ABOUT ME
My love affair with Yoga began when I was 27 and living in London, my home city. I had badly injured my back and for the next two and a half years had tried to find a way to get it better.
After a long journey through different treatments, I was lucky enough to meet Molly. She was an unassuming but skilled Yoga therapist who put together a simple back therapy sequence for me.
I practised this every morning and evening and, to my amazement, my back began to heal. Within just a few months, it was stronger and more flexible than ever. I fell in love and wanted to learn as much as I could about this ancient science.
So I began to study Yoga, eventually qualifying as a teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga in 2004. I had originally trained as a Solicitor but decided to give up the Law to help others in the way that I had been helped. And, since then, I have taught a huge range of ages and abilities coming full circle by helping many people with back problems similar to my own, both in my general as well as my private classes.
I then went on to qualify as a BWY Foundation Course 1 and Foundation Course 2 Tutor and now also run courses for students who want to go beyond the mat and deepen their knowledge and understanding of Yoga. I now run three courses a year - two in person and one via distance learning both under the auspices of the BWY. For more information and/or to request an application form, please head to my Yoga Training page. At the end of 2022, I also became a Continuing Professional Development Tutor with the BWY and in 2023 became a Modules Tutor.
Finally, I have recently also qualified as an Ayurvedic consultant. Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of healing in the world and has proven to be effective in treating a wide range of disorders including digestive complaints such as heartburn and chronic constipation, arthritis, endometriosis and menstrual disorders, headaches and migraines, hot flushes and other problems associated with the menopause, weight gain, insomnia, skin disorders and stress.
If you or someone you know might benefit from a consultation, please contact me at [email protected] to discuss and/or book an appointment. These take place either in person or via Zoom in the form of an hour-long consultation in which I take a full case history and then prepare an individualised therapy plan based on the principles of Ayurveda for you to follow. This includes a detailed food plan, recommended Ayurvedic herbs, simple massages, daily practices and Yoga.
I have already begun to support others on their healing journey and they are already seeing promising results:
"After trying several different Yoga teachers and classes I found Brenda about 3 years ago and cannot praise her enough. She is exceptionally patient, kind and calm and her classes are so accessible. Through Yoga and Ayurveda Brenda has worked with me to help manage my chronic pain and support my mental well-being. I cannot recommend her highly enough and would encourage anyone thinking of giving Yoga a go or wanting to support their current practice to contact Brenda. She radiates warmth and positive energy and is the most encouraging teacher you could ever want."
Fay, Yoga Student + Ayurvedic Client
Yoga Retreats in Italy
In addition to Yoga, one of my other loves is Italy (I lived and studied in Siena when I was at university). I now bring together these two passions with the annual week-long Yoga retreat I host on the Sorrentine coastline in southern Italy. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy la dolce vita by practising daily Yoga, mindfulness and meditation in beautiful, natural surroundings.
For more information on this and/or my new "Walk In, Float Out" retreat in Thailand 2024, please do get in touch.
"Most people have forgotten just how good their bodies were designed to feel."
Benefits for Children, Too
I am also passionate about teaching Yoga and mindfulness to children and have worked for two local primary schools teaching all age groups. This experience allowed me to see first-hand how a regular practice of mindfulness, conscious breathing, age appropriate Yoga poses and guided relaxation can offer children simple tools to relieve their stress and anxiety, teaching them instead to be peaceful and calm.
This was supported by the head teachers of both schools who confirmed that the regular weekly practices offered children support and stability during these challenging times.
Please head to my Children’s Mindfulness page for more information about these techniques or message me on [email protected] or click the button below for more details about how Yoga can support your child.
Continuously Investing In My Own Skill
On a personal level, it is important for me to keep learning and, as well as attending
regular weekly classes, I also undertake further training every year with senior teachers, both
nationally and internationally, to ensure that I maintain the highest standards. In 2021, I qualified as an Ayurvedic consultant and in 2022 I began an 18-month teacher training course with the British Wheel of Yoga. However, although I am
serious about my teaching, I always try to inject a sense of fun and humour into my classes so
that my students feel safe and supported but also relaxed and at ease.