Abi Poulton (on maternity leave)

Birthplace? United Kingdom, Scunthorpe.

When did you move to OZ ? June 2018

What’s your signature dish? I
love making a thai pumpkin soup for those cooler evenings.

Tea or Coffee? Herbal Tea every-time
Favourite café? I love Cruz Espresso

Cat or Dog? Dog

Star Sign? Pisces

What quote do you live by? “The Soul is aware of what it is given, and it lives in endless gratitude (The Mother, Auroville)”

What Yoga style do you practice? Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Meditation and Nidra.

How did you start yoga? At a gym looking to stretch and strengthen my body while I was a gigging actress in London.

Can you sum up what Yoga gives to you in a few words?
Yoga gives me a pathway back home to my deeper self, my essential nature – a homecoming of sorts.

When and where did you do your first Teacher Training?
I did my first 200hr YTT in Mallorca, Spain at Green Yoga International.

Favourite pose? Tadasana (Mountain)

Least favourite pose? Arrowhead lunge – so I do it more.

If you could study with any teacher, who wold it be and why?
I’d love to study the nature of reality with Deepak Chopra as his way of expressing is magnetising and heart-opening.

Best in-class blooper?
In Gorilla pose mixing up hands and feet so it sounded like I said stepping your hands onto your feet – very perplexed faces. I liked a recent one – bring your hearts to your hearts – meaning hands to hearts for Anjali Mudra; lots of love there.

Lululemon or Dharmabums? Lululemon

Where would be your ultimate Yoga retreat destination? Thailand

What do you love most about your job? Sharing healing practises that remind us that we are enough, more than enough just as we are.

What have you given up teaching yoga? Financial stability, a pension and my acting career.

What have you gained by teaching yoga? Peace of mind and heart, alignment to my purpose.

If you could talk to your pre-yoga self, what would you tell her?
I would tell her to connect with her breath and allow the breath to lead her to her yoga mat. So much beauty is in store for you when you awaken to it, my love.

What hobbies/activities do you have outside yoga?
Cycling, Ecstatic Dance, Ukulele Playing, Swimming, Walks in Nature, Gatherings.

How long have you taught at Qi? Since Feb 2021, I’m a newbie! And I love it!

How to make your health and your practice a priority

Once we get clear on our values, our priorities shift.
One of the biggest things I’ve come to understand when people tell me they want to be healthier, happier and start getting into good practices but don’t know how. . .
Is that it’s all about getting real on your values and priorities.

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