YOUR YOGA TEACHER
Name and job title: Saffron Harrison, yoga teacher Where do you teach your classes? I teach pregnancy yoga classes in Macclesfield Hospital and Macclesfield Library, and Baby Yoga classes in the library and at Mother Nature Sanctuary. When did you first find yoga as a hobby?: I have been surrounded by yoga my whole life. My inspiring mother practised yoga since she was 15. She always practised with or around me and my brother. It’s a way of life for us all and it felt natural for me to teach others the joys and benefits. How did you start your career?: I covered my mum’s classes when she was away on courses. I enjoyed teaching and wanted to help people feel better in their bodies. I took the same training as my mum and trained as a yoga teacher with Dru Yoga on a four-year course. When I had my first child, I wanted to learn more about yoga with babies so I set up baby yoga classes. When pregnant with my second, I did a specialist course for pregnancy yoga. I learnt and taught pregnancy yoga through- out my pregnancy until three weeks before my due date! My style of teaching is a combination of Dru Prenatal yoga, teaching from Uma Dinsmore Tuli, Janine Hurley, Wendy Teasdill and Hypno Yoga with my own experience and unique energy. Any stand out moments in your career? I love text messages from mothers in labour that are using the breathing techniques I have offered them. I love second time mums coming back to pregnancy yoga. I love watching tiny babies in baby yoga learn and grow each week as they bond with mum and explore the world. I also love nurturing mums in my adult class when they need time for themselves. What’s your favourite yoga position? Relaxation! Everyone should do it every day. Lay on the floor and breathe. A 20-minute relaxation can be as energising as a three hour nap. Most enjoyable part of your job? I love helping women on their journey in pregnancy, birth, becoming a mother and postnatally. How has yoga impacted your body and mind? I feel strong and able in my body. The strength it brings helps me to run or swim further and be stronger. I need to have space in my mind so I try and do some breathing or mindful meditation. Any advice for people who want to try yoga for the first time? Try a class! Do one class and see how you feel afterwards. If my class isn’t right for you try a different teacher’s class, as all classes and teachers are so different. Find one that suits you. Plans for this year? To film more classes for online to reach more people. I am also training in Womb Yoga later this year to deepen my knowledge and hope to run yoga for menstrual health, yoga for menopause health and women’s circle groups. How can our readers find our more about you? Visit www.saffronsyoga. co.uk, search ‘saffrons yoga’ on Facebook or call me on 01625 432997.