Leonie Taylor
I am a Senior Yoga Teacher within the Vajrasati school of yoga, accredited with Yoga Alliance 500-hour Teacher Training Plus, with a decade of teaching experience. Inspired by a desire to work deeply and therapeutically, both in classes, workshops and 1-2-1s as well as in applied bodywork, I have also studied extensively as a Therapeutic Thai Massage practitioner.
http://centredspace.net/leonie-taylor/
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I also edit and co-author books on Yoga and teach courses with Charlotte Watts at Yogacampus in London. My most recent book is Yoga & Somatics for Immune & Respiratory Health, (2022, Singing Dragon). Buy here.
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I am passionate about yoga in a holistic sense: the relationship between asana, mantra, pranayama and meditation (body, mind, breath and sound) practice on the mat and developing a deeper sense of connection, centre and space beyond. Yoga, in this sense, informs the way I try to lead my life, parent my children and respond to the world; with open awareness, ease, generosity, acceptance and non-judgement.
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Lianne Campbell
Hello I am Lianne Campbell, life and wellbeing coach and specialise in somatic practices such as energy medicine, yoga, movement, dance and meditation. I work with a model ‘Nature’s Rhythms’ that draws on the principles of natural cycles. I am also co-creator A Handpicked Life, a life and wellbeing membership platform.
Lianne Campbell, tell us..........
1. How do you like to start your day?
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I can't quite believe this answer myself as i've only been doing this for 3 months but I start my day with a freezing cold shower followed by a meditation wrapped in a warm blanket and then some energy medicine yoga.. Before this I was a slow starter with a long cup of tea in my dressing gown kind of gal and, although I have enjoyed a daily yoga and meditation practice for many years I was never an up and at it type so it's come as a surprise just how much I am loving this new routine!
2. Top tip on including self care into your day?
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My top tip on including self care in the day is to take time to pause and check in. Take mini breaks; enjoy four or five deep breaths, get present and sink into the moment. In these moments we become aware that we are thirsty or in need of movement or fresh air. We can easily spend months living at a fast pace on auto pilot ignoring our body's needs. Simple mindful practices gently bring more awareness joy and meaning into our lives and have an accumulative effect.
3. Who is one of your key inspirations and why?
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One of my key inspirations is my horse Topsy, she has taught me so much about boundaries, clarity and being present. Her sensitivity is a constant reminder of how my thoughts and expectations have a profound effect on my experience of life
4. Name a yoga pose you love and why?
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I love dog head down. Mostly because i find it so refreshing, its a go to for me when i need to reset and clear my head and loosen up my body. It also reminds me of our beloved spaniel Leela who we said goodbye to after 14 years in October 2021. She would always make the most of the opportunity to lick my face and make me laugh when I was upside down!
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Leonie Taylor, tell us..........
1. How do you like to start your day?
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How I 'like to' and how I actually start my day are mostly quite different as I have four children, two of whom still wake up very early. So, realistically, having had a full night's sleep is a good start then a 'love party' with my youngest - stories and decaff oat latte (lovely husband is a great barista) in bed. In terms of practise, jala neti makes me feel clearer headed. Then your ubiquitous porridge with a load of healthy, add ins. My practise is more often later in or interwoven through the day.
'Like to' might involve a beach swim, a long, expansive and explorative yoga practise, meditation, maybe even sex if I'm in this alternate fantasy universe ;)
2. Top tip on including self care into your day?
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Don't try and separate it into something unachievable that's in a mythical land of 'me time' (pet hate marketing term that generally makes us feel inadequate, lacking and like we're grasping for something somewhere else that someone else is getting, not so sattvic). Like yoga or meditation, sometimes trying to have a formal practise can be less realistic than bringing kind attention to little moments that naturally arise. Self care could be anything from the littlest things – wearing rubber gloves to do the washing up, making yourself a snack alongside your kids', taking three conscious breaths or bringing your hands to your heart and your belly for a few moments – to the grander things, like setting clear boundaries for yourself, making space to receive kindness, nourishing yourself and sleeping well... A hot bath with epsom salts, a cup of herbal tea and the door closed is my go to.
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3. Who is one of your key inspirations and why?
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Cheesy, but my kids. They inspire me to be more thoughtful, kinder, listen more deeply, laugh more, take life less and more seriously all at the same time.
In terms of public figures, Alok Vaid-Menon (@alokvmenon). Beautiful human on all levels, who embodies deep compassion and grace alongside fierce activism.
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4. Name a yoga pose you love and why?
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Savasana. Just. Stop.
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