Yvonne O'Garro | Restorative & Hatha Yoga Teacher
Curiosity.....
Curiosity took me into my first yoga class, where I can recall saying “next week I’ll try it for a laugh”. Balāsana (Child’s Pose) was the pose that made me fall in love with yoga in 2006 at David Lloyd gym, Enfield. Vicki Scarlett was the yoga teacher responsible for, unbeknownst to me, a life changing experience. May Vicki rest in eternal peace.
My yoga practice deepened over the years and I started to take an interest in philosophy and noticed I was far less stressed, more patient and grounded than before. Anna Ashby is my teacher, I've practiced with Anna since 2007 and am proud to have completed my triyoga 350 hour Yoga Teacher Training diploma under Anna & Tony Watson’s guidance which is accredited by both the British Wheel of Yoga and Yoga Alliance. My practice has moved from more dynamic to quieter styles in recent years and am most connected to Restorative yoga.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a passion; I love the use of props in the longer held positions, allowing students to move from "fight or flight" mode (Sympathetic nervous system) into pure relaxation (Parasympathetic nervous system). Gratitude to BKS Iyengar for both the creation of yoga props and devising this slower practice, to restore yogis back to health.
Restorative yoga poses are mostly supine and are held between 5 - 15 mins; using bolsters, blankets, and blocks to aid your relaxation and allowing you to reconnect with your breath whilst being fully supported by the props. The practice increases your well-being as the calming environment lifts your mood, contributing to stress relief. During a 60-minute class I will guide you into 4 or 5 postures: both symmetrical and asymmetrical, providing the body with a total sense of ease. I believe that Restorative Yoga helps us to navigate life more easily as it provides an opportunity to pause, to rest and reconnect with your breath.
Hatha Yoga
My Hatha Yoga teaching is mindful, grounded and alignment focused, encouraging a conscious breath during classes to keep connected to self. Students are invited to notice how āsana (postures) feel different between right and left side of the body; given subtle differences we have between sides. Suitable for Beginners.
I had a lengthy career as a HR Business Partner where I switched to full time yoga teaching, in March 2020, to achieve both personal balance and to increase the opportunities to share the benefits of Restorative & Hatha Yoga.
Sthira sukam āsanam | Posture should be steady and comfortable (2:46)
This Pātañjali's sūtras really resonates with me and I often quote it in my classes to remind students that yoga is not limited to our mats and the importance of an individual yoga practice:
Yoga certifications:
· 60-hour Yoga4Health | Yoga In Healthcare Alliance
· 22-hour Restorative practice (Level 2) | triyoga
· 60-hour Yoga for Anxiety| The Minded Institute
· 16-hour Trauma Informed Yoga for Diverse Communities | Ourmala
· 50-hour Yin &Yang practice | MoreYoga
· 33-hour Restorative practice (Level 1) | triyoga
· 350-hour Yoga Teacher Diploma | triyoga