body supported over the shoulders and head, once that barrier is broken down it can be such an empowering achievement and the energising feeling afterward is quite addictive.

What are your new year resolutions / intentions for 2018?

This year I lost my way a little with life and work challenges pushing me out of my usual routine, so my focus in 2018 is to get back on track, more fitness, more nourishing food, more yoga. It’s going to be another good year!

If you return to Byron Yoga Retreat Centre in 2018 would it be for the Bridging Course to gain your Certificate IV, another retreat or a specialist training such as Yin, Meditation or Pre and post natal?

It would likely be specialist training, probably Yin training or another retreat, it depends on juggling the timing with other priorities.

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What made you choose this course over all the other yoga teacher trainings out there?

I was attracted by the length of the course, to have 12 months of learning. Also the prestige and recognition of the final certification.

The course was 2 days each week, how did you spend your other 5 days and your holidays?

My yoga practice has been daily, and I discovered a weekly meditation group in town. I have been working in a busy restaurant for 4/5 days a week. During the school holidays I joined courses in other styles of yoga such as a yin yoga teacher training and an ashtanga intensive.

How did your teaching style develop over the year?

Class by class I have found my style, my words, my heart. Getting confidence through the consistency of the practical teaching opportunities of the course helped. I began to start really looking at the students during their practice and eventually began offering help and corrections. Although this is still developing I now feel I am more fluid and relaxed during the classes.

What 3 words best describe your experience? 

Focus – determination – transformed!

What was the biggest challenge of the year?

During the year in Byron Bay as well as the yoga course I also worked in hospitality. Working and studying together has been really challenging, mentally, physically spiritually and energetically.

How has the experience impacted your daily life / routine? 

After having incorporated the yoga principles in my life I am able to wake up every morning aware of who I am and what I want to create in this life. I am able to live better with the people around me, my flatmates and the people I meet. I am able to walk in the street proud of my body. I am able to really feel my needs and understand where they are coming from.

What’s next on your yoga path?

I am planning to go to India for a couple of months. After this I want to keep on teaching and eventually open a studio.

Any tips or advice for future international students considering this course?

My only tip is to keep your heart open to receive. Try to leave fears behind you and surrender to the 8 limbs of Yoga.

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Book now for the Teen Yoga, The Arts of Adjusting and Articulation, the Advanced Asana Weekend and the recently launched Meditation Teaching Training.

The May course – Remedial Yoga Training with Maria Kirsten – was fully booked. Lou and Suzi were two of the lucky participants and Mia Tarantini caught up with them to chat about their experience:

How has this course helped you grow as a yoga teacher and what have you learnt about yourself?

Lou: This course adds so much more depth and layers to what I learnt in the Level 1 and provides a different perspective. Obviously when you’re starting out you need the guard rails to make sure that you’re safe, but once you’ve got those principles you can explore and understand the body more deeply and how it works. Once you’ve got that knowledge you can start being more creative. If Level 1 was the bones this course is like adding some flesh to those bones.

What motivated you to complete this modular training?

Lou: Suzi and I completed our Level 1 Teacher Training here in 2015 and loved it. It acted like a springboard to grow and explore from. In that training we had a session with Maria and we were quite taken with her and her teaching style. Not only is she a warm person but she’s so much fun and her way of conveying complex information is just amazing. We both knew we wanted to come back and do a course with Maria and when we received an email about modular courses being an option we knew this was our chance.

What has been your main takeaway from this course? What has really stuck with you?

Lou: There is yoga for every body. There’s some form of yoga that anyone can participate in. Even if they’re injured they can focus on and practice their breathing whilst concentrating on their state of mind. When you teach, they don’t have to be exercise classes. I feel I have been given the skills and creativity to modify classes and poses so anyone can participate and that’s really inspiring for me.

Is there anything else that you would have liked to cover? Anything you didn’t feel there was enough time for?

Suzi: I felt that the course was planned out beautifully but more time with Maria is always welcome. It never feels like enough time with her just because she has so much knowledge and you realise that there’s just so much more to learn from her. She’s just giving us a little taste of what she knows!

Are you considering coming to do any other Modular Training courses at BYC?

Suzi: It’s like coming home. We will always find a reason to come back here! We love it.

Lou: Definitely! We always find a reason to come back. I really like the idea of the Adjusting Course and finding more confidence that and the hands on skills. I would also love to do the Meditation Training to increase my knowledge in that area. I’d be really interested in those two.

