Drawing inspiration from both Yogi Bhajan and her mum, Trish is an inspiring yoga teacher and an asset to our Go Yoga team. Here we caught up with her for a mid-morning coffee and a chat about her yoga journey so far.............
Hi Trish, how are you feeling today?
Feeling well, thank you. Right now we are having a welcome splash of rain which has broken this incredible heat. It has made the hot yoga classes hot hot!
When was the last lesson you taught?
I taught a class Friday morning. This was the first week that we moved the class from the Go Rev studio to the Go Yoga site, and we are all very excited about the extra space it gives us. However, the Go Rev studio is so perfect for the beginners class (after the Go Yoga class) as a focused setting for individual attention.
Have you been teaching for long?
I started the 2-year teacher training with Sophie in September 2016, so only about a year.
Why did you decide to become a yoga teacher?
When I started on the TT course I had no clear idea of becoming a teacher, but rather to grow my own practice and knowledge. I just remember being terrified during the first few classes I did for the course and when Sophie asked me to step in to cover once qualified. But like anything, the more you do it, the more confidence you build and the more fun it becomes.
So I will quote from two of the greats; 'If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it.' Yogi Bhajan. And then my Mum: 'If you love something, share it.' Sophie has given me a wonderful opportunity to do both.
What does yoga mean to you?
It means that when I get out of bed in the morning and onto the mat, I can face the day grounded. It means I no longer go to the chiropractor twice a month to combat past injuries. It is a journey that allows me to grow and a path to guide me on the mat and into my everyday life.
Can you sum up your teaching style in 3 words?
Calm, safe and accessible
How do you want your students to feel after a lesson?
If it's a flow class I want them to feel that they have brought some heat to the body and worked out safely. If it's a meditation class, that the subconscious has been taken on a sensory journey.
Do you have a favourite yoga pose?
Heart to Earth, without a doubt. It is such a beautiful pose of surrender; to the mat, to the earth, to yourself.
What does your average day look like?
I get up around 6am, drink a large glass water, make my way downstairs with the cat and dog in tow, and get on my mat. I'm usually half asleep and just do whatever feels right for about 30-60 minutes. Always includes plenty of breath work.
I head off to work at ten to eight, with 7-minute commute - 12 on a bad day! I am lucky enough to be able to take my dog with me and I get to walk the dogs (mine and Mum's) each day. My day is always very varied - sometimes I cover classes, both during the day and in the evening.
Some evenings I spend with my girlfriends otherwise I am at home with my husband and furry babies.
What has been your defining yoga moment so far?
The very first time I touched my toes. It took me almost a year of doing YouTube classes to achieve, but gave me the confidence to start going to public classes, and set me on the path I'm on now.
What would be your advice to people who have never tried yoga before?
You may never look like Instagram Yoga, and you may be your own worst critic, but the simple act of learning to work with the breath will bring wonder to every aspect of your life. It is also a great feeling to have your body respond when you ask it to do something.
What times do you teach at Go Yoga Harrogate?
Friday morning at 9:30 Go Yoga and 11:15 beginners at Go Revolution.