Personable, professional, engaging yoga.
ABOUT ME:
May every day you all look in the mirror and say; ‘I am the Prize’ - Leah Chase
I am a yoga teacher based in the heart of Wormingford, a village on the Essex/Suffolk border in the Stour Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Having practiced yoga most of my adult life, and whilst moving from London to Essex in 2014, I took the opportunity to study to become a yoga teacher. I passed my 500hr CYQ diploma in Hatha yoga in 2016 and set up my own business soon after. In 2019, I completed a second course; RYT 200hr diploma in teaching vinyasa yoga and was happily teaching from my own studio as well as various other places within Colchester and the surrounding area.
In 2021, when I was learning how to teach online classes to my faithful attendees (thank you for bearing with me), I discovered a lump in my right breast. A few weeks later, the biopsy came back and it was a 5cm malignant tumour; Grade 2 and hormone positive.
Two surgeries, including a right side mastectomy, six months of Chemotherapy and three weeks of Radiotherapy later, in April 2022, I dusted myself off and began to practise again. It happened slowly and I certainly wasn’t attempting Downward Facing Dog; just small movements to improve and to test my range of movement and mobility. With the help of a fantastic physiotherapist and my yoga practice, I was able to build up a portfolio of asanas that slowly but surely built up my strength and increased the range of movement on my right side.
As well as asana practice to help with general movement and nerve pain from the treatment, I was using breathwork and meditation for moments when life became just too overwhelming, especially after being thrown headfirst into the menopause! Hello hot flashes and night sweats…and oh yes, when it comes to taking HRT, we breast cancer gals are left high and dry on the shelf.
I became attuned to what my body and mind needed through yoga, and most importantly, my body was responding so positively. I have been wanting to share this experience with other women going through similar treatment and so have set up my Durga yoga classes; body positive, post breast cancer yoga class for those who have experienced a similar journey to mine, and those seeking to find a little peace and community within something that can be so hard to navigate.
“The human body can withstand and accomplish a hell of a lot more than most of us think possible, and it all begins and ends in the mind”… (David Goggins)
In 2021, when I was learning how to teach online classes to my faithful attendees (thank you for bearing with me), I discovered a lump in my right breast. A few weeks later, the biopsy came back and it was a 5cm malignant tumour; Grade 2 and hormone positive.
Two surgeries, including a right side mastectomy, six months of Chemotherapy and three weeks of Radiotherapy later, in April 2022, I dusted myself off and began to practise again. It happened slowly and I certainly wasn’t attempting Downward Facing Dog; just small movements to improve and to test my range of movement and mobility. With the help of a fantastic physiotherapist and my yoga practice, I was able to build up a portfolio of asanas that slowly but surely built up my strength and increased the range of movement on my right side.
As well as asana practice to help with general movement and nerve pain from the treatment, I was using breathwork and meditation for moments when life became just too overwhelming, especially after being thrown headfirst into the menopause! Hello hot flashes and night sweats…and oh yes, when it comes to taking HRT, we breast cancer gals are left high and dry on the shelf.
I became attuned to what my body and mind needed through yoga, and most importantly, my body was responding so positively. I have been wanting to share this experience with other women going through similar treatment and so have set up my Durga yoga classes; body positive, post breast cancer yoga class for those who have experienced a similar journey to mine, and those seeking to find a little peace and community within something that can be so hard to navigate.
“The human body can withstand and accomplish a hell of a lot more than most of us think possible, and it all begins and ends in the mind”… (David Goggins)
Durga Yoga - Class Information
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The Goddess Durga, in Hindu mythology, is the protective mother of the universe. She is on of the most popular deities, a protector of all that is good and harmonious in the world. Durga literally means a fort, a place that is difficult to overrun. She is multi-limbed so that she is always ready to battle evil from any direction. Our class that will take place at Manor Studios in the heart of Colchester. A class aimed towards helping women who are going (or have gone) through breast cancer treatment and are seeking to improve their health, and lift their sense of wellbeing and spirit in a class of like minded yoga warriors. |
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Physically, we will look to improve your range of movement in the chest and arm and shoulder area but also look at building strength and mobility in other areas of the body using gentle stretches, nurturing asanas and soothing flows. We will tap into our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and recover) using various pranayama (breathing techniques) and will finish each class with Savasana, a small meditation to relax and reflect and there will be a 15 minute post class chat and share for those who want to.
The aim of this class is to give confidence back to you, to give you that strength of empowerment. To have autonomy over your mind and body. Plus, we will make you a little bit stronger too…
But above all, the most important takeaway from my Durga class, is that you ENJOY YOURSELF. This Class is for everyone of any ability. Come with an open heart. We will laugh, there’s a strong possibility that we may cry, but please know this; the door is always open to offer encouragement, to give hugs or to just sit and lend an ear. We are all in this together.
*Please make sure you are signed off to exercise and take this class by your GP or oncologist.*
The aim of this class is to give confidence back to you, to give you that strength of empowerment. To have autonomy over your mind and body. Plus, we will make you a little bit stronger too…
But above all, the most important takeaway from my Durga class, is that you ENJOY YOURSELF. This Class is for everyone of any ability. Come with an open heart. We will laugh, there’s a strong possibility that we may cry, but please know this; the door is always open to offer encouragement, to give hugs or to just sit and lend an ear. We are all in this together.
*Please make sure you are signed off to exercise and take this class by your GP or oncologist.*
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Durga Yoga
The Manor Health and Wellness Centre 11 Manor Road Colchester CO3 3LX 75 mins (class is 60 mins, plus an optional 15 mins to chat and share) Taster Class (no charge) 11am, Thursday 20th April Email: [email protected] to book your spot T: 07545 467374 Full 5 week block classes start Thursday 27th April @11am - Thursday 24th May Drop in: £10 Block: £40 for 5 weeks Email or call me (as above) to book |
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Please give 24 hours notice when cancelling a mat space.
1-2-1 Personal Yoga Tuition
Please email me at [email protected] to enquire
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss
