Celebrating Our First Term: Connection, Community and Coming Home to Ourselves

As our very first term of yoga classes comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep

gratitude on what has unfolded within our beautiful Essence of Light community.

When I first opened the doors to these classes, my intention was simple: to create a

welcoming space where women could pause, breathe, move gently and reconnect with

themselves amidst the busyness of daily life.

Over the past term, I have had the privilege of witnessing exactly that.

Each week, women arrived carrying the realities of life—work, family commitments,

responsibilities, challenges and hopes. Together we created a space where there was no

need to perform, achieve or strive. Instead, we practised slowing down, listening inwards

and honouring ourselves exactly as we were.

Through gentle movement, mindful breathing, meditation and moments of stillness, our

classes became more than just yoga sessions. They became a place of connection—both

with ourselves and with one another.

Perhaps the thing that has touched me most deeply this term has been seeing women from

so many different stages of life come together. We have welcomed women in their 20s, 30s,

40s, 50s and 60s, each bringing their own stories, experiences and wisdom.

In a world where we can often find ourselves separated by age, stage of life or circumstance, there has been something incredibly heartwarming about watching women from different generations share the same space, move together, learn together and support one another.

One of the things that has been particularly rewarding has been witnessing women with

varied levels of yoga experience practising side by side. Some participants arrived with

years of experience, while others were stepping onto a mat for the very first time.

As Andrea shared:

“I love learning how to do a proper baby cobra ‘rolling the marble’ — you're the only yoga

teacher I've ever had who went to this detail and it helped me understand how not to

overextend! Thank you for beautiful invitations and thoughtful ways to include everyone.

You're very appreciated. Thank you for bringing mindfulness back into my life! xx”

Feedback like this reminds me that yoga is not about striving for the deepest stretch or the

most complex pose. Sometimes the greatest transformation comes from slowing down, paying attention to the details and approaching movement with curiosity, awareness and

self-compassion.

As Virginia shared:

“It was a fun environment with no judgement and no expectations to be 'perfect'. I always came away feeling relaxed and it was the only night of the week where I slept right through

without waking up in the middle of the night!”

For me, this captures the heart of what Essence of Light hopes to offer.

As Cassie shared:

“As someone living with chronic pain, I found the classes incredibly supportive and

adaptable. They gave me a chance to move in a way that felt good for my body while also

helping me relax and reset mentally. Anne is such a calm, peaceful and genuinely relaxed

person, which makes her a perfect yoga teacher. I'd highly recommend her classes to

anyone, regardless of their experience or ability.”

Hearing reflections like these reinforces my belief that yoga is for every body.

One of the things I have loved most about this first term is listening to the needs and ideas

of our community and allowing our offerings to evolve in response. At the request of

participants, video links have now been integrated into our classes, making it easier for

women to maintain their practice when they need the flexibility to join us while working

away from home, travelling, or juggling changes in their daily routines that make it difficult

to attend in person.

The online option also provides an added layer of safety and comfort during periods of

challenging weather. With some of the wild storms we've experienced locally this year, it has allowed women to continue participating without needing to drive at night when

conditions may not feel safe.

For those who are newer to our community and would like to learn more about my journey,

I recently had the opportunity to join Rachel Noakes of Ray of Light Yoga for a heartfelt

podcast conversation.

TERM 3 REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Our 10-week Calming Yoga program begins on Thursday 23 July, from 7:00–8:00pm at

Figtree Community Hall. Classes welcome women with varied experience levels.

The light was always yours.

Anne Schoo

Essence of Light Yoga & Wellbeing