I recently found my first Hatha Yoga teaching certificate, courtesy of YTTC, dated over 21 years ago. Somehow, the years fly by! As we know, though, it's not the teaching that is the achievement, but the practice—and for me, that started when I was just seven years old and introduced to yoga by my mother.
Yoga practice—covering all elements from āsana to prāṇāyāma and meditation, rooted in the ethical principles and observances (yamas and niyamas)—has been a source of challenge and support in my life, but mostly, it helps me find joy.
Over the years, I have practised many styles of yoga, although I believe always within the context of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. I have always returned to my home base: yoga as taught in the lineage of B.K.S. Iyengar (Light on Yoga). I have visited the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India, on two occasions for a month of intensive practice and study. This is alongside ongoing learning through weekly classes and weekend workshops with long-standing and experienced teachers in the Iyengar community.
As a result, I have been fortunate to learn much about adapting yoga to help with a wide range of health conditions—so as many people as possible can benefit from the practice.
On the day, I will teach a practice of āsanas suitable for all, with adaptations as necessary. We'll start with more active poses and work our way toward a quieter, reflective end of the practice with prāṇāyāma and meditation. Throughout, we might consider how the discipline and techniques of practice help us off the mat as well.
Claire Ferry - Yoga Teacher within the Iyengar Tradition, Senior Teacher (Level 3)