Natural Connected Supportive
Hi I'm Romaine, welcome to Kuluna Yoga!I offer regular yoga classes in Edinburgh and Fife. I also hold yoga workshops, yoga retreats and bespoke private yoga sessions all over Central Scotland and online.I have been practicing yoga in many forms on and off since I was about 6 years old, but don't worry it's not as intimidating as it sounds!
I have always been drawn to South Asian culture and the yogic path. I believe it is very important to honor yoga's long standing traditions and ancient roots and will always try to bring this authenticity to our classes. I am also Scottish and feel deeply connected to the Celtic traditions of following the wheel of the year and being in connection with nature. It's fascintating how these two ancient cultures have so much in common and there is even evidence to suggest they were once closely linked before time and geography honed them into two distinct cultures and societies with a forgotten mystical connection. In my yoga teaching I hope to bring the wisdoms of these two great cultures into our modern lives and celebrate how natural connection can support us on our yoga journey.
The teachings of Desikachar tell us the practice of yoga is beneficial to all people regardless of age, demographic, gender, ability, flexibility or any of the other things which sometimes get in the way of thinking yoga is for you. If you'd like to do it, yoga is for you.
There is a yoga for every body and everybody deserves yoga. I aim to encourage you sense of sovereignty over your body and your practice and empower you to find your yoga each time we practice together.With this in mind my mission is to make yoga fun, accessible and meaningful to everyone.Kuluna Yoga's 3 key values are:
Natural-we work with the natural cycles and abilities of our bodies, lives and the natural world.
Connected- we use yoga to connect with mind, body, spirit, nature and our community.
Supportive- we create a safe environment where we are supported to learn and explore. We are supportive of each other, ourselves and the environment.Have a browse through the sections to see what I'm offering at the moment and if you have any questions please get in touch through the Contact page or via social media.Romaine x
Yoga Classes
I currently offer regular in person yoga classes in Leith, Central Edinburgh and Fife.I am just back from 3 months volunteering in Bolivia, find out more about my journey here. Class schedule is currently increasing again now I'm back! Keep your eyes peeled on the socials for new class updates and please get in touch if you would like to see new yoga classes in your area.Check out the time table below for current yoga classes.Festive break: classes are currently on holiday for the festive period. All classes start back as normal on Thursday the 5th of Jan
| Day/Time | Class | Venue | Area | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tues/6.15pm | Vinyasa Yoga | Out of The Blue | Leith | Book |
| Tues/7.30pm | Yin Yang Yoga | Out of The Blue | Leith | Book |
| Wed/10.30am | Morning Yoga | Out of The Blue | Leith | Book |
| Wed/6.30pm | Hatha Yoga | Shrub ZWH | Bread St | Book |
| Thurs/11.30am | Hatha Yoga Peacefit | Peacefit | Fife | Book |
| Thurs/2pm | Yin Yoga | Realm Chiropractic | Cupar | 01334654904 |
| Thurs/4pm | Hatha Yoga | Realm Chiropractic | Cupar | 01334654904 |
| Thurs/7.45pm | Hatha Yoga | Out of The Blue | Leith | Book |
Don't see one that suits you? You can also get in touch to organise one-to-one yoga sessions or a private yoga class for a group of people. Check out the Private Yoga page to explore your options.Class Information
A bit more information about my regularly scheduled yoga classes and how to book in.
Classes are suitable for most levels of experience and physical ability, plenty of options will be given and I encourage you to honor your sovereignty and inner knowledge of what Your Yoga is.
**Tuesday 18.15 - Vinyasa Yoga - Out of The Blue Drill Hall - Leith **A dynamic vinyasa flow class, options will be given so yogis at all levels can find some challenge and strength as well as flexibility and relaxation.These classes fill up fast so booking is essential.
Please book on my online booking system, follow the link here.Book
Tuesday 19.30 - Yin Yang Yoga - Out of The Blue Drill Hall - Leith
Starting out with some dynamic (yang) flow to build strength and heat, softening down to longer holds in yin poses to focus on flexibility and relaxation.These classes fill up fast so booking is essential.
