My Tale
“Life is not only a physical evolution of our external bodies and environments, but also an inner evolution of our hearts, minds, and souls.”
Santina Giardina-Chard
I believe there are many pathways into and towards healing and inner transformation. After years of anorexia, bulimia, heroin and other substance abuse, I came to understand that these compulsive behavioral patterns were just a means to escape the boxed-up feeling of terror, rage, shame, despair, grief and unworthiness deep within my psyche and physicality.
Paradoxically, the Ashtanga Yoga and Gestalt methods help me to realise that whenever I wanted to escape myself through compulsive behaviour, what I was really hungry for was a deep and abiding connection with myself that brings forth the joy of being comfortable in my own skin.
Life has taught me so far that there is no salvation other than love. Life has taught me to accept my own foolishness and the inescapable contradictions in my own character. To accept that it was not destiny to be the sort of person I would have liked to be. Life’s taught me to be gentler, because not everyone is the same. Life is a process of unfurling, so it has taught me to give reverence to a person, not a position. Because the instant I feel you are sincere; and that you care and you really believe in what you are doing, you have my heart. Life has taught me that we are all only guests on this planet. Therefore, I have learned to see myself as being on a pilgrimage, to travel light, contact other pilgrims, be simple, look around and realise that God is in everything.
Podcasts & Interviews
2019 – We Move Magazine (aslo see video above)
2020 – Podcast with Harmony
2020 – Interview with Max Pascal Instagram
2020 – Mangalashala Interview _ Instagram
2020 – Taylor Hunt – Heartbreak Kids
2021 – Interview with Ashtanga Dispatch
2021 – Podcast with Adam Keen
2021 – Interview with Adam Keen_Instagram
2021 – Interview with Adam Keen_Instagram_July
2022 – The Movement, Strength & Play Podcast
My Studies
Yoga Practice and Teacher Training
Mark Togni (Gold Coast Yoga Centre) 2006 -2012
Matthew Sweeney (2009 – 2010)
KNOFF YOGA SYLLABUS (Nicky Knoff)
(2006 -2010) Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Teaching Methodology, Philosophy and Applied Anatomy.
• Level 1 – Discovery
• Level 2 – Chair Yoga
• Level 3 – Foundation
• Level 4 – Pregnancy Yoga
• Level 5 – Yoga Therapy – Holistic Healing A
• Level 6 – Yoga Therapy – Holistic Healing B
• Level 7 – Intermediate
• Level 8 – Advanced
• Level 9 – Master
2012 Ashtanga Yoga Bail Research Centre (Anthony “Prem” Carlisi and Heather “Radha” Carlisi)
Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda Teacher Training
Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldman (Assistant Teacher)
2013 ( 2 weeks Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui)
2014 ( 2 weeks Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui)
2015 ( 2 weeks Purple Valley Retreat, Goa, India)
Richard Freeman & Mary Taylor
2014 – Teacher’s Intensive (2 weeks) Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui
2016 – Teacher’s Intensive With Richard Freeman and Mary Talyor (4 weeks) Boulder, Colorado
Sharath Jois (Sharath Yoga Centre, Mysore, India)
2014 (2 months)
2015 (2 months)
2016 (2 months) Authorised Level II (Ashtanga Yoga Teacher)
2017 (2 months)
2018 (2 months)
2019 (1 month)
Other Teachers:
Mark Robberds (1 week (2015, 2016, 2017)
Harmony Slater (1 week (2017)
Gestalt Study, Training and Practice
Gestalt Therapy Brisbane (2006 – 2010)
2006 – Graduate Certificate in Gestalt Therapy
2010 – Master of Gestalt Therapy
Additional Training
Degrees: University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts (The University of Melbourne) 2003
Bachelor of Laws (The Univesity of Melbourne) 2003
Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Training in Jungian Psychology, Story-telling and Mythology
Original Voice (2018, 2019)
Art as Sacred Act (2018, 2019)
Heart of A Wounded Healer (2019)
Clear Belief Training
2020 – Clear Beliefs Coach (Full Graduate (Level 4) Clear Beliefs Instuite (USA)
Diploma of Jungian Psychology ( 26 September 2022) – All Ireland Centre for Jungian Studies