Interview:
Charlotte Dodson, Yoga Practitioner - June 2008
A
highly acknowledged and experienced international
yoga teacher talks to us about her latest career
path and how yoga relates to us all.
WHAT
IS YOGA?
Yoga is life. It relates to everyone regardless
of his or her body shape, experience, age or background.
It brings joy, love and teaches you to be your
true Self. The beauty of a yoga practice teaches
you the gift of living in the present moment.
There are many paths of yoga, the most popular
being Hatha Yoga, a physical practice that works
to build flexibility and strength in both body
and mind.
HOW
DID YOU GET INTO YOGA?
It was a blessing in disguise. I broke my arm
surfing around 10 years