Eugenie graduated from the Yoga West Teacher Training in 2020.

How did you get into yoga?

When I was expecting my first child, I went to pregnancy yoga which taught me how we can control breathing to create a sense of calm and reduce stress. At my gym I practised Body Balance, a combination of Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates and I first started to experience the healing power of the practise. A yoga retreat in Spain was a real turning point; my life was suddenly flowing in ways I didn’t know it could.

Was there a moment when you realised you wanted to pursue yoga seriously?

Gradually, I moved into a daily practise and was loving it. Sometimes as short as 10 minutes but on average between 30 min to 1 hour. I wanted to do a teacher training to deepen my own practise and to increase my confidence to share it with others. I noticed Jeff Phenix, my first and foremost teacher was doing one at Yoga West and after speaking with James, Yoga West’s owner, I knew this was the right. Once we finished the TT, I felt not only a desire but also a responsibility to share this beautiful and beneficial practise. Deep gratitude to Jeff, Zeena, Christian and all the other teachers on the course.

How has yoga changed you?

Yoga has been a big part of my life’s journey for the last 20 years or so the increased awareness, the curiosity, the compassion toward others and myself, the connection, the healing, the well-being in body, mind and spirit are all parts of the benefits I have received. Yoga helps flourish and grow and so much more.

What’s your advice to people considering starting yoga?

Don’t wait, start now. A beginner’s course is a great place to start or open level classes where beginners are welcome. Be patient, be curious, enjoy the dance. Notice how it makes you feel and try practising on a regular basis, whatever works for you e.g., once a week and gradually your body and mind will start asking for more.

What is your approach to teaching?

For me teaching is sharing. I am super grateful for the opportunity to teach at Yoga West. My aim is to be of service and support your developing practise in the best way I can by demonstrating, explaining and passing on what I have learned and what I continue to learn. Clearing body, mind and spirit of the dust we collect through our daily stresses and (in-)activities. I enjoy creating a community to practise together and I really am so happy when students come out of a class feeling wonderful, usually after a combination of a mindful energetic practise with a dose of relaxation towards the end.