Elly Barry  | yogawithelly.co.uk
I initially began practising Yoga in my late teens, to try to stretch away some of the aches and pains that came along with being a professional, full time athlete. 
After my athlete days were finished, I realised that there was a creative gap in my life, that I was craving to explore. So, I began studying music, singing and composing which are ongoing passions of mine.

During a music degree I reconnected to Yoga, after a short break. It was the teacher I found who really stimulated within me the desire to learn more about what Yoga is; an ancient science and the art of living more consciously.

Through her, I felt the potential of this practice to heal the parts of myself that were needing to heal, and uncover with self enquiry (svadhyaya), a sense of greater intimacy, belonging, and unlocked potential.

My practice nowadays is consistent but also ever changing to reflect the changes around me.

I have always loved a strong, asana (posture) based practice and still do, but currently I am finding more and more joy in practicing Mantra, Meditation, and Restorative Yoga.

In classes, I teach a mixture of longer, held postures and softer flowing movements. My background is in Anusara Yoga, a form of Hatha Yoga that focuses on cultivating supportive, dynamic alignment and an attitude of heart felt living. It is a playful practice, with focus on moving with feeling, from the heart - something that resonates greatly. So you can expect classes with me to be focused and not fast, creative, often with elements of playfulness, devotion and opportunities for self reflection. Advanced to me is not a level of posture but a level of presence and ongoing dedication to practice (adhikara).

To share Yoga is to me the most amazing and humbling service I could offer. What still resonates with me from my teacher training is to always look for the good in those that show up to practice.