Comparing yourself: it’s a trap.

Nadine was one of my first ever yoga teachers.  I think it’s been over 7 years since my first yoga class, and I haven’t found another teacher quite like her.  I think this is why:

• She remembers my name
• She remembers that I’m allergic to her cat when we have classes at her flat
• She doesn’t push you to do any asanas that you feel uncomfortable doing, reminding you to listen to your body
• She is always full of positive bubbling energy with a huge smile on her face when you walk into her class, is there any better way to start a yoga class?
• She has no ego and is always eager to learn more and share the knowledge with her students

The list could go on forever…  Basically, I think she’s a great yoga teacher.  Oh, and I love her blog.

Nadine Fawell was my yoga teacher for a year or more, she came into my life at a time when I needed to feel containment, a time when I chose to explore and heal aspects of myself through yoga. In each of our sessions, Nadine sat opposite me and represented stability and wisdom, while I fumbled with both. She led me through poses that brought a certain integrity into my life, she showed me the simple grace of the forward bend, the arc and beauty of half moon, the confidence attached to the warrior pose, or the surrender and ease of childs pose. She showed me a way back into myself, and I remember insisting that she draw each of our sessions so I could remember and repeat them when on my own on the mat. Nadine was pivotal to a very certain part of my life’s journey, and I felt priveleged to work with her, she was sympathetic and challenging, but in each of these opposite spaces, she showed me nothing but accceptance and gentle care – in effect she just led me back into myself, showed me the way to get there. For that I will always be grateful and always remember her as someone who touched my life in the most special way.

I will always remember those early Saturday morning yoga classes in the gym with Nadine back in South Africa – I had to make sure that I was there early for a spot, yes, on a Saturday morning. “Nadine Yoga” has been popular for as long as I remember. The practice of yoga should make daily life easier, as I believe. It is not only an asana practice, but a time for yourself to heal and relax. Throughout the years of learning yoga with Nadine, I have noticed the gradual changes of her style of teaching – from the strong asana practice, to a more personal experience. There are very few people I would call yoga “teachers”, as opposed to “instructors”. The teacher’s job does not end after she has taught, or the students have learnt, it is whether it had created a difference. For me, she did. Thank you Nadine for being a perfect yoga teacher and a wonderful friend.

Nadine is quite frankly an exceptional teacher.  She has a great ability to cater for your likes and dislikes in yoga, and to think of routines that cater for your needs.  She is also able to push you just that little bit harder without sounding like a scary drill sergeant!! Through working with Nadine she has transformed me from someone with an interest in yoga to someone who absolutely loves it!!

With great delight and wonder, I report a miracle by the Blessed Nadine of Fawell. After a therapeutic yoga session on Monday, I awoke the next morning with no pain in my back. While beatification may have been appropriate so far, she must now be a candidate for canonisation. I wish to propose that the Blessed Nadine  be henceforth known as Saint Nadine of Fawell.

I did yoga for the first time with Nadine in a ‘mums and bubs’ class with my two-month old daughter. Prior to this I was always afraid that yoga would not be the thing for me as I have had lower back problems for a number of years. Although I knew that core strength, flexibility and regular stretching would be extremely beneficial for the management of my back problems, I never thought about yoga.

However this has all changed, I have not looked back since that first yoga class with Nadine. She is a caring and generous person and has taught me to connect with my body and understand my capabilities. Nadine always recognizes my bad days, when the back pain is severe and tailors the class to my needs. I have felt significant improvements in my overall and core strength as well as my flexibility and mental state. I can perform some of the more advanced yoga postures, which seemed impossible at the start.

Back pain can be depressing but yoga keeps me strong, focused and relaxed and Nadine has helped me improve my life.

I just want to say what an inspiration you are.  I have read your story about your past before and was deeply moved at your strength of character and how far you have come in your life.   I read it again because the link was on your blog in your article, and just wanted to put it in writing to let you know that you have given me so much, in a relatively short amount of time too!   Your honesty and fearlessness is unreal.  And not just as a yoga teacher, but as a person who has overcome serious trauma and adversity to shine so brightly in life.  You should be really proud of yourself!   I am so glad I have met you.

I also take this opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate your yoga and the activities around it. I found more connected to my new environment (at the beginning, I was not even looking at who was at the class or not and was not recognised people; I was so ‘closed’ ) all my shakra and mind  are opening!! Thank you! Bonne continuation!

Thanks for being such a kick ass yoga teacher – I had always been keen on the exercise component of yoga, but mostly ignored the other bits – breathing?  Chanting?  Can’t I mentally write my shopping list and get an ab workout at the same time?

I think it’s a real credit to you as a teacher that you not only managed to introduce the spiritual element into our classes, but to make it so non-threatening, and at least for me, so obvious that yoga isn’t just about getting a ripped six-pack.  You’ve certainly changed the way I approach yoga (it’s not just about being able to touch my toes right?) and, gosh not to overstate it, my approach to a lot of other non-yoga things.  Yay.

Thanks again, Nadine. I’ve learnt so much about my body. I really miss your sessions and your positive energy.