In the first of our new feature series interviewing yogis who inspire us, we meet London’s Calli. Calli (@calliyoga) is an inspiring mother and international yoga teacher. Being a yoga teacher trainer, she is absolutely full of yoga knowledge and inspiration. Here she shares her thoughts, motivations and advice with our wonderful Divine Flow community.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m Calli, a Mama to my little boy Kobe (the love of my life and my ultimate Guru) and a yoga teacher based in London, I run teacher trainings, retreats and workshops internationally and I spend a lot of time upside down.
What style/s of yoga do you teach?
I teach a slow, strong, fluid vinyasa flow, I am obsessed with the innate intelligence of the body and how it moves, so my personal style is a mix of deep slow flows exploring the sense of moving through space effortlessly, bringing in anatomical cues and heartfelt intention & philosophy. I also teach yoga workshops on inversions, handstands and backbends which are a fusion of flow and detailed drills.
What is your yoga philosophy?
Movement is medicine, it’s not about trying to get somewhere, it’s about feeling something where you are. Move curiously, play and explore what your body has to offer moment to moment, There is an epidemic of over effort in our world, everyone works so hard trying to prove and improve themselves; we are forgetting what is important.When we come to the mat it’s the place where we don’t need to rush, we don’t need to prove ourselves to anyone, a reminder that we are already perfect and whole as we are, we can come back home to ourselves. Our practise is a time to remember that there isn’t anywhere to get to, we are already there, so slow down and enjoy the ride, it’s all about the transitions, the space in between, that’s where the magic happens, on and off the mat!
What are the key things to remember when starting yoga?
To be kind to yourself, to remember that everyone was a beginner once and the only reason anyone is doing what they are doing now is because they began where you are.
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, you are a one off masterpiece with your own biography stored in the intelligence of your tissues, embrace and explore. Don’t get too hung up on getting the shape right straight away, If you are breathing, moving and it feels good, then you’re doing it right!
You teach a class specialising in inversions, what tips do you have for those wanting to take their practice up the next level and learn inversions?
1 )Take your time! It really doesn’t happen over night so enjoy the process of working towards something that challenges you. Step out of your comfort zone and be gentle on the journey, it’s like a dance of 3 steps forwards 2 steps back at times but trust that if you practise, progress will come.
2) Learn to fall. The fear of failing or falling is always what holds us back, in yoga and in life. The moment that we learn to fall and get back up again is the moment that we release the fear that was stopping us from flying.
What advice would you give yourself if you started all over again?
Be kind to yourself, you are a work in progress, not everyone will like you or what you offer and that is ok, because for everyone that doesn’t, there will be lots that do. You can’t please everyone, you’re not peanut butter! 🙂
Get in touch with Calli via calliyoga.co.uk or @calliyoga