My Yoga Blog

My yoga blog gives insights and thoughts on yoga practice, meditation, wellbeing, yoga and philosophy.

This week we have the first ever spotlight. Let me introduce a very special yogi, I give you.........Berni Driver. 👏 👏 👏

Name: Berni Driver

Age: 33

Occupation: Company director

How do you know Jordanna? We worked together 8 years ago and Jordanna was super supportive

Which of her classes do you go to and how long have you been going to her classes? Erskine Centre 6pm (the best class!) Since September 2022

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into yoga?

I discovered yoga accidentally when I stayed at a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka at the beginning of 2012. The retreat belonged to the founder of the local primary school and hosted me and a friend while we volunteered there. Every morning and evening we practised with an amazing soul and yogi called Fernando Martinez. His strength and heart were inspiring! After that my (now) husband and I moved to London and practised together at a small community group led by Marcia Sharp who recently wrote about yoga in Fern Cotton's new book. She is the bendiest person I know! Since then, I have dabbled in classes, here and there, enjoyed Lululemon community classes in Melbourne and closer to home, but it's only since joining Jordanna's classes that I have recommitted to a regular practice and now I show up for the other people as much as I show up for myself!

2. Yoga Journey:

As soon as I fell upon yoga I immediately loved it. The mindfulness element was a necessity whilst I was a primary school teacher as I craved a way to still my busy mind. Once I began improving in balance and strength it became addictive and I began setting and achieving small goals. I then saw so many benefits to it that I wanted to share it with others - especially those in stressful jobs. I trained as yoga teacher in 2018 before falling pregnant with my first child and enjoyed facilitating other people's journeys.

3. Favourite Yoga Pose:

Do you have a favourite yoga pose or sequence? Why?

I love a slow vinyasa flow with a warrior 2. I love the strength, the reminders to pull in the core and the fire in chaturanga. My favourite pose is a head stand because it's a whole body workout and I can only do them with practise!

Least favourite yoga pose? Why?

My least favourite pose is chair pose. When I did my yoga teacher training I took part in another student's assessments and acted as a guinea pig student. The tutor asked if I was deliberately doing it so badly to see if my classmate would adjust me. I think about it every time I go into the pose.

4. Off the Mat: Aside from yoga, what are your other interests or hobbies?

I love adventuring with my two young children. It doesn't take us very far for now, mainly camping and small holidays, but I cannot wait to show them more of the world. I love having the community classes every Tuesday to give me the chance to escape them for an hour though! Other hobbies also include modern calligraphy and window painting!

I'd love to do more online yoga in the mornings but for now it's all about the school runs.

5. Mind-Body Connection: How does yoga influence your mental and emotional well-being?

There is such a connection with mental wellbeing and yoga - I know that because the more I do the better I feel! It sets you up for a really positive week - especially having Jordanna there to cheer you on!

6. Community Involvement: How did you become a part of this yoga community? Are there any community events or activities that you particularly enjoy?

I started off doing the Barrow Yoga on the field in the Summer before Jordanna started her weekly classes. I also love the Christmas parties and the fact that we are starting to have more socials!

7. Wellness Practices: Do you have any other wellness practices that complement your yoga routine?

I enjoy walking the school run each day - If I go both ways it's nearly 4 miles daily which keeps my step count up. I also love dancing when I get the chance.

8. Favourite Quotes or Mantras: Do you have any favourite yoga-related quotes or mantras that inspire you?

"Believe it to achieve it" is not necessarily a yoga quote but I do think it gets you into a good mindset!

9. Advice for Others: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their yoga journey?

My best advice to anyone new to yoga would be to use your breath and close your eyes. An exhale can be all you need to get much deeper into a stretch and I know it can feel uncomfortable to begin with but closing your eyes and shutting everything and everyone out is such a powerful feeling.

10. Community Connection: How do you connect with others in the yoga community?

I love keeping up to date with previous teachers and friends that practise on instagram.

10. Future Goals: How do you see your yoga journey evolving in the future?

I always feel like I could do more but always have excuses and other things that get in the way! I would like to start my own classes again soon - I just need to get my confidence up and do it!

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