About Me

Mark (or Shim)

Thank you for your curiosity! I came to yoga about 15 years ago when I was looking quite specifically to improve my core strength and balance for sporting purposes. I attended my first class as a sceptic. I left with a sense that I had not only found what I was looking for (a surprisingly effective core and balance workout), but something much, much more. And important.

Over the years, I have stuck with it, dipping in and out as circumstances dictated. I have grown progressively closer to my yoga practice, slowly discovering the massive potential it has to offer (a journey I am very much still, and will always be, on). Yoga is far more than a series of postures, although this is how it is often perceived in Western culture. There is considerable depth to the practice should you choose to delve deeper. It is a method, and provides a framework, for getting to know and understand yourself better, and to help navigate life. In recent years, it has been hugely important to how I personally have managed to navigate some pretty massive ‘bumps in life’s road’.

I reached a point back in 2021 when I wanted to learn more, so joined a British Wheel of Yoga (BWY)Foundation course. This was pretty life changing for me and so it was the natural progression to carry on and sign up for the BWY Teacher Training course which I completed in December 2023. With my busy professional* life, I didn’t really expect that I would ever be able to find the time to teach formally (I did the training for myself), rather I enjoyed giving a few informal classes with friends and family. But it is funny how life flows and I am delighted to be offering a regular* class now. Being able to share what I can is an absolute privilege.

*Unusually for a yoga teacher, Mark is a fulltime Consultant Surgeon working in the NHS. This should help to explain the link to SWIFTSS, as well as why there are some weeks that he cannot teach due to other professional commitments