Please book on my online booking system, follow the link here.Book
** Wednesday 10.30 - Morning Yoga - Out of The Blue - Leith**Regular weekly classes. Come regularly or drop in when you can.
These are relaxed classes and we will adapt each week to suit the yogis in class.
Whatever your experience or physical ability please feel welcome to attend!Book
Wednesday 18.30- Hatha Yoga - Shrub Zero Hub - Bread StThis Hatha Yoga class is a steadily paced class allowing time to focus on alignment and enjoyment within asanas (postures). Classes will be scalable so whether you want to focus on strength, flexibility or relaxation you can take what you need from each practice.BYOP: Bring your own Props!! e.g. mats, blocks, blankets etc.
Book
Thursday 10.30 - Hatha Yoga - PeaceFit Wormit - FifeJoin me for well paced scalable hatha yoga. These classes are designed to be both calming and challenging wherever you are on your fitness or yoga journey.
Book via PeaceFit website, or their wodify app
Book
Thursday 2pm - Yin Yoga for injuries - Realm Chiropractic - Cupar Fife
Class bookable in 4 week blocks directly with Ream Chiropractic.
Yin yoga is practiced at a very slow pace, we maintain poses for long pauses well supported with the use of yoga props. This slow restful and meditative practice creates an opportunity to focus on working with your body through recovery. Yoga asana practice helps us to get to know our body and become better equipped to support our bodies' needs through recovering and maintaining a healthy body.
Small class sizes mean you get plenty of one on one support from me to ensure you receive the maximum benefit from your practice.
Call Realm on 01334 654 904 to book
Thursday 4pm - Hatha for injuries - Realm Chiropractic - Cupar Fife
Class bookable in 4 week blocks directly with Ream Chiropractic.
This Hatha Yoga class is a steadily paced class allowing time to focus on alignment and enjoyment within asanas (postures). Classes will be scalable so whether you want to focus on building strength, flexibility, relaxation or recovery you can take what you need from each practice. Yoga asana practice helps us to get to know our body and become better equipped to support our bodies' needs through recovering and maintaining a healthy body.
Small class sizes mean you get plenty of one on one support from me so we can ensure you get the most benefit out of your practice.
Call Realm on 01334 654 904 to book
Thursday 7.45pm - Hatha Yoga - Out of The Blue Drill Hall - Leith
This medium paced class allows time to focus on alignment and enjoyment within asanas.
This can be a great accompaniment to other styles of yoga in your practice, or as a stand alone practice.
Classes will be scalable so whether you want to focus on strength, flexibility or relaxation you can take what you need from each practiceBook
Some important information for in person classes:
- You must book in advance
- Please bring your own mat if you can, I can provide mats by prior arrangement.
- Do NOT come if you have any covid symptoms, have had a positive test, been in contact with anyone with a positive test or have been advised to self isolate by the NHS.
- Outdoor classes Layers! I recommend bringing plenty of layers, again Scottish weather. You'll want options for during practice and to be able to bundle up for savasana and after practice.
My Edinburgh classes are priced as follows (Fife classes booking and payment is directly with PeaceFit and Realm):
£10 for drop in/single class pass
£45 for 5 class pass
£90 for 10 class pass
£8 Concession Single class passes (This pass is offered to those on Furlough/parental leave, Full time Students, Please be honest with yourself and only select this option if you qualify.)Class passes do not need to be used for consecutive classes and are redeemable against both in person and online classes. Five class passes must be used within 3 months of purchase. Ten class Passes must be used within 6 months of purchase.Late cancelation fees apply. Please check terms on each booking system for full details.If you are living in financial hardship and would like to attend classes please contact me to discuss options such as energy exchange or Scholarship contributions from my Pay It Forward Fund.
Please get in touch through the Contact Us page for other options and payment types.
