Looking for a new way to get active? Or simply want to learn a little more about the physical and mental aspects of yoga? Brighton Journal spoke to the wonderful Bam, a yoga instructor based at Unit 4 and the Phoenix Community Centre. We discussed yoga’s different styles and benefits, its connection with mindfulness, and how yoga sparked Bam’s imagination in her teens. She’s offered words of motivation to those of us who’ve not yet plucked up the courage to give yoga a go, as well as insight into Brighton’s supportive yoga community. Take a look.
What are you doing today?
Today has to be a house work day. I’m surrounded by piles of laundry, crumbs, half eaten porridge bowls, scattered Lego and I’ve just spotted some new scribbles on the freshly painted walls by my youngest. When I’ve had enough and I believe that the house looks semi-respectable, I’ll roll out my yoga mat for a stretch.
How did you first come across yoga, and what made you want to become a yoga teacher?
I went to my first yoga class when I was 13 with my mum and one of my sisters. My mum Mary is very giggly and she was slightly intimidated by the stern male yoga teacher in revealing shorts which set her off. I spent the whole class biting my lip trying to ignore her and be a good student. I distinctly remember the power of that savasana when I felt subtle energies shift and I had colourful visuals. From then on I was curious about the effects of yoga. I was a zitty, unwilling teenager who if I’m being honest, had no idea what yoga was, managed to find something so profound which spoke hugely to me.
What does yoga mean to you?
Yoga means everything to me and I see everything as ‘Yoga’. It’s a way of life for me. Yoga is kindness, yoga is tuning in to your breath and listening to your body, yoga is the present, yoga is meditation and mindfulness, yoga is not judging others, yoga is putting yourself in others shoes, yoga is movement, yoga is stillness, it’s understanding that we are all one.
How important is mindfulness to yoga and your teaching?
Mindfulness is hugely important. To have the awareness and capability of simply paying attention and being fully engaged in whatever it is that you are doing right now is a very healthy way to be. Choose to not let your mind wander and instead, tune in to your thoughts, behaviour and feelings. It has a super positive effect on those around you too.
You also offer mother and child yoga. Why is this so meaningful to you?
The birthing experience for many mothers often comes with emotional, and physical trauma, postnatal depression and exhaustion which can lead to isolation and hopelessness. There is very little conversation about actual healing emotionally and when it comes to the physical mending, well. Society communicates to new mothers that it’s just something that you need to get on with. It can be hugely damaging to mental health. Mothers, I believe, should have more respect for their choice to nurture, care for and bring a child into the world. As mind-blowingly beautiful as it is, it’s bloody hard work. Teaching yoga to mothers is something that I’m really passionate about because it offers a space to slow down while you energise in a room where we are all as exhausted as each other. I also began a class called Yoga for Tired Parents.
You’re qualified in both Hatha and Vinyasa. Could you explain the difference between these two yoga styles and outline their benefits?
Hatha Yoga is all yoga, it’s asana postures, it’s connecting and controlling the breath through pranayama, Hatha is mudra, visualisation, cleansing and it’s also meditation. Historically, Hatha practice was solely focused on the control of ‘prana’ in other words, ‘life force’ until it evolved to a more physical practice. Typically in a Hatha class, you will follow a set of held postures that will open the many channels in your body, particularly the spine (the body’s main channel) so that energy can flow. You will come out feeling aligned and new. Vinyasa yoga which stems from Hatha Yoga, allows you to ‘flow’ from one asana to another while you align your breath to your movement. Vinyasa teachers will safely guide your inhale and exhale to couple with your flexion and extension. Totally invigorating.
Which style do you enjoy the most and why?
I tend to go to my favourite teachers rather than seek out a particular style. I really love going to Leonie Taylor and Emma Cservenka at the wonderful Brighton Natural Health Centre. It’s always been my favourite place to go to and has a very genuine feel which can be hard to find. All the practitioners there are experts in their field, holistic and super lovely. I also like the Brighton Bhuddist Centre and Unit 4.
What’s the most exciting or satisfying aspect of your work?
Definitely that the more I learn, the less I know which keeps me on my toes. That’s why it’s so important to continue to attend classes and workshops of other teachers when I can. Yoga is an endless voyage of discovery. I recently qualified as a Yin Yoga teacher so I am studying the Chinese Meridian system which is very fascinating. And also that I get to meet some very lovely people. I love people.
What words of motivation would you offer to a beginner who’s considering taking up yoga?
Don’t get turned off if you don’t instantly find the right class or teacher for you. Once you do, yoga will be a lifelong friend. And keep exploring.
What are the common misconceptions you feel people may have about yoga?
The one that instantly springs to mind is that people worry that they aren’t flexible enough. Yoga is a moving meditation, no one is judging you but yourself. Every person’s body tells a different story, has been through different injuries or ailments and obviously we are all different shapes and ages. There is far too much emphasis on beauty and perfection and that needs to stop.
Does living in Brighton impact your teaching or outlook?
Brighton has a cornucopia of yoga teachers, classes and centres. There’s never a shortage of classes to head to and it’s such a welcoming and supportive community for absolutely anyone from well-practiced teachers to new students.
To find out more about Bam and her classes, check out her website. You can also find Bam on Instagram.
