CAROL
Carol is a highly experienced educator
whose vocation evolved into leading individualised yoga
and walking groups
Educator In Schools
As teacher of primary aged children for 30 plus years, Carol worked at Yew Chung International School and with the English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong. She led curriculum initiatives including Personal and Social Education for the enhancement of students’ wellbeing. In 2014 she was invited to train with the Academy for Mindful Teaching and started leading regular sessions with students.
Yoga For Children
Carol has been practicing yoga since 2005. In 2014 she began the 95-Hour Children’s Teacher Training with Gecko Yoga and subsequently led exceedingly popular yoga classes for children at school. She also ran yoga workshops for teachers, helping them to understand the positive value of yoga and mindfulness for the holistic growth of students.
Yoga For Adults
The gradual transformations of enhanced awareness Carol observed through children's experience of yoga inspired her to lead yoga with adults. She extended her understanding through teacher trainings such as YogaWorks 200-Hour Diploma, Pranayama & Breathwork, Vinyasa, the Theory & Practice of Yin Yoga including Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine Theory, and also Yin/Yang Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation with Sarah Powers of the Insight Yoga Institute.
Yoga Therapy
Skilful teachers can empower individuals towards improved wellbeing through experiential awareness of the interconnections between the body, the cognitive and emotional mind. Such is the essence of Carol's teaching and also of Yoga Therapy. This inclusive, individually orientated yoga practice connects perfectly to Carol’s professional experience of nurturing the “whole” person. In 2023 she successfully completed the 850-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma with The Yoga Therapy Institute, Amsterdam.
Hiking and the Gentle Weekly Walking Group
Hiking has always been a passion for Carol. It gives us time to pause, slow down and breathe within nature, thus enhancing connection to oneself and our world. In September 2022 Carol started the Gentle Weekly Walking Group to provide weekly hiking on paths that are as gentle as one can find in HK.
Calm in Breath
Sit still in a quiet place, inhale for 2 seconds, slowly breathe out for 4 seconds.
Repeat this for about 3 minutes.
How do you feel?
Practices of slowing the breath improve our concentration by balancing our energy and regulating the nervous system. When we are calm, and consequently distanced from stress, anxiety, irritation and the need to fulfil others’ expectations, we become more open to understanding our self. This self-understanding and clarity of mind foster confidence and empower us to reach our potential.
Research has shown that diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and thereby is very effective for reducing stress.
Diaphragmatic breathing integrated with physical activity boosts the production of oxytocin and endorphins, cultivating happiness and calmness.
Calm in Nature
Being in nature cultivates calmness within us: The sound of a stream, light playing on leaves, clouds forming and transforming, are naturally therapeutic. The stillness gently energises our awareness. The spaciousness and slow rhythms of the natural environment can free our minds and open our imagination. After the challenge of hiking up a hill, or rambling far, there is a simultaneous sense of calm, of achievement and self-knowing.
An extensive study showed that children’s self-esteem increased when they were exposed to the natural world, and that, for some, it significantly calms and improves the concentration of those with ADHD.
Connections Through Movement
Stand upright, your arms stretched wide to the sky, raise your head to look upwards.
Take some breaths, expanding your chest and lungs.
How do feel?
When we tune into ourselves through mindful movement we become aware of the connection between our physical body, emotions and thoughts, The more we practice, the more we notice this co-dependence. Our awareness can then gradually extend into daily life, our interactions with others and our responses to life situations. This experiential awareness shows us that we do not have to be reactive, but we can choose how we respond. And within response, there is even more clarity for choice, acceptance, action, harmony and balance.
Emotional states positively and negatively affect every cell in our bodies, including blood chemistry, the organs and the immune system.
Connections Through Nature
The open expansiveness of a natural vista can reconnect us to the world and balance our perspectives on life. It grounds us, and at the same time enhances our appreciation and energises us. The physical and mental accomplishment of a hike can connect us to ourselves, and the space in which we achieve this cultivates calmness. When we connect we discern. In calm focused awareness there can be connection to everything.
Studies have shown that the experience of being in nature reduces blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the body’s production of the stress hormone, cortisol.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION
850-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma
The Yoga Therapy Institute
Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2023
Bachelor of Education (Honours)
London University UK, 1980
40-Hour Inner Retreat: Pranayama & Breathwork
Wendy Wyvill, Pure Yoga
Hong Kong, 2022
100-Hour Theory & Practice of Yin Yoga
Functional Anatomy, Chinese Medicine Theory
Nicky Hadjithoma, Pure Yoga
Hong Kong, 2019
16-Hour Functional Anatomy Workshop for
Yoga Teachers
Bryan Lau, Pure Yoga
Hong Kong, 2019
70-Hour Yin/Yang Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation
Level 1 Teacher Training
Sarah Powers, Insight Yoga Institute
London, 2018
50-Hour Vinyasa Immersion Teacher Training
Wendy Wyvill, Pure Yoga
Hong Kong, 2018
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Diploma
David Kim, Yoga Works
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2017
95-Hour Children’s Yoga Teacher Training
Jenny Smith, Gecko Yoga
Children age 0 to18
Hong Kong, 2015
Paws b - trained to teach
Mindfulness in Schools Project
Children age 5 to 11
United Kingdom, 2016
Mindfulness Matters - trained to teach
Academy for Mindful Teaching (Netherlands)
Children age 5 to 18, 2015/16