#Yogainit - Louise Brown

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?  

 Hi! I'm Louise, a 33 year old yoga teacher based in South-East London. I'm currently 32 weeks pregnant with my first (although I already have a very cute rescue dog and a tortoise!) and I can't wait to add another critter to the crew. When I'm not teaching or practicing yoga I love cycling, cold water swimming and long walks in nature with Ray the pup.   

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING YOGA?  

I've been practicing yoga consistently for about 8 years now. I remember my first class in London was Rocket yoga (a dynamic flow based on Ashtanga). I'd never seen anything like it and sat at the back in childs pose most of the class in awe of everyone soaking up the incredible energy and I've never looked back!

 TELL US ABOUT 'LOUISE BROWN YOGA'?

 I've been honoured to get to share the practice of yoga since 2017. I moved to Los Angeles in 2016 without a plan, and the first thing I did when we landed was roll out my mat and the rest is history. I love to share this practice with others, putting together creative and inspiring sequences always coming from an inclusive place. My classes include spirituality, meditation and pranayama (breathwork), encouraging people to come back to themselves one breath at a time. With an emphasis on intuitive movement, I encourage my students to find their own paths in their bodies and minds that feel good to them. I now teach across South-East London and love to share this practice as part of community with a focus on creating joy in movement and cultivating space in body and mind

Louise wears the Black Laura 

This year has been incredible to get back to in person teaching, workshops and retreats. Being back in the room and amongst community has been very special. I've just taught my last retreat pre-baby and am already looking forward to my next with sidekick in tow in September :)

ANY ADVICE FOR ANYONE WANTING TO TAKE UP PRE OR POSTNATAL YOGA? 

 I would definitely say if you're thinking about it, do it! Of course check in with your midwife first and make sure you're feeling good. It's been so beneficial to have time to connect to my ever-changing body and baby in such a mindful way. If you're newer to the practice, there's so much incredible content available online now it's always worth trying out a few different teachers first to find one that speaks to you and your body. Local groups are also a wonderful way to connect to other pregnant people going through similar experiences to you as well.  Yoga really doesn't have to be fancy or overcomplicated, there's no need for fancy equipment or hours of time. Often my practice these days can look like sitting somewhere comfortable (this can be in bed too!) connecting to a few rounds of breaths, perhaps some gentle mindful movement and a few minutes of meditation. Especially during the pre & post natal time when there is so much going on, taking time for yourself to light your own candle first is always so important, and often when we spend this time for ourselves, it means we have a little more light available for others as well.

ANY WORDS OF WISDOM ABOUT FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF?   

I really think we are so wonderfully simple really, we so often overcomplicate this and forget that it's the little things that we can do everyday that make such a big difference. Taking a walk, getting fresh air, drinking plenty of water, laughter/connection with those that top our cups up and sleeping well. Having these daily non-negotiables as a standard practice means we can then add to this when we have more time and/or energy. For me, yoga definitely plays a huge part of this, but this doesn't mean doing a 90minute dynamic practice everyday, it means for me listening to my body and mind and taking whatever it needs that day. Pregnancy has really taught me to trust my body in a whole new incredible way and appreciate rest as much as movement. Sometimes that means going to class, sometimes it means cuddles on the sofa with the dog, often it means taking a long epsom salt bath :)  

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEYOND NINE?

 Everything! I came across Beyond Nine quite early in my pregnancy and bought my first Laura after a few weeks of endlessly thinking about it! It was love at first try and I don't think I took it off for the first week. Being so active I really do live in it. I love that I can take Ray for a walk in it, jump on my bike and cycle to teach, teach a yoga class and afterwards pop some earrings on to jazz it up to go for dinner with a friend. Beyond Nine really do make clothes that make you feel good, plus pockets!