January teacher feature: Stephanie de Courcy-Hughes

Our yoga teachers and studios were adaptable and awesome and have found new ways to connect and further teach and support their students. By locking, technical problems and learning to make adjustments practically via the zoom. This month we will throw a light on you! In January we will offer studios here in the blog and chat with teachers to celebrate those who kept us on the ground last year. Meet the yoga teacher Stephanie de Courcy-Hughes below

Can you tell us something about yourself?

I in various roles as support employees in psychiatric services. I loved to support people in my community, but during a break in which my partner and I traveled for six months, I realized that I wanted to fulfill my dream of becoming a yoga teacher. I have been practicing yoga regularly for about 8 years and it was a eye -opening, difficult, wonderful, healing journey. I know first -hand how incredible yoga and breathing work can support our mental health. The western world can be fast -moving, competitive and materialistic, and I found it quite difficult to adapt. The yoga philosophy only seemed to agree with many of my basic beliefs, so my instinct told me that I should invest more time and deal with it. I think it's absolutely great that it is my job to help people feel comfortable in their body and find more peace. In recent years I have worked very hard to have more sympathy for myself, and this determines the way I live my life and how I teach. It's so cheesy, but the more you learn to love yourself, the more love you have to give others. Apart from yoga, I love dogs, travel, horror films and terrible but addictive thriller novels!

What challenges were you faced as a yoga teacher in 2020 in a completely different year?

being a self -employed yoga teacher can be a bit lonely. In previous jobs I worked in large teams with a lot of support and laughter. Being your own boss is so great, but you also have to be your own critic, your own supervisor and your own cheerleader. This was even more difficult in a year full of adversity. It was difficult to make decisions about whether you teach personally or not, how to proceed, how many people per class are approved, etc. if you are confronted with the majority of the year with rather vague instructions. I had never taught online and the thought of it previously filled myself with fear because it meant confront my relationship with myself and my body. When I was in front of the camera, I felt so vulnerable and put myself in pretty terrible fear and pubic spirals! I had to constantly remember that my self -esteem and my ability to teach great yoga do not depend on how I look. I continued to teach online because I don't want the diet culture to win and because I want to make sure that existing and new students know that they can rely on me when it comes to down -to -earth, loving yoga.

What did you teach in 2020 and can you find a silver strip in everything?

2020 forced me to think about my priorities. When I ask myself: "Who would I like to see if these restrictions are canceled?" Or: "Where do I want to go when I can travel again?" The answers are sometimes quite surprising. I connected to people again with whom I had not spoken for years, and some friends also unexpectedly had a little drift. In 2020, I reminded me to continue to do as much as possible of what I love, which only increases adaptability and creativity, and that's great!

Where can you find inspiration and motivation?

When I'm a bit low, I don't want to talk to people because it just feels too much, but it pretty much always helps to talk to someone I love and which I trust, even about random things like trashy television or what I ate yesterday. If possible, I feel better on a walk with another person (that's allowed at the moment, I think!) Somewhere with a little green. A change of scene, fresh air and someone you can speak to work miracles for motivation.

In this very digitally dependent time, I tried to use social media and to find some people who are really inspiring: Lizzo, the holistic psychologist and freeda to name a couple. We were probably all online more than ever this year. I tried to ensure that my feeds are full of inspiring people who promote self -confidence, self -love and self -research.

any words of wisdom for someone who is struggling to remain positive and inspired?

I know we don't know each other, but I hear you! It is a cliché, but "one day after the other" is a mantra that I often use. I often scribble it on a piece of paper and stick it on a closet or something. If a whole day feels too overwhelming, I think, "one breath after another". If I really have problems to feel overwhelmed and paralyzed, I take tiny little steps like "I will get up next" and then "now I'll fill the kettle" and then "now" I will switch it on and so on. Concentrate on a small piece and do not forget to congratulate yourself with small winnings!

To keep step with Stephanie, follow your Instagram and Facebook or visit website Information about classes and events. You can also try Stephanies lessons on your Youtube Kanal.