Building a connection between like-minded individuals is something we’re passionate about at our yoga studios. “Kula” means community in the ancient and sacred language of Sanskrit. Not only do we provide yoga classes for locals from the Hawthorn and Hampton areas, we also offer them with a community space where people can connect, share and grow. Along with our students, our teachers are the backbone of our community. They come from a range of areas, backgrounds and experiences, each keen to sweat, play, learn and help you reach your health and fitness goals. This month we shine the spotlight one of our Senior Teachers, Sharon Lawton, and her goal to nurture & nourish her students through yoga.
My favourite yoga pose changes everyday. As my practice has evolved I’ve learnt to practice what I need.
1. When was your first yoga class and why did you start practicing?
My first class was 19 years ago with my sister. We chose yoga as a new activity for us to do together before she got married.
2. What other sports, fitness or activities to you enjoy outside of the yoga studio?
These days yoga in its varying forms is my main ‘sport and fitness’. I also walk most days and run a few times a week.
3. What do you love about teaching at Kula Yoga Hawthorn/Hampton?
Both the studios are aesthetically very attractive so it’s a pleasure to work in such spaces. However, what I love the most about Kula is our incredible community. The very early morning starts are easily justified by the beautiful people, students and members of Kula. I love seeing the smiling faces walk up the stairs and the student’s instant calmness as they enter our sanctuary. It’s a blessing to be part of this special community.
I love seeing the smiling faces walk up the stairs and the student’s instant calmness as they enter our sanctuary. It’s a blessing to be part of this special community.
4. Tell us about the styles of yoga that you love to teach and practice most.
My favourite styles of yoga for practicing and teaching varies. Sometimes I love the intense yang of a hot class and other times it’s the slowness of yin I find attractive. As a teacher I’ll probably always have a soft spot for power yoga as that was my first class and teacher training. However, at the moment I’m relishing slow flow to teacher and to practice. I’m loving a slow flow practice with long and abundant fluid moves that feel like a moving meditation for the mind whilst challenging the body’s structure and balance. It feels like the epitome of strength and ease, which to me represents life. So my practice becomes life training. It makes savasana even more relaxing. My teaching tends to be a mirror of my personal practice so it’s no wonder slow flow is my favourite to teach also.
5. What is your favourite yoga pose?
My favourite yoga pose changes everyday. As my practice has evolved I’ve learnt to practice what I need. Today my lumbar spine is loving cobra supported with a bolster under my belly. Yesterday it was handstand drills and navasana. It changes every day 🙂
7. When you’re not in the studio, where are your favourite hangouts in Boroondara or Bayside
area?
When I’m not at Kula my favourite hangouts in Boroondara are Porgie and Mr Jones, Blood Orange and St. Clouds for food and The Rivoli for a movie. In Bayside Brighton Soul and the Hampton Bakery Cafe for food and Crate Expectations for gifts and homewares.
‘Nurture & Nourish’ your body with Sharon
Join Sharon in our final workshop for 2019 this Saturday Nov 23 at Hawthorn. She’ll be showing you how to ‘Nurture & Nourish’ the body through Nutrition and Yoga, helping you to feel more energised, uplifted and restored. You will also walk away with valuable tools that can be integrated into everyday life to improve your overall wellness. For more details & bookings head to www.kulayoga.com.au/workshops
Sharon is a Registered Nutritionist with 15 years industry experience. With a passion to enhance the health, wellness and nutrition of others, Sharon completed a 200hr yoga teacher training in 2014 to integrate yoga into her wellness business. She has since completed Advanced Assisting, Level 2 and Level 3 Vinyasa Teaching with Duncan Peak, a Mastery of Yoga Teaching with Troy Abraham and Yin Yoga teaching with Hugh Lee. Sharon believes the benefits of yoga can promote monumental shifts in our body and mind, to truly unlock our full potential. Sharon seeks to encourage this in classes with a combination of mindful breathing activities, physical challenges and philosophy.
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Detoxify & energise with Hot Yoga. Tone & sculpt with Power Flow. Strengthen & stretch with Basics and Slow Flow. Relax & mobilise with Yin Yoga at our beautiful studios in Hawthorn & Hampton, Melbourne. Our studios also host regular workshops, Victorian and overseas retreats to exotic places like Bali, Thailand & India, as well as a mobile yoga service for community, school and corporate groups.
Our Hampton studio has now opened our classes up to the Bayside area including surrounding suburbs such as Sandringham, Brighton, Black Rock, Highett and Beaumaris. Enjoy modern facilities, expert teachers and a range of complementary wellness services for optimal health.
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