Yoga for Healing

What seems like a lifetime ago but was actually only early last year, I was asked to write an assignment for my first 200hr teacher training with fringe.yoga. The subject I chose to write about was ‘Yoga for Healing’ and I based my whole assignment around my journey into yoga and how it has helped me heal, both physically and mentally.

A year on and now teaching full time, the reason for my teaching remains the same, and I think it will always be that way.

In the space of 18 months, I lost both my father and fiance, one just before I started my training and one the day after I taught my first official class. And without going into much detail, apart from the support network I have around me, it really was the practice of yoga that helped me keep it together.

Having also suffered crippling anxiety and panic attacks over the years, when the inevitable anxiety of grief took over my mind and body, it was the yoga that guided me through. Over the years of learning the physical practice of yoga, breath work and shifting my mindset to a more positive and purposeful place – I was able to deal with my grief constructively, without subjecting myself to more pain.

It is now that when someone says to be they are suffering anxiety, stress, grief – Something in me fires up, as I now know I can help with that. I’ve been there and well and truly got the t-shirt and now I have this amazing tool kit, gifted to me by the practice that can hopefully offer some comfort to the struggling.

On a physical level, having mild scoliosis and back issues myself, the benefits of yoga to help improve mobility, flexibility and pain levels are second to none – it really is magic!

It is my mission to help spread the practice of yoga and everything that it entails (on and off the mat) to as many people as I can. Ultimately trying to help people heal themselves physically and mentally and demonstrate to people that healing is possible. It takes time, hard work, and a whole lot of tears, hugs, steps back, smiles and listening – but it is possible, that’s a promise.

I am so grateful for yoga and the journey it has taken me on, and this is something I take a moment to smile about every day, even on the bad days, the gratitude is there for this wonderful practice.

If you fancy flowing with me on the mat, where we always have a giggle and I leave you feeling super zen, then come and say hi.

I teach here there and everywhere but mainly I am based at:

• Fringe.Yoga, Epping and Sawbridgeworth
• Air yoga Studio, South Woodford
• Places Leisure, Loughton and (sometimes) Epping

I also teach private 1:2:1’s, couples yoga, small group yoga sessions and soon to be hosting workshops and retreats!

You can find me mainly on my Instagram: @yogi_banks

I can’t wait to meet you!
Namaste x