Sarah Vaughan
I began practicing yoga in the Iyengar method and practiced both yoga and pilates for several years. When I discovered Astanga yoga I immediately loved it. For me it brings together the body and the mind in a physically demanding practice which enhances health, stamina, flexibility and mental focus. Becoming familiar with the primary and intermediate series has brought an understanding of the subtle, natural and graceful flow that is astanga.
Astanga yoga quickly became a passion for me, the energy and devotion required for astanga inspired and encouraged me to build up my own dedicated daily practice. Yoga has taken me on a personal journey bringing me a sense of wellbeing and inner calm.
I completed the 200 hour Ashtanga yoga teacher training diploma at Union Yoga in Edinburgh, with Brian Cooper and Nawajyoti. Subsequently I have furthered my teacher training with David Swenson and practiced with many more inspiring teachers both at home and abroad. These include, Gingi Lee, Matthew Sweeney, Paul Grilley, Danny Paradise, Liz lark, Richard Freeman, Nancy Gilgoff, Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty. I also had the honour to practice with Sri K. Pattabji Jois in London in 2005.
Stephanie and I teach astanga and hatha yoga full time and continue to learn through the discipline of our own practices and from our students every day. We enjoy sharing our love for yoga and developing peoples awareness of their potential.
Stephanie Turner
I started practicing astanga yoga in 2001. I trained as a ballet dancer and transferred the discipline into my yoga practice after the birth of my second child.
I undertook the Yoga Alliance 200 hr teacher training at the Union Yoga Centre in Edinburgh taught by Brian Cooper and Nawajoti. In addition I have attended many workshops with eminent and renowned teachers who have inspired me in my progression along my yoga path. Sarah and I began practicing together and continue our self practice at The Yoga Hutch and at the Shala with Gingi Lee. Like Sarah it was a great honour to practice under Pattabi Jois in London and to continue my learning experience with David Swenson. It is an ambition of mine to return to India and practice with Gurujis grandson 'Sharath' at the Astanga Research Institute in Mysore.
Returning to the familiarity of the astanga sequence on my mat every day is never the same. Observing my practice and feelings each day gives me a greater understanding of the subtle changes that manifest in the world around us. Yoga teaches you honesty and compassion to yourself and others around you. Astanga has given me the confidence to realise that small achievements on the mat can be taken outside and realised in everyday life. Sarah and I feel hugely privileged to be able to share this practice with others.
Astanga yoga has become a way of life for us. We teach small classes and have developed a precise and compassionate method of teaching, working with the individual at their own level. It is important to remember that yoga is completely non-competitive and that each practice must be a joyful experience with consideration of tomorrows practice!