What 3 words best describe your experience?

Lou: Inspiring, Challenging, Nurturing

Suzi: Stimulating, Challenging, Inspiring

Final thoughts?

Lou: The other thing we’ve been talking about is just the environment that you’re in. We’ve both observed that the whole atmosphere is just so beautiful. In the couple of years we’ve been coming here there’s always new people in the garden or kitchen but that’s just the natural flow of life. But no matter the change, the atmosphere is always the same when we come back here.

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What 3 words best describe your experience on this course? 

Challenging, transformational, fun!

What changes did you experience over the 12 months physically, mentally and emotionally / or spiritually?

My body has most definitely grown stronger. The regular meditation practice has become a beautiful anchor for my mind and my emotions- I have the tools now and I know what I’m capable of changing or softening with a regular mindfulness practice. Spiritually, I feel more connected to the purpose of yoga- I know why I’m choosing this path as a teacher and I know what I’m aiming to share through this practice- whereas before maybe I was not quite sure.

What do you see as the main benefits of choosing a 12 month part time course over a much shorter intensive training?

You have so much more time to take everything in! There is no rushing, you have a whole year to absorb what you are learning and there is plenty of time for integration and svadhyaya or self-study.

Which sessions did you most resonate with? 

Everyone had unique gifts to share! I really enjoyed all of the time we got to spend with Maria Kirsten. Listening to her changed how I will approach my yoga and how I choose to teach forever. I wish we could have spent more time with her!

The course was 2 days each week, how did you spend your other 5 days and your holidays?

I spent the other bits of my time making vegetarian food here in the kitchen at the BYC, teaching yoga and meditating at the beautiful beaches. My first holiday I headed off to New Zealand for a road trip but, the rest of the holiday breaks I simply enjoyed working more hours and having time off to adventure around beautiful Byron!

What are your future aspirations? What will you do with the Certificate?

Teach, teach, teach!

I feel super passionate about my sadhana and this way of living life. Yoga is now a big part of my mission. How many people can we inspire to live brighter, healthier, fulfilled lives in our lifetime? I’m on a mission to find out!

Any tips or advice for future internationals students considering this course?

If you come, come with an open mind and an open heart. This way of teaching and practice might feel different to what you’re used to at first, especially if you’ve been practicing the typical fast-paced version of yoga like me, the teachings here can redefine your whole yoga practice if you let them. They will take you back so that you can start from the beginning again, helping you to find your foundation first and move forward from there. With a strong focus on teaching safe yoga, not just popular yoga. I highly recommend this training.

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Having done your teacher training at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre, what most excites you about your returning with a retreat group? 

My reasons for returning to Byron Yoga Centre with a retreat group is to be able to share in the love of yoga in the environment where my yoga teaching journey began. I will never forget the life changing experiences and guidance that was given to me by the teachers at Purna Yoga.

What inspired you to do your yoga teacher training with Byron Yoga Centre?

I was given some sound advice from my yoga teacher – She suggested going to various classes where they teach yoga and observe how I felt in each environment. I went to a class in Brunswick, Victoria where John was teaching. I really enjoyed his class and energy. I decided to travel to Byron Yoga Centre for Level 1. The teachers at Byron Yoga provided me with the knowledge to be able to teach safely and wholeheartedly. I loved it so much that I decided to go to Bali with Byron Yoga to complete my Level 2. I can’t thank Byron Yoga Centre enough. Click here to read more

What do you feel were the main things you gained by doing the training course?

Yoga teacher training completely fills you up with so much knowledge and depth of understanding of the philosophies, the asanas, anatomy, etc. I feel confident to teach safely. I teach students a well rounded yoga class and this is due to the foundations that were embedded through the courses at Byron Yoga Centre. I loved being able to stay at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre and Bali together with the trainees and teachers! We laughed, cried, ate beautiful clean food, chanted, meditated and the list goes on. I have made life long friends.

What is your primary intention for your retreat group?

My primary intention for my retreat group is for them to feel comfortable and free to be able to let go, rejuvenate, relax and unwind from daily stresses back home. The retreat will give the guests a place to really immerse in all aspects of yoga in a safe, nurturing environment truly conducive to inner exploration and expansion.

How is teaching impacting on your own practice?

