Amanda’s Holistic Therapy/Yoga Journey

Before embarking on my journey as a Holistic Therapist, Yoga Teacher, Sound Healing Practitioner, and Cacao Medicine Carrier, I spent several years in the corporate world, working as a Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Executive at Kirklees Council. This role was demanding, with long hours and high levels of stress. Despite years of working as a PA since leaving college, I never truly felt fulfilled in that role. It wasn’t what I envisioned for my career, but at the time, I didn’t know what my true calling was.

After 11 years at the council, the organization faced significant austerity measures due to cuts in government funding, leading to a need for substantial savings. With frontline services already affected, the focus shifted to back-office staff, resulting in over a thousand redundancies across the council. Our department was put under review, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and challenge. We were encouraged to consider alternative career paths as the council brought in personal development speakers who emphasized viewing redundancy as a potential positive—an opportunity to pursue something more aligned with our passions. This resonated with me, and I began to reflect on what I truly wanted to do.

During this time, I had lost my father to prostate cancer, and rather than relying on medication with its side effects, I turned to meditation to manage my stress and mild depression. This experience sparked a desire within me to teach meditation and help others. I began researching holistic therapies and eventually decided to enroll in an 18-month part-time Level 3 Complementary Therapy course while continuing my full-time job. Although it was exhausting and challenging, I was determined to see it through. In February 2017, I became fully qualified and made the brave decision to leave the corporate world, taking voluntary redundancy at the end of March 2017. It was a bold move, stepping away from a secure and well-paid job, but I knew it was the right path for me.

My yoga journey began eight years ago after a knee injury led my physiotherapist to recommend yoga or Pilates. As a fitness enthusiast, I was curious to explore this new form of exercise. From my first Hatha yoga class, I was captivated by the strength, stability, and flexibility that the asanas (postures) brought. Like many, I initially saw yoga as just physical exercise, but I soon developed a deep passion for pranayama (breathwork) and continued my love for meditation. I became fascinated by how connecting the mind with the body, breath, emotions, soul, and spirit could create such profound calming and energizing effects. This holistic connection became a cornerstone of my practice and teaching.

Yoga became my lifeline when I separated from my husband of 24 years about ten years ago. Through meditation, I learned how to connect with my inner essence and higher self, embarking on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, healing, and self-love. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to share this transformative practice with others, so they too could experience the profound benefits of yoga.

As my passion for all things yogic grew, I decided to pursue a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Diploma with Yogacampus. I was thrilled to be accepted into the June 2017 York intake, which gave me the opportunity to follow my dream of teaching yoga—a natural complement to my work in holistic therapies. After completing the course, I became fully qualified in December 2018.

Yoga has also played a significant role in boosting my self-confidence. Today, I can comfortably teach a class of up to 25 people, something I never imagined a few years ago. Back then, delivering a presentation in front of a room full of people in my previous leadership role at the council felt like my worst nightmare.

I’m deeply passionate about equipping others with the tools and techniques that yoga provides, empowering them to navigate the stresses and challenges that life often throws their way. For me, yoga isn’t about reaching a destination but embracing the journey. I firmly believe that yoga is for everyone. What I learn on the mat, I carry into my daily life off the mat, helping me grow into a more kind, loving, peaceful, and compassionate person. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to share these qualities with the world through my teachings.