Virginie joins us as a Co-Interim Manager (with Nina Ilovica) of the studio, after completing her Teacher Training with us earlier this year she is now also teaching some of our community classes. We're very lucky to have her join our team!

I was working in finance, feeling stressed, anxious, confused, and lost and going through repetitive burn outs.I needed a sense of direction, meaning and to feel grounded.I tried yoga and practicing became my anchor. Just being able to stop, to carve 1 hour for myself was revolutionary. I just loved the flow of mindful movements and breath. I immediately noticed a reduction in my anxiety and a strong sense of reconnection, I  existed.

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

Yes, I had practiced yoga for a year or 2 and after my son was born, I knew I didn’t want to work in the same field (finance) but instead dedicate my life to help others feel more connected to their bodies, minds and help them find space to be, to exist outside the rush and busyness of life, to look after themselves on a deeper level.

How has yoga changed you?

It has transformed me in many ways and I am very grateful for being on this journey.Yoga started as a ‘me time’ and a way to stretch and release anxiety but with time, it became a way to find balance, a way to feel grounded and connect to my heart.I became more in tune with the sensations in my body, more aware of my thought patterns and in a sense more in control.I also felt that I could engage with the world and the people around me on a much deeper level.Yoga has helped me connect to my heart and to become more compassionate and loving towards myself and others.Yoga, to me,  is like a bellow that helps that beautiful internal flame shine brighter.

What's your advice to people considering starting yoga?

Start gently, explore different styles and teachers. Remember that the more you commit to your practice, the more you will experience its benefits. It is a journey, be patient, don’t give up, be kind to yourself and most importantly, enjoy!Also, don’t be ‘put off’ by the pictures in the magazines or by thinking everyone is more fit or flexible than you are. Yoga is so much more than a stretch. Yoga is a very personal journey of discovery of re-learning to connect to oneself, body, mind and heart.

My favourite quote as a yogi:

“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame." B. K. S. Iyengar