My First Tutoriual at Kevala

When I applied for the Yoga Teaching Diploma course at Kevala I did not know that it was located in Torquay. Previously I had looked into what was offered on the internet, when I first considered teaching yoga. The Devon School of Yoga in Exeter sounded interesting, as did the Sarah White centre, which is much closer to where I live. They all demand what for many, is impractically long residentials. (They are not cheap, either). As a former Open University student I do not buy the notion that you can only learn in a specified building or place.

What Kevala offers is quality fellowship and the weekend with Tim Hunt emphasised that. Many new insights into yoga were provided, and chanting meditation was very new to me, though I did know about it. The teaching experiences provided both butterflies in the stomach and inspiration. I am not sure who, it may have been Patanjali or Iyengar, said that the student should have many sources but only one teacher. Whatever, the sessions served to emphasise the fact that there is no “one way” to perform asanas, just as there are several yogic paths; the main thing is to remember that “there is no gain without pain” certainly does not apply to yoga, and we are not engaging in a competition.

What is significant about Torquay? For three years I attended secondary school there, and lived in Old Torwood Road, which is the next turning to Braddons Hill East. That life can be a chakra or circle was extended; the Hotel I had picked, without realising it, was all but next door to where I had lived.

All that remains is to thank Tim, the staff of Kevala, and my fellow rishis for a memorable and wonderful weekend.

Chris Arnold