In 2022 we moved our family to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, my husband’s home country. We live in one of the world’s largest conservation areas and have wild elephants, leopards, hyenas etc. regularly visit our garden – which I love. But there are also things I miss dearly. Being part of Yoga Happy, and Hannah’s Alba Yoga Teacher Training online, has been a huge comfort when I feel homesick, and a solution for when I miss my London yoga classes, trainings and community.
I have been drawn to yoga since I was a teenager and am lucky to have had wonderful teachers from day one. I completed my Yoga Teacher Training and have been teaching my own classes since 2017. I first met Hannah at Celest Pereira’s classes in Soho. I got to know her story a little bit and enjoyed participating in her classes such as fundraisers she organised for the Borne Foundation for preterm babies. I was struck not only by her warmth and energy (impressive in itself), but above all her ability to simultaneously hold both pain/difficult things, as well as the joys and wins of life.
In Yoga Happy I see how much Hannah’s experiences drive her to share the yogic tools that helped her through difficult times. It is something I look to when I experience difficulties, too.
Having my babies, the Yoga Happy postnatal guides were always comforting with suitable options available from Day 1 (unlike many other postnatal guides only recommended after 6 weeks). When I experienced birth trauma, and later postnatal (medical) trauma, the app always had something suitable: I could still take steps to help me feel less vulnerable, more empowered, even if it was just a “Meditation for Sadness” or “for Deep Sleep” or “Breathwork to boost the immune system”.
Sharing the unique benefits of life here – the wildlife, the pristine wilderness – through my Yoga Safari Retreats, is one of the things that sparks the most joy for me (alongside my regular weekly classes for the local community). But to give, and to hold space for my retreats, I also have to fill my own cup. This is what Hananh’s Yoga Happy and the Alba YTT give me, while I live in the-middle-of-nowhere. A way to stay up to date with my professional development, to support my own practice and to be part of a community of yogis with similar interests and values. Thank you so much Hannah, my life would not be as full without it.”
If anyone would like to see more on Maggie’s incredible Safari Retreats, check them out here: https://www.maggiejamesyoga.com/yogasafari
