About Me - Victoria
When I first started my yoga journey (over ten years ago), I felt like I was stepping into uncharted territory. I had never practiced yoga before and had a distorted view of what it was all about. I believed that all yogis were thin, young, and incredibly flexible, which was the opposite of how I saw myself. I had little understanding or knowledge of the spiritual aspect of yoga and how it held more significance than just the physical poses.
From the very first time I stepped onto my yoga mat, I sensed a profound shift within me, a calling to explore the depths of my body, mind, and spirit. A calling that would change my life forever. I was on a path of self-discovery and transformation which I welcomed with open arms.
My life transformed dramatically in a very short period of time. I went from having three young daughters and a happy marriage to navigating the challenges of raising teenagers and the emotional ups and downs that come with it, caring for an elderly mother who needs daily assistance, and managing an estranged husband. It would be an understatement to say I felt overwhelmed, stressed, and depressed. I yearned for a sense of inner calm and balance in my life.
My journey towards the yoga nidra practice began when I attended a yoga retreat day, there was a yoga nidra session led by a teacher called Jane. I instantly felt a deep connection to both her and the practice itself. After the retreat I was talking to one of the yoga teachers who informed me that Jane lived nearby and offered a course to become a yoga nidra teacher, it felt like a calling I couldn't ignore.
The practice of yoga nidra has been nothing short of transformative. It has offered me a profound sense of relaxation and a deeper connection to my inner self, which I never anticipated. Initially, I approached Yoga Nidra out of curiosity, seeking a method to manage my stress and enhance my overall well-being. I had heard about its benefits—improved sleep quality, increased mindfulness, a greater sense of calm—helps to reduce stress and anxiety, allowing the body to restore and heal but my personal experience has far exceeded my expectations.
The most significant change I noticed was the remarkable reduction in my anxiety levels. Before I integrated yoga nidra into my routine, I often felt overwhelmed by the demands of my life. This overwhelm would manifest as racing thoughts and a constant sense of tension in my body, making it difficult to relax or enjoy the moment. However, through regular practice, I learnt to cultivate a deep state of relaxation that allows my mind to quiet down.
As a mother, I often struggled with my teenage daughters. They are navigating a whirlwind of emotions, and tensions can run high at times. However, through my practice, I have learned to take a step back, breathe deeply, and approach situations with clarity and calmness. Though this isn’t the case every time, I try to respond rather than react.
In addition to my mental clarity, my sleep has significantly improved. I used to struggle with insomnia and restless nights, exacerbated by the hormonal changes of being premenopausal. However, through the consistent practice of yoga nidra, I now transition into sleep more easily. On nights when I still feel restless, I apply the techniques I’ve learned, such as body scanning and breath awareness, which signal to my body that it’s time to rest. As a result, I wake up feeling like I have slept.
Yoga Nidra has profoundly transformed my life, and I am truly excited and honored to share this remarkable practice with others. The thought of creating a supportive space where individuals can relax, reconnect, heal, brings me immense joy and a sense of purpose, which is something that I haven't experienced in a very long time. I can't wait to embark on this journey together!