Finding My Place in Yoga (And Helping You Find Yours)

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately, especially with my new yoga classes starting this week. Honestly, I’m super nervous — but I’m also really excited at the same time. And it’s made me realise something: everyone has to find their place in yoga. Their own way in.

And if you’re reading this, that will be you too. You’ll find your place.

What I want people to know about my yoga is that it doesn’t come from just one background or one style. It’s a mix of everything I’ve picked up over the years. I’ve been really lucky — I’ve tried Ashtanga, Hatha, and I’ve followed lots of different types of teachers along the way.

One of my strongest memories is from when I did a course at the Sivananda Yoga Centre in Putney in 1999. It was such a transformative experience for me. I was a dancer before, so I’m not going to lie — a lot of the movements came pretty naturally. I was still in my 20s, still dancing here and there, but yoga gave me something different. It gave me a way of getting to know my body again.

And it wasn’t just the movements — it was the philosophy, the mantras, the chanting — the real heart of yoga that stayed with me.

Fast forward a couple of years, and another big moment for me was discovering Shiva Rea and Claire Missingham. Shiva’s American, Claire’s English, and they were both so influential for me. And this wasn’t because of Instagram or social media — none of that existed yet! It was proper old-school — DVDs.

Actually, I’ve recently dug out those DVDS again, and I’ve been re-doing some of Shiva’s beautiful flows. Honestly, they’ve been amazing. So gentle, so poetic.

It’s taken me back to a time before yoga became all about planks and burning calories. (Not throwing shade — I get that it’s a thing — but it’s just not my vibe.)

For me, yoga is about feeling good in your body. It’s about coming home to yourself.

And that’s what I want for my classes too — I want people to feel comfortable. To feel welcome. No pressure. No worrying if you’re doing it “right.” Just finding your own space inside the practice.

If you come to a class with me, you’ll definitely notice Shiva Rea’s influence, especially her Radiant Heart yoga and Fluid Power practices. They’ve both been a huge part of my journey, and they’ll be part of what I share with you, too.

So yeah — that’s a little bit about where I’m coming from.

And I honestly can’t wait to share it with you.

xx Shona