What does a typical day look like for you?
I love the fact that I no longer have a “typical day” as each one is varied, that said, a key feature over the last year is even more rest. Being the daughter of Caribbean parents, Windrush generation, I saw both my late parents work so very hard to provide for me and siblings. I decided to honour them and my ancestors by finding a more restful rhythm to my life.
That restful rhythm looks like working part time, 4 scheduled classes weekly, picking up cover classes if I'd like. Unsurprisingly, all scheduled classes are Restorative. Enjoying silence, resting without tech, galleries (love my Tate membership) and my favourite, only having to set my alarm one day per week, waking up naturally on other days.
My own yoga practice varies too as I listen to what I need; which is not always a physical practice (more likely a Restorative one!) it could be mediation, being of service or reading yogic texts which I am trying to do more. I am still aiming to attend at least 1 in person class with another teacher weekly for both development and support.
How did your yoga journey begin and what inspired you to become a yoga teacher?
Curiosity took me into my first yoga class in 2006. My interest in yoga and practice deepened over the years since meeting my teacher Anna Ashby in 2007. As I approached 50 (48, thought long & hard!) I knew it was time to plan how to exit my long HR career, I believe the space and clarity that yoga provided me with helped me to arrive at the decision to join Anna and Tony Watson on the 350 hour yoga teacher training at triyoga (much love to TT22!) in 2017 aged 50!
Once qualified (2019) the decision was made to leave HR completely after working part time in both HR and teaching yoga; it truly felt as though yoga was my calling, it felt so special to share the practice I gained so much from with others. Notice handed in, new classes booked, my P45 was dated 10 March 2020 and you know that happened next…the national lockdown.
I literally cried when studios had to close and all the classes planned for my new yoga career were dashed but thank goodness for Zoom and deep friendships that led to a connection with owner and director of Yogamatters, Twanna Doherty now a dear friend.
Deepest gratitude to Twanna for her trust in me that led to the awesome opportunity of being Yogamatters Community Leader from April 2021 to December 2022 that I truly believe elevated my yoga career.
What inspired you to specialise in restorative yoga?
The quote below answers this question, it is taken from my contribution to Anna’s book Restorative Yoga | Power, Presence and Practice for Teachers and Trainees. Honoured to have been both a model and share my experience of Restorative Yoga, thank you so much Anna.
“ I teach Restorative Yoga because I want to share the benefits I have had from the practice over many years with others. Plus, I genuinely believe that society could do more to promote the importance of pause. That said, I believe the pandemic has helped people to slow down a bit more and realise what is important to them”.
How have you seen yoga benefit your students?
A student shared recently that they really notice a difference within themselves if they miss their weekly Restorative class.
Do you have a favourite quote or life motto?
“Your posture should be steady and comfortable.” Patanjali (2.46 Yoga Sutras)
This sutra reminds me that our practice is not confined to the mat, how we navigate life off the mat should also be without discomfort where possible. I remind students of this sutra often.
What is coming up for you in 2026?
Naturally I’m looking forward to returning to the Yogamatters Community on Tuesday 14 April to celebrate an impressive 5 years of the Community Class, how time has flown since hosting the first class as Community Leader (stepping down in December 2022).
I'm also very excited to offer my Restful Gratitude workshop in partnership with Yogamatters at their new stunning Muswell Hill studio. I love the fact that students will be able to rest in a smaller cosier space, as capacity is just 8.
Proud to have found a restful rhythm to my life, the last year of my 50's, so there are no big plans. Truly happy with my class offerings, picking up cover classes if I wish and a few workshop offerings sprinkled through the year.
Upcoming workshops (May & June dates not yet live for booking)
- Sun 12 April | Restful Gratitude, Muswell Hill
- Sat 23 May | An Invitation to Rest, triyoga Shoreditch
- Sat 20 June | Rest at The Arc, The Arc Islington
Looking way ahead into December I'll once again be volunteering for Crisis at Christmas, it will be my 8th year. I volunteer as an Activities Organiser which I really enjoy as being of service is important to me. Christmas 2025 I did Sponsored Volunteering once again and raised £1400, the highest amount I've raised since I started volunteering in 2018. I'd highly recommend volunteering with Crisis at Christmas such a worthy cause and very well organised each year.
Huge thanks to Yogamatters for still supporting Crisis through donations at checkout. I can fondly recall offering a Restorative class in December where Yogamatters kindly matched donations from community, awesome.
Can't wait for April Yogamatters Community!
Where to find Yvonne:
