Getting to Know Nirvana Pilkington

From an early age, movement and bodywork have been a big part of Nirvana’s life. 
Her classes have become a fusion of these elements (Hatha, Vinyasa, Sakshin Ghatashta, Anti-gravity Aerial Yoga, Acroyoga and Mindfulness based training) - largely connecting to the flow of movement and breath, focusing on anatomical alignment for greater energy flow and intuitively working with the needs of students.  
​
She has been with us here at Stretch for over 3 years and is one of the incredible Senior Teachers in our Stretch Academy Teacher Training program. We sat down with her to ask about her version of yoga. We hope you enjoy!

When were you first introduced to Yoga?
My first introduction to yoga was through my mum. She would often do poses when I was a child and we (my siblings and I) would try to mimic her. My mum and my sister could do lotus pose and walk around on their knees. I was super jealous.

What has helped you stick with it?
For me yoga became a way to connect to my body and shift my focus out of the ever working mind and sensitive emotional centre. I liked moving in my body and felt many benefits so it wasn't difficult to keep it up. Life sometimes got in the way but once I decided to do my teacher training it made it much easier to practice. It also enhances my awareness of my body in the other movement modalities I do.

Which is your favourite pose and why?
Hmmmm, depends on my mood. I am such a handstand fan because I love to play on my hands and it teaches me its all about practice and exploration. I am also learning something new about it because there is challenge to it. I also love the contrast of Supta Baddha Konasana (reclining butterfly pose)  or Upavista Konasana (wide-angled seated forward fold) where deep relaxation occurs. I love to explore the feeling in my body once I have worked with some intensity by being still. The journey of the internal.

The biggest lesson?
Practice, practice, practice even if it's in being mindful. Observing, breathing noticing. It's powerful.

Would you say yoga has changed your life?
It definitely changed my body, how I view it, interact with it. It also changed the way I dealt with my emotions and assisted my processing of the internal space. It opened me to a community of beautiful souls who many have become friends which has been rich and deep. It has also taken me many places around the world. So I would say a big fat YES.

What is your favourite thing about teaching at stretch?
I don't have a favourite but things I love here are the students, the space, the teachers and the boss! 

For a beginner....
Cat/Cow - spinal movements and health is so important
Setu Bandha (bridge pose) - to open hips and build some strength in the legs and abdominals.
Reclined twist - again mobility of the spine.

You can catch Nirvana at our CBD Studio at lunchtime on Wednesday's and Friday's, and in our Teacher Training Program in 2019!​