As an individual deeply embedded in the world of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga for over eight years, having spent a significant part of those as a teacher and a practitioner of the 2nd series while exploring the 3rd, I found myself surrounded by legendary figures such as Nancy Gilgoff and Prem Carlisi. The practice was rigorous and steeped in tradition—a path that shaped much of my early yogic journey. Yet, despite its profound history and the discipline it demanded, there remained questions within me that Ashtanga could not answer.
Don't misunderstand me; Ashtanga Yoga is a powerful, ancient system, deeply rooted in a tradition that sustains a particular way of life. However, as an urban yogi grappling with the quintessential middle-class challenges of the modern world, I found the solace I sought remained just beyond reach. This realisation led me to Forrest Yoga, a practice that would eventually redefine my path in the most unexpected ways.
Forrest Yoga was a revelation. It was not just the advanced poses that I mastered much quicker than I had in Ashtanga—something that had taken me years suddenly unfolded in mere months due to the intelligent sequencing of Forrest Yoga. It was also the philosophy behind Forrest Yoga that resonated deeply with me. The teachings I encountered were unlike anything in other yoga systems; they challenged the prevailing dogma and offered a fresh, liberating perspective that dismissed many of the rules that had never quite fit into my understanding of yoga or its application in my life.
Meeting Ana Forrest was a pivotal moment in my journey. There was an inexplicable connection, and she soon took me under her wing. Training with Ana over two years was transformative, and I continued to deepen my practice and understanding of Forrest Yoga by assisting her annually for at least seven weeks as a teaching assistant in various trainings, including foundation teacher training, advanced teacher training, and workshops.
Eventually, I was trained to Guardian status. Back in those days, it was really intense but also extremely worthwhile. Now, although I am a Forrest Yoga guardian, I teach the teacher trainings with the strictest eye on maintaining the integrity of the system, doing my best to teach what I translated from Ana’s teachings to those who choose to work with me.
In the rest of the time, I dedicate myself as a Forrest-inspired teacher who infuses my sequences with the latest findings in biomechanics and blends movements with the anatomy of the meridians based on five-element theory.
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