The original interview by MoreYoga can be found here.
Tell us about how you got into yoga? I originally trained to become a professional dancer, I used yoga as a tool to build on my strength and flexibility. Upon graduating from dance school I found myself more interested in practicing yoga than attending dance classes and as time went on I was less and less interested in dance and more and more interested in yoga.
What has been your greatest challenge on this path? I have always been very flexible. When I first started practicing yoga I found it very hard to build strength. I tended to sink into poses instead of activating in them. Sometimes I still feel myself slipping back into old patterns but I am very aware of my tendency to do so which allows me to stay on top of it.
What was the inspiration behind this workshop? I wanted to find a way to contribute to the Bhopal medical appeal so decided to raise money doing what I know – teaching yoga. Lots of my students are looking for a space to explore arm balances and inversions in a safe environment where they will have time to work on what they have just learned. So I listened to what they wanted and formed a workshop to tick the boxes.
Tell us more about the Bhopal Medical Appeal. “On the night of December 2nd, 1984, a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, began leaking 27 tons of the deadly gas methyl isocyanate. None of the six safety systems designed to contain such a leak were operational, allowing the gas to spread throughout the city of Bhopal [1]. Half a million people were exposed to the gas and 25,000 have died to date as a result of their exposure. More than 150,000 people still suffer from ailments caused by the accident and the subsequent pollution at the plant site”. For more information please check out:
http://bhopal.org/what-happened/union-carbides-disaster/
The sambanhavna clinic combines medicine with traditional ayurvedic herbal medicine and yoga to support more than 70,000 people who have been affected by this disaster.
Aside from coming to the workshop, how can people help this charity? You can volunteer at the Sambhavna Clinic, fundraise yourself or donate. For more information please check out:
What can people expect at the workshop? This workshop will start off with a warm-up of sun salutations followed by some strengthening holds and wrist stretches. We will then progress on to workshopping arm-balances; Learning the preparation for those who are new and learning variations for those who are more experienced. After that we will move onto inversions; Using the wall to help with the preparation and using partners to help with holding. Becky will then lead you through inverted variations for those with more experience. We will close the practice with some gentle stretches and a savasana.
What is your favourite thing about yoga? I love how yoga makes me feel. I am a very physical person, I feel my emotions inside my body and yoga allows me to feel more whole. I can actually feel a sensation shift when I have practised a yoga class. I believe that this discipline of mindfulness (a moving meditation) allows me to be more connected to my body and mind.
Is there an asana/s that you find challenging? Handstands are hard for me. I have a very deep backbend so find it hard to stay active in a handstand without flopping into my back and falling into a wheel.
It’s Stress Awareness Month – How do you destress? As well as yoga I practice tantra, orgasmic meditation, and transcendental meditation. I also drink buckets of tea.
What books would you recommend to our MoreYogis, what books have changed you? Urban Tantra by Barbera Carellass is a great book to get you started on your tantra journey and is one of the first books I read on the subject. I am currently training to become a psychotherapist so have been reading a lot of books related to that topic. Consciousness by Rita Carter is a great and interesting read.
If you were on a desert island what three things, aside from food and water, would you need? My three cats; Maggie, Jefferey and Eddie.
What are your top picks for Vegetarian/Vegan food in London? My boyfriend used to be a chef and cooks delicious food. He doesn’t cook for the public anymore (unless we invite you over for dinner) but he’s my top pick in London.
What music would you recommend for relaxation and de-stressing? I’m not really one for relaxation music so for me it would be uplifting music to get me in a good mood. Probably some ska or old-school R&B.
What is your best piece of life advice? Laugh – in your yoga practice and in your life.
What is your favourite motivational quote? A profound quote which I learned from one of my teachers; No effort is ever wasted and no benefit is ever lost.
Rebecca Crepsley-Fox teaches at MoreYoga
Stoke Newington Mondays 12.30pm Vinyasa Flow
Finsbury Park Mondays 6pm Rocket | 7.15pm Rocket Tuesdays 6.15pm Rocket | 7.30pm Yin
Harringay Thursdays 6.15pm Rocket | 7.30pm YinCamdenFridays 12.30pm Vinyasa Flow
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