Workshops and Circles
I run yoga workshops and other yoga events (e.g. festival yoga / corporate events) throughout the year. Check below for news on upcoming events.
To keep up to date with future yoga events follow me on social media- links in the Contact section.
For Private Yoga Workshops and events check out the Private Yoga PagePrevious workshops/ceremonies include:
Acro Yoga
Inversions
Partner Yoga
Coming Home: Developing Your Personal Practice
Goddess Yoga
Festival Yoga
Full/New Moon Circles
Solstice/Equinox Yoga
Upcoming Workshops
New Moon Yoga Nidra
Online
Monday 20th March 20.00The New Moon is a time to tap into our inner wisdom. Give ourselves an opportunity to slow down, ask what we want to welcome into our lives for the next season and begin to plant the seeds of our desires during the indulgent rest of yoga nidra.These sessions are held online so we can all join from the comfort of home.
We will begin with an introduction to new moon work and the energies of the current lunation.
Leading on to a supportive share circle where we can speak our intentions outloud.
finishing up with a blissful yoga nidra to activate your sankalpa/intentions.After this session you’ll be floating on cloud nine, feeling a renewed sense of self and passion to set you up for the next lunar cycle.Yoga nidra is a form of guided meditation where you will drop down through many layers of rest.
This practice does not require any previous yoga or meditation experience and is open to people of all physical abilities.New Moon Circles are hosted on zoom and suitable for all physical levels and you don't need any previous yoga or meditation experience. As long as you can dream it you can do it.
New Moon Circles are charged on a Pay What You Can basis. The recommended investment is £15 (please be honest with yourself about how much you are able to pay. This is how I make a living).
Acro Yoga Workshop
Leith Links
Sunday 14th April 14.00-16.00This workshop is part of our running series of monthly beginner acro yoga workshops. We will build from our previous acro yoga workshops, so those who attended previously will be able to build transitions and learn new moves. While those new to acro will be given time to catch up on the basics.Acro yoga is where the worlds of acrobatics and yoga collide.
We explore the joy of flying, basing and spotting from a yogic viewpoint.
This gives us the opportunity to build connection and trust during this uplifting and playful practice.
With a focus on support and technique we are all able to explore all three crucial roles in the acro dynamic. If you have ever been interested in acro but thought you would be “to big/heavy” to fly or “not strong enough” to base please think again.
I support you with gentle encouragement and a wealth of experience to explore all sides of the acro team. Acro yoga is often seen as a partner activity, but my approach is much more community focused. This gives us the opportunity to build trust, courage and communication with the people we share this experience with.
Acro yoga is a really fun, uplifting and supportive activity, giving grown-ups the rare chance to play and enjoy platonic touch.
The nature of this practice means that some level of physical ability is required, although most people can join in and have fun regardless of age, ability and body type (my oldest acro yogi was in her 70s the first time she flew!). It is also full contact practice, which requires consensual physical contact with other acro yogis. If you have any questions about these elements I welcome questions and conversations before you sign up. Sometimes these aspects can feel a little daunting, but I’m pretty sure you’ll love it if you want to give it a go!
The investment for this workshop is £25 per person.
Booking is essential and the earlier you book the better
While this can be a really fun workshops for friends and partners there is absolutely no requirement to join with others and solo acro yogis in the making are so welcome!
As ever a limited number of scholarship places will be available through my pay it forward fund. If finance is a barrier to you joining please get in touch and we can discuss options!
Restorative Yoga With Therapeutic Assists 2-4pm Saturday 13th May Realm Chiropractic CuparYour monthly time to access deep rest, body and mind.You can book online here.
booking is essential and early booking is recommendedThis workshop offers 2 delicious hours of restorative yoga poses with therapeutic assists.
Restorative yoga is very slow, very gentle and deeply relaxing. We use the props to fully support ourselves in comfortable asanas which are held for an extended period. During each asana I will come round and give therapeutic assists which help you relax and soften or find greater comfort or enjoyment for each pose.This is an opportunity to get away from the world for a couple of hours and really relax.You will float out of this workshop on cloud 9!The investment for this is £25 and can be paid by card when you book.The class size is very small, so do secure your place ASAP.
Retreats
Retreats give us an opportunity to break away from daily life and immerse ourselves in the fullness of our practice.
My retreats will always have a strong theme which will run through all the activities of our time together. Just as our yoga practice is not just asana practice retreats with me will always be well rounded, with plenty of discussion, learning, self reflection and other activities woven in along side our asana practice.I have a strong connection to nature and the seasons and these feature highly in the themes of my retreats.Retreats require active participation. I hold retreats for small groups, where we form a supportive community co-creating a nurturing space where we can share our practice with like minded individuals.Details of planned retreats are listed below.
If you would like to discuss a bespoke retreat for a specific group. purpose or event then I would love to hear from you and discuss how I can create your dream retreat!
Upcoming Retreats
Wild Yoga Retreat - 16th-18th June - The TrossachsI’m delighted to be offering another chance to rewild your soul with me this summer.This rustic retreat provides an opportunity to shed the hustle, rules and expectations which tame our daily lives.
Escape with me into the calm of Scottish wilderness for a weekend.
Let go of technology and the burdens of modern life and embrace a simpler existence for a weekend of yoga, hillwalking and wild swimming, allowing you to reconnect with your natural self.What Would I be signing up for?A beautiful Wild Weekend of Yoga and nature activities June 16th-18th
2 nights Camping in the beautiful Trossachs
Shared nourishing meals (I will provide all meals from dinner on Friday to breakfast on Sunday)
Opening and closing circles to bookend our time together
Asana (physical yoga) practices each morning
Hiking
Wild swimming
Yoga nidra round the capmfire
Guided self reflection exercises on the themes of the weekend.My intention is that this weekend gives you an opportunity to connect deeper with the wild within you and the beautiful landscape of Scotland we are so lucky to live in. Supported by myself and each other in a small, nurturing and supportive group.What next?
If this sounds good to you, email me or message me back letting me know you are in.
Bookings will be secured with a deposit (more details below)Payment Options:The investment for this experience is £225
Booking will be secured with a non refundable deposit of £100.
Balance to be paid by 26/05/23
You can pay in full on my booking site here
Or to pay in instalments let me know you would like to book and I will email you payment details.As ever if you would struggle with these costs please let me know. With no shame or awkwardness. I have always been passionate that finances should not stand in the way of anyone accessing good quality yoga experience.
For me this isn't limited to occasional "community" or donation based classes but should be an option for everything I offer.
I have some discretionary funds in my Pay It Forward Fund which can be used to offset costs and am willing to discuss payment plans for trusted students.If you have any questions or suggestions or want to discuss anything mentioned above, please get in touch.
Private Classes & Events
I offer bespoke yoga experiences tailored to suit your needs.
Private yoga can be anything from regular one to ones to one off group bookings.
Groups can be family, friends or even colleagues you can be in person or online, altogether or each logging in remotely.
Classes can be arranged as a one off, a set block or a regular class. below is a list of classes I currently offer, but I'm always happy to discuss your needs and come up with something for you.
Prices start from £35.- Gentle Restore-a mix of gentle flow and restorative poses
- Yin-yoga for fascia and flexibility. Poses are held for a long time with some prop use
- Yin Yang- a mix of slow yin and more dynamic yang styles.
- Restorative-yoga for complete relaxation. Poses held for a very long time with many props so they do the hard work.
- Vinyasa-dynamic yoga focusing on moving with breath.
- Hatha - well paced yoga allowing you to focus on strength, flexibility, body awareness or relaxation to support you in your practice where you are.