Having a consistent practice is the key in my opinion for being the best teacher you can be. My teaching allows me to remember to continually come back to the question – ‘What is the most important aspect of my practice? What do I want my students to learn from their practice?’ That for me is union with body, mind and spirit. To always remember to be kind to yourself and others. Teaching students to pay more attention in how a pose feels rather then what it looks like.

I think we all judge ourselves much harder then anyone else does. If I can teach students in some way to let go of fear, control and judgement and embrace all they are – their true self ,then we are more open to breath, find space and live a life of peace. This is what my teaching brings home to me in my own practice.

How else are you incorporating yogic principles into your life?

I believe we all have a purpose. For me, what excites me is being able to give my full attention and care to those that are in my life. My family, friends, colleagues, students and strangers. Yoga reminds me time after time that we are all the same. To let go of judgment! Be present and live from the now. Seeing life as something to be embraced, grateful for every day, every moment, and every breath.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

My dream is to create my own sustainable home on a large property with a separate, spacious studio for the community to come and share in their love of yoga.

What advice would you give someone who is not planning to be a teacher and is choosing between a Level 1 yoga teacher training and a retreat.

They are both very different experiences. I feel a retreat allows you time to relax, rejuvenate and breathe. It gives you time to immerse in as much or little yoga as you wish.

Yoga teacher training completely fills you up with so much knowledge and depth of understanding of the philosophies, the asanas, anatomy, etc. It completely depends on your intentions. I would say DO BOTH!!!

Nadine’s story:

Growing up Nadine loved playing musical instruments including classical piano, and dancing. She gained a Bachelor of Music from Melba Conservatorium of Music then completed a Bachelor of Education. She worked as a Primary School teacher for over twelve years before Yoga transformed Nadine’s life!

Yoga provided the pathway and tools to overcome many challenges and to create a life of balance, good health, happiness and abundance. Nadine travelled to Byron Bay and Bali to complete Level 1 and 2 training with Byron Yoga Centre. She also studied Vinyasa at the Australian Yoga Academy of Yoga and Kids Yoga with Rainbow Kids.

Returning to her home town after years of travel and exploration Nadine started Sohum Yoga in Tooradin, South East Victoria. Nadine is a dynamic and warm yoga teacher who brings energy, humour and philosophy to her classes – and retreats!

She told us ‘My intentions are for like minded people to come together and share in the love of yoga, healthy foods, meditation, music and yoga philosophy in the beautiful environment of Byron Yoga Retreat Centre.’

www.sohumyoga.net.au

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Maya, busy Gold Coast mum and author of ‘KIS and Lose Weight’, is a naturopathic nutritionist, iridologist, fitness professional and yoga teacher.

She was first introduced to yoga postures about fourteen years ago, when she started teaching Body Balance at gyms. Over the last three years, however, she found that pure yoga practice became her rescuer from adrenal fatigue and the effects of continuous stress on her body. She now teaches yoga and shares her knowledge, experience and passion with others.

How was it for you being back at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre as a retreat guest rather than a teacher trainee?

“It was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found that unlike being a student, there was no pressure of assessments so I could completely relax. The variety of classes we had was great and I also loved the meditation. As life in the ‘real world’ can get quite intense, I discovered that internal calmness (I first experienced during the teacher training) once again.”

What made you choose to book a retreat a year after graduating as a teacher trainer with Byron Yoga Centre?

“I enjoyed my teacher training so much last year. I felt that I got so much out of it and learnt so much not only about asana but also about myself as well as yoga philosophy, which I find fascinating. I really enjoyed the Byron Yoga Retreat Centre environment, its’ magical tranquility, the staff, and not to mention, the incredibly delicious food. By the time I finished my training last year, I had promised myself to come back as a retreat guest 12 months later, so I can enjoy all of what Byron Yoga Retreat Centre has to offer, minus the assessments and the late night studies as a yoga student!”

What would you recommend to other graduates as the key reason for going on retreat?

“As a yoga teacher you do make the realisation that there is a great big difference between teaching yoga to others and practicing yoga yourself. In fact, in order to become the best yoga teacher you can possibly be, you need to practice yoga in your own time. The retreat is the same. Giving yourself time to nurture your body and soul can make you feel not only more balanced and calm, but also, I feel become a better, more authentic yoga teacher.”

What do you think was the most important element that made your retreat special?

“I have to say it was the Byron Yoga Retreat Centre tranquil surroundings and welcoming environment. And that includes the lovely people who work there too. There is something very magical about this place. It felt to me like coming home.”

Did you face any challenges, and how did you overcome / work through these?

“The challenge for me was initially to slow down or quieten my mind. But I found that through practicing yoga a few times a day during the retreat (most of it was quite gentle) meditating and enjoying an acupuncture treatment as well as Shiatsu, eventually my mind got used to observe more rather than analyse or judge.”

Were there any unexpected benefits you experienced?

“I love the wholesome, delicious sattvic food. The unexpected benefit was how wonderfully ‘happy’ my tummy felt every day. The mostly cooked, nourishing, vegetarian food really agreed with me. As a nutritionist I do make the connection between stress and digestion too, and I could also feel the benefit of a having a more balanced nervous system on my own digestion and body.”

What lessons / changes did you take away and incorporate into your lifestyle?

“The retreat reinforced my belief that in order to practice yoga well we don’t need to be hard on ourselves or judgmental in any way. Bringing a little bit of the magic of yoga into our lives each day, not necessarily in the form of asana practice but also meditation, reading and educating ourselves about yoga and yoga philosophy, observing the way we live and how reactive we can become in our daily lives (and working on changing the way we do react), can go a long way towards helping us achieve a warm open and compassionate heart, and a more balanced life.”

Is there anything you’d like to add for future trainees or retreat guests, recommendations on preparing for a training or retreat or for making the most of it?

“As a nutritionist I couldn’t help but make a few observations while I was a trainee and also a retreat guest It seems that the ones that used to consume a bit of sugar, alcohol and large amounts of caffeine regularly were the ones who struggled the most during their stay as they were trying to ‘fight their addictions’ My suggestion is, to make subtle dietary changes before you participate in any teacher training or a retreat, getting your body used to receiving nourishment from more wholesome, nourishing, unprocessed ‘clean’ foods rather than refined carbohydrates, simple sugars and of course, any junk foods. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake will help reduce the possibility of dealing with symptoms like headaches or migraines, which can, unfortunately, ruin your experience. I have to admit, however, I do enjoy a good cup of coffee every day, and I was so relieved to find that the coffee at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is a lot more than fabulous, I loved it!”

Photo: SHARON RICHARDS (Instagram shasrichards)

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1. How did your yoga journey start?
When I was about 8 my aunt was widowed and started yoga classes. She talked about what she did in class and I started to walk about in full lotus on my knees! Then, when I was about 18 and discovered a yoga class nearby, I joined!

2. What has been a highlight of your yoga teacher training?
To discover myself again. To delve into my inner knowing and be humbled by how little I know. To be constantly excited by how much more there is to know and seeing my possibilities progress. Seeing my students improve in their flexibility, their confidence and their emotional wellbeing.

3. Who has been an inspiration to you on your path.
Well, many people, but I can say John Ogilvie, after he shared his story of overcoming arthritis, caused by his motorbike accident. I love Leslie Kaminoff. I always find his weekly video highly inspiring and went to a 2 day workshop in Melbourne earlier in 2015. My own yoga teacher Judi McVea, who has run her own studio for close to 40 years now as well as being a single woman who brought up 3 boys on her own (while running her studio).

4. How would you describe your approach to teaching yoga?
I am passionate about yoga and wellbeing, but I’m also a realist and a mature aged woman. I run my classes in a way that everyone feels comfortable, able to have confidence in their abilities and although my classes can be lighthearted, everyone knows that as I teach they are able to enter into their own space and receive whatever it is they need that day. My approach therefore is that yoga is available for everyone and in my classes you are in a space that is caring, safe and authentic!

5. What are the next steps for you on your yoga journey?
I’m in process of building a house with a yoga studio… very exciting. I am also in the beginning of a 12 month graduate certificate in yoga therapy, which started in July. I’m very excited to be doing this as I love to know what is happening in both the emotional and physical body. I feel yoga is only going to become more beneficial in world and be given a different view from how the majority presently view it. I say this as there is so much medical approach to illness and injury right now, but also a spreading awareness to the alternative approach.
The more us yogi’s understand about ways to heal ourselves and each other, the more benefit there will be for all beings and the earth.

6. In what sentence, what is you philosophy for life?
hmm….. I have struggled to find myself for many years and finally found myself and my philosophy through teaching yoga and by finding my sankalpa in yoga nidra during my Certificate IV. I have since used my words at the end of each class I teach as a blessing:

“May you find your inner wisdom
May you speak your truth
May your heart be filled with love and peace”.

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