Photograph by Julie Slavin, Old Bar
Professionally
I’ve been teaching for 45 years and practicing yoga for 54. I ran my first yoga teacher training, a kind of prototype, in the early nineties at my school, Sydney Yoga Centre. Then I continued training teachers at SYC and Nature Care College until 2009. I founded and directed two yoga schools (sequentially). These days I lead workshops and courses on a variety of yoga subjects.
Simon and Schuster published my book, Teach Yourself Yoga in 1997. It’s been revised and is still in print. Later I wrote an e-book, The Art of Adjustment. There’s also a beautiful book called The Wisdom of Eve, a creation of photographer, Sandy Edwards. It’s a print-on-demand book, a distillation of my interpretations of the Yoga Sutras, plus photos of my students. I’ve written yoga-related articles for overseas and Australian periodicals, too. When COVID hit, my husband and I ventured into producing audio and video recordings for my YouTube channel, as well as presenting live zoom classes.
I was an early adopter of blogging in 2006. I wrote almost daily for that blog, ‘Yoga Suits Her’, but now only post occasionally.
In another project, my friend and student, Gretta Kool, and I created a beautiful bit of merchandise. These are called the YogaAnywhere practice cards and can be purchased on this site. They are tools for people who want to do yoga at home or while they are traveling.
Personally
In 2009 I moved to Mitchells Island, NSW, where I’m part of a small community with my husband Daniel and four other kindred spirits. You can read all about us in an Amazon book called Shedders, written by my housemate, Heather. It’s the story of how we six have been doing ‘retirement’ in a totally radical and inspiring way.
Years ago I saw the possibility of living a gentler life, one more in tune with nature and in sync with how I wanted to teach yoga and practice it. The stunning beauty of my environment, the rich diversity of wildlife and the peace, quiet and fresh air that I enjoy are intrinsic to my yoga practice. I created an amazing vision with the help of my friends and I am now blessed to be living it.
Writing is a constant in my life. In 2020, I wrote a memoir. It may or may not get published, but the writing itself has been a challenge and a joy, a path of healing.
Even more personally
I love walking on the beach at Manning Point or at Salt Water NP almost any time or in any weather. For fun, I like to arrange evenings where we play games like Pictionary or The Dictionary Game with friends. Good food and great coffee bring me joy.
In the past, I’ve been privileged to work as a palliative care volunteer. For nine years, I paid visits to people at the end stage of their lives.
I’m an avid reader and belong to a book club that meets once a month. In my 60’s, I joined Wingsong Choir and have been an enthusiastic participant in our rehearsals and performances.
I’ve always tried to remember people’s names because I think that doing so is a gift to them. However, as I am now in my 80th year, I have to work very hard at this skill.
In my long life, I can honestly say that yoga is the longest relationship I’ve had. I love it almost as much as I love my husband, Daniel (who has been my yoga student for 29 years!).