“For me,Yoga is a life long experiential journey, both in and out of the classroom. I do my best to bring it into everything I do: my relationships, my work, my art, my anger, my joy, my cooking... everything! I look forward to sharing in this wonderful practice with you.”
Monika
Monika is a qualified practitioner. Study and experience includes.
Monika is a Certified Practitioner in Ayurvedic Medicine, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Counselling, as well as a Yoga Teacher. She offers a bespoke and comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Her practice is rooted in the holistic philosophy of Ayurveda, which seeks to identify and address the root causes of health disorders, rather than merely treating symptoms.
Monika grew up in Eastern Europe where the populations are familiar with herbal treatments passed down through the generations, foraged from the garden, meadows and forests. Often the grandmother was responsible for keeping a family ‘apothecary’ to treat common family ailments such as injuries, respiratory and abdominal complaints, as well as management of more chronic conditions such as joint pain etc.
Recently, this wisdom has been cast aside with globalisation, and prioritisation of a modern lifestyle. Sadly, nature’s provisions are ignored, which results in imbalances in daily life and in health.
From this background, her journey with yoga began two decades ago. It was more than just an exploration of physical capability, it has been a powerful, life-changing journey.
She was fortunate to learn from teachers of high repute both in the UK and in India. With valuable time spent in ashrams exploring different yoga styles and learning to respect and listen to the needs of the body. This led to the study of Ayurveda, integrating small but impactful changes to diet and daily routine for a more balanced physical and mental wellbeing.
For Monika, these adjustments quickly resulted in increased energy and enhanced physical and mental strength through the practice of yoga. The deeper she went, the more fascinated she became with the realisation that true harmony can only exist when one lives in balance with nature and the Universe. Monika is committed to sharing this knowledge.
I have been a regular attendee at Monika’s yoga classes for nearly 10 years. In addition to the weekly sessions, I frequently attend Monika’s monthly ’Restorative’ sessions. I have also attended several annual yoga weekends that she has both organised and run. Prior to finding Monika, I had been to several classes run by different teachers with limited success. I find Monika focussed, patient, friendly and responsive to individual needs. A crucial factor is that she challenges me in my yoga practice but knows when I have reached my limit and adapts poses for me accordingly. I find her to be an excellent teacher and practitioner which is evidenced by her commitment to continuous learning and development. I therefore have no hesitation in recommending her.
Monika is an inspirational yoga teacher; her lessons are meticulously planned and provide a full mind and body workout. Since I have been practicing with Monika, I feel physically stronger, and my understanding of yoga has deepened. Her classes are challenging grounding and relaxing and I always leave feeling invigorated yet blissfully calm.”
In my view Monika is an outstanding teacher in three ways: - she exemplifies the physical and mental benefits of yoga practice - every lesson is carefully planned based on her deep knowledge of the tradition and teachings - her teaching style is encouraging and supportive.
I started my yoga journey with Monika about 10 years ago. She is an extraordinarily good teacher, constantly seeking to improve her own practice so that she can pass new techniques onto her students, which means her classes are never repetitive and always well judged. I am so much fitter and more flexible than I was when I started. I always feel both physically stretched and emotionally calm at the end of one of her classes and can’t imagine practicing with another teacher.”
I first met Monika in 2018, when I regularly attended her vinyasa flow classes on a Saturday, I have since also attended online classes during covid, restorative workshops and weekend retreats both I summer and autumn. She provides a variety of yoga classes through the week, all with the student at the centre of what she does, each session clearly describing its desired intentions, making use of props and modifications if needed. Monika provides clear instruction and guidance throughout classes, explaining the benefits to different poses and breathing methods. I have had the pleasure of developing my yoga practice and becoming stronger, more flexible and calmer of mind through Monika’s direction. I have also been supported by Monika to recognise my physical limitation following an accident and episodes of ill health but have found I have been able to participate as she provided personalised advice to enable me to work with the group. She is a keen learner and regularly supports her students by sharing her knowledge to their benefit. Monika is kind, considerate and a motivator of others which is demonstrated in her approach. With all this in mind, her yoga classes are accessible to all, a good balance of direction and humour and why I keep returning time and time again.