- Meditation- guided meditation practices
- Yoga Nidra- also called sleep yoga or conscious dreaming. a very deep meditative practice with stress reliving restorative properties.Private Yoga and One to One Yoga Classes
What are private or one to one classes? Well they can be whatever you want them to be, which I know is not very helpful!Some people chose one to one yoga classes because for whatever reasons public classes are not enjoyable or accessible for them. Some people chose to add one-to-one yoga classes into their yoga practice alongside public yoga classes to enhance their personal yoga practice.
If you are an established yogi this can give you some time to deepen areas of your practice that you specifically want to focus on.
Or if you are brand new to yoga this can be a time where you are free to ask lots of questions and enjoy a direct feedback loop with your teacher and benefit from personal assists.Workplace Wellness and Sponsorship Classes
Would you like to be able to offer your employees the opportunity for some much needed R and R and do some good in the world too? Then this is perfect for you.
For each Workplace Wellness session you book for your team an outreach session is gifted by you to a group or person who is otherwise unable to access yoga in conjunction with Kuluna Yoga's Pay it Forward Fund. This sponsorship allows people with socio-economic, ability, or other barriers to also benefit from yoga. Groups who can benefit from this include School groups (especially young adults in low income areas), people with disabilities, community yoga classes, yoga outreach in prisons or for young offenders, single parents groups.I will work with you at the outset create a bespoke plan for the session(s) tailored to your needs. Sessions can range from movement to meditation classes. Fancy Kicking off team meetings with a short mindfulness moment? Offering lunchtime chair yoga which can be practiced as desks? Or post work vinyasa?
You can arrange for One offs, blocks or regular sessions.
I also offer workshops to fill a whole afternoon or day as part of team building time.
Sessions can be hosted online for remote workers or in person in your workplace.I offer team building days where fun and engaging exercises which improve communication, teamwork and interpersonal awareness can be included as part of the service.When you sign up for Workplace Wellness I will work with you to match your company to a group so you can feel real ownership over the amazing gift you will be giving as a yoga sponsor.
This program is a beautiful way for companies to incorporate staff wellness care with CSR for their wider communities.Events
Check out the Workshops page for public events you can join.
I'm also always open to creating bespoke workshops and events or getting involved in collaborations. If there is a workshop you'd love to do but can't find anyone offering it or you have an event on the horizon and would like to incorporate yoga, then get in touch to discuss options.Special Occasions
I believe there is a type of yoga to suit each body, time or purpose. Some of the big events and milestones in our lives are the times when the lessons of yoga can be of greatest service.Wedding Day Yoga is a beautiful way to start your big day. Taking some time to center your mind and prepare calmly for what can be a really physically and emotionally challenging day.Party Yoga, whether its a Zen Do for a low key bride; an acro yoga class for fun loving Stags Dos; adventure yoga for Kids Parties; or you have a milestone you wish to consciously acknowledge a bespoke yoga experience can be a perfect way to add a little more magic to your day.All Private offerings are completely bespoke and tailored to your needs.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements and we can begin to create your perfect yoga experience!
Gift Cards
Give the Gift of YogaDo you know a yogi who is impossible to buy gifts for?
Prefer to gift experiences than things?
Need to get someone a wee something as a thank you?
Have you considered giving the gift of yoga?
With my gift cards you have the flexibility to gift any of my services, one to one classes, class pass or workshops and more.
Not sure what to get? You can chose and monetary value for the recipient to use as they wish against any of my services even as part or full payment towards retreats!All gift cards are issued electronically by email to save paper. The Gift Card will be emailed to the address connected with the pay pal account used to purchase. If you would like it sent to another account or would like to pay by a different method please get in touch.
Five Class Pass Gift Card
Single Class Pass Gift Card
Ten Class Pass Gift Card
New Moon Circle Gift Card
Workshop Gift Card
Custom Value Gift Card
Click Donate and input the value of gift card you wish to give. Gift card will match the value you input.
Reviews
" *Thank you so much for today. We all really enjoyed it. I loved getting a stretch through my weary back and shoulders. And I saw how much more Una got out of this week since she was more familiar with the set up. Thank you for taking the time with us. We are going to be practicing all week! * "
Rhona- Family Yoga Participant
" This week I ventured up on to the local hill Dumyat for an evening Yoga session with my friend the wonderful Romaine. After week of cycling and outdoor adventures the session was just the thing to re-centre, relax and energise all at the same time! I can heartily recommend Kuluna Yoga, thanks Romaine "
Colin
" Such a thoughtful, restorative and meditative workshop. It was my first one with Kuluna and I felt so welcomed. I can't wait to join another again soon! "
Emilee - Online Workshop Participant
" Romaine is a wonderful teacher. She brings a calm and supportive atmosphere with her voice to online class and gives you the power to make your adjustments and move through poses with control. I miss real classes but this is almost as good as seeing her in person 😍🥰."
Amy
"*Romaine created a private class for the morning of my wedding day, and other than actually getting married it was the best thing I did that day. Her carefully planned class gave me a gentle start to the day and kept me calm – even the registrar commented on how relaxed I was! It allowed me and my bridesmaids a chance to feel zen before the chaos of getting ready. She guided us through a lovely routine that woke my body up without pushing me too far so I felt at my best on my big day.*I would thoroughly recommend Romaine as a yoga instructor, it is clear she has so much passion and knowledge for yoga and can give adaptions to suit.Her classes are well thought through and have a good pace, and she describes clearly exactly what you should be doing (none of that awkward trying to peek at the instructor while upside down and twisted in a knot!). I felt comfortable discussing my disability with her before class and felt safe that she had considered this in the class and gave me appropriate modifications where necessary, without me feeling unwelcome or a problem. Thank you for a lovely experience!"
Bethany
Leave a ReviewYour reviews mean so much to me.
The reviews you leave help other yogis know if I'm the right teacher for them.
I also welcome your personal feedback and requests this helps me tailor our time together and further improve my offerings for you.I always appreciate your candor and your kind words fill me with warmth.You can send me a review using the box below. Or on Facebook to recommend me there. Doing this is extra helpful if you are able as recommendations on Facebook help to tell the platform to share my posts and events. It also lets people know the reviews are genuine and I'm not sitting at home making up personas to write my own reviews.
Lock downs may have been lonely but my talking to myself habits haven't quite reached that level yet!
Contact Me
Hi Guys,
It's me Romaine, the face behind the Triangle!
I love to hear from you!
If you have any questions or want to get in touch about bookings, collaborations or bespoke offerings please feel free to use the box below, email or, follow through to the social media links to slide into my DMs.Questions don't have to be about bookings etc. If you have questions about your practice, on or off the mat, or you just fancy a chat, I'm here for that too!Follow me on social media to keep up with upcoming events, new classes, my musings on yoga and how we connect with the world and far too many stories where I show you picture of sunsets, take you on walks with me and talk about how much I love the moon.
Pay It Forward
About the Fund
Like many yoga teachers it has never sat right with me that access to good quality yoga classes is blocked for many people due to the high cost of yoga.
While yoga teachers are skilled professionals and largely self employed we deserve to be paid for our work, but this should not be at the expense of less privileged people missing out.
Financial barriers disproportionately hit minority groups: people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio economic backgrounds and many more.Excluding these people is not compatible with the philosophies of yoga or my own morals.
I have created the Kuluna Yoga Pay It Forward Fund to help break down these barriers.
For all of my teaching offerings I offer a certain number of discounted or free scholarship places.I hope in time to be able to add fully free outreach classes to people who need them through this fund.
The Pay It Forward Fund helps to cover the costs of scholarship places.How To Pay It Forward
There are several ways to contribute to the Pay It Forward Fund. All new moon workshops are charged on a pay what you can basis. Half the proceeds from each of these workshops goes to the Pay It Forward Fund.Corporate or other privately organised classes and workshops have the option to sign up for our Wellness and Sponsorship program. For each session you book through this program you donate an equal session to an outreach group. We can work together to choose an outreach group which matches with your values.You can donate to the Pay it Forward Fund at any time, just hit the Donate button at the bottom of this page. You chose the amount, every little helps. This will always be accounted for and kept aside to pay for scholarship places or outreach classes.How To Access The Fund
I offer full and partial scholarships for most sessions.
If you would struggle to afford a session you are interested in you can contact me directly with no shame or awkwardness. Your are not asking for a handout, together we are trying to level the playing field. If you know someone who colud benefit from the Pay It Forward Fund you can nominate a friend at any time. We will discuss options such as energy exchanges and how much (if anything) you are able to pay, even if it's only a little this helps and means the fund can help more people.Over time I hope to offer outreach classes, specifically for disadvantaged communities. If you know of any communities who may benefit from this please send me some information about them in via the comments page or email, [email protected]
Yoga On Demand
Keep up with me and your practice wherever we are.
I have created this online library so you can take a class with me anytime any where.
Buy class by class or sign up for an unlimited monthly subscription which allows you to take as many classes as you like.I have begun adding some videos I previously recorded, there's a nice mix of different asana (physical) practices as well as some meditations.I hope to continue adding to the library while I'm away in Bolivia, so soon you'll be able to join me for a little bit of yoga from the jungle!Have a browse using the filters below and sign up to get started!
My Jungle Story
Many of you have been asking what brought on my plans to spend 3 month in the Bolivan Amazon, so here goes.Once upon a time a young zoology graduate had a deep yearning to travel to far flung places and learn about animals in their natural habitats and aid conservation efforts.She had always loved big cats and really hoped to work with them one day but knew it could be a challenge to find an opportunity to.
A chance encounter led to her being told stories of a friend of a stranger who had worked with pumas in Bolivia. Naturally young me was besotted with this and set about the detective work of finding out how to make sure someone would tell similar stories about me someday.Roughly a year later, after much googling, saving, planning and self taught Spanish lessons later. I was face to face with Luna she was purring and pacing and the most beautiful creature I had ever seen, I stand by this.I wasn't scared of her when she was brought out of her enclosure to lead us on a walk trough the jungle, or even the first time she rugby tackled my leg, or later when she leapt 3meters uphill in one bound to try and play with me!I learned over time that pumas are very playful animals with great heart and character.I spent 3 months working with Luna 6 days a week. Each day we would walk in the jungle for hours, she leads and we follow, this gives her a semblance of a territory. We would also play at her runner space or have naps along the trails.
During this time I also had the opportunity to work with two brothers affectionately called Los Pumitas, The Little Pumas (disclaimer they were not little!) Capitan and Flashman.Capy and Flash were unable to walk freely in the jungle with their volunteers as Flash was still struggling to trust humans due to their early life experiences and they were too attached to be separated. So I would do enrichment with them, sing to them, read them stories and run around the enclosure with them.Sometimes my time in the Parque sounds and feels like an idyllic dream, naturally there were hardships and challenges to bear.That said, since I returned to the UK it has been my dream to return to Jacj Cuisi (The Land of Dreams) and work with these beautiful creatures again.Life has had many ups and downs in the last 9 years. And as I'm sure many of you can relate to, regular jobs just don't allow the flexibility to disappear for a month to the jungle, never mind 3.I don't feel ashamed to say the last couple of years have hit me harder than most. But one of the amazing things to come out of all this turbulence has been a fast tracking of my journey to become a full time self employed yoga teacher.In this exact moment as covid lingers on and change is constant I have just enough flexibility to give myself the chance to return to Bolivia and do what I can to help the amazing efforts of Cominidad Inti Warra Yassi, the charity I volunteer for out there.
(You can find out more about them and donate to thier work here )
Naturally my boss (it me!) has been very understanding.I'm so looking forward to keeping conected with you all while I am away. I cant wait to share yoga and stories from the Jungle when I return.I know I'm leaving behind such a beautiful community of yogis. Take good care of each other and I can wait to reconnect with you in June.
