Meet BELLA MAE: YOGA Teacher at This Is Yoga
What was your inspiration for becoming a yoga teacher?
Yoga became a part of my daily life in 2013, when I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis: a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition affecting the spine and sacral joints. The practice became a safe haven for me as it was needed to maintain my mobility. Over the years I found that the physical practice expanded my awareness of spiritually and connection (not only to myself, but also connection with others). I was inspired to become a teacher to share the endless lessons yoga has to offer.
Your favourite yoga pose if you have one?
In vinyasa, my favourite pose is headstand. There is something about inversions which make you fully present, and being in one for a while with a slow breath, has this beautiful meditative effect, making it very calming. In yin, my favourite pose is dragonfly. It’s a very earthy and grounding pose - I just have to stay wakeful as I can probably fall asleep there.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy getting to know the students and following their yoga journey. I also really enjoy the part when they leave class and tell me how grounded and calm they feel. A change from when they walked through the door.
How can we find you on social?
About BELLA MAE:
Bella Mae discovered yoga in 2006 when she was studying ballet at school. It became her regular practice in 2013 when she was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition affecting the spine and sacral joints. Her yoga practice became a safe haven, helping her to maintain mobility. She believes yoga can be used as a beautiful tool in healing, self-inquiry, expansion and transformation. The lessons in the yoga studio can be taken off the mat, which makes the practice never dull- you are always learning and evolving.
Bella completed her 200hr Teacher Training and 50hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training at Sukha Mukha, and Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Training with Katie Rose. Her vinyasa classes are strong yet mindful, and alignment focused, and uses creativity in her sequences. Her yin classes are soothing and grounding, with an influence from Chinese Medicine. No matter what class she is teaching, she always offers lots of options to suit all levels, and is a fan of hands on assists.