Jody Lawrance
Welcome to my Yoga Journey
If you’re new to Yoga or simply curious about the person guiding your practice, I’d love to share a bit about my path. My Yoga journey began in 1991, a transformative decision I made when I was nearly 30 years old. Since 1999, I’ve had the privilege of not only practicing Yoga but also sharing its wisdom through teaching.
My introduction to Yoga started with Ashtanga under the guidance of Raffi, a local instructor near East Grinstead. This initial experience laid the foundation for my exploration of Yoga. In 2001, I ventured to Mysore, India, where I had the privilege of studying Hatha Yoga with the esteemed Acharya Venkatesha and Acharye Hema. I remain deeply grateful to Raffi for guiding my beginnings and to Acharya Venkatesha and Acharye Hema for their continued influence on my journey. Over the years, my practice has expanded to encompass various Yoga disciplines, including Kundalini, Yin, Prenatal, Restorative, Yoga for Trauma, Yoga Therapy, and KundaDance. Additionally, I’ve trained in holistic therapies such as Thai Yoga massage.
Beyond Yoga, my professional journey has been deeply connected to the care sector, where I have supported children and adults in community and residential settings. I provide end-of-life and respite live-in care for those requiring short- or long-term support due to disability, illness, recovery, fragility, or abuse.
My teaching philosophy has evolved to focus on relaxed, non-competitive classes and personalised sessions for all levels, including complete beginners. I understand the apprehension that can come with starting something new, especially as we age. While Yoga may initially seem like navigating unfamiliar poses, I believe it’s truly a journey toward finding comfort and ease with our present selves. It brings me immense joy to witness students achieve simple yet profound milestones, like being able to put on socks with ease.
If you are seeking advanced poses or challenging hand balances, my style may not be the perfect fit. If, however, you are looking for a class to alleviate stress, release tension, address sports-related muscle tightness, offer precious “me time,” or support specific challenges like addiction recovery or physical discomfort, then my classes could be just what you’re looking for.
To find out if we are a good match, consider joining a class or scheduling a few one-on-one sessions with me. If group settings feel overwhelming, private sessions or classes via Zoom from the comfort of your home could be a wonderful way to start.
Since 2002, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching on Yoga holidays in many beautiful locations, where I’ve fostered a holistic approach to well-being. My frequent travels back to India to study with my revered teachers have deepened my practice, which now leans more towards Yogic philosophy and meditation. Additionally, my connection with a Buddhist community in Brighton enriches my daily life with the harmony and balance that Yoga and Buddhism offer.
My approach to teaching embraces all abilities and focuses not on where you are in a posture, but on how you are within yourself in that moment. My classes center on the breath, calming the mind, releasing tension, and being present. For me, the aim is to find contentment, peace, and stillness—and this is what I strive to share with you through Yoga.
In 2023, I launched a Yoga YouTube channel, where I share practices and insights to help you maintain your Yoga journey from anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning, my videos are designed to guide you gently and mindfully, so you can integrate Yoga into your daily life at your own pace. I invite you to explore my channel here, where you’ll find a range of videos to support relaxation, strength, flexibility, and inner peace.
Join Me on This Journey
Feel free to drop into my classes, and if you’re a frequent participant, consider the cost-effective option of a monthly membership (details here). I also offer personalised one-on-one Yoga sessions in the comfort of your home, tailored to meet your specific needs.
For those with a deep desire to explore the ocean of Yoga, I have been running Teacher Training Courses since 2019, designed for individuals wishing to deepen their practice or pursue a teaching path.
On a personal note, I am blessed with three wonderful children, six beautiful grandchildren, and one precious great-granddaughter, each of whom brings joy and growth into my life.
For inquiries and further information, please email me at jody@jody-yoga.com
Thank you for considering joining me on this transformative journey.
Namaste,
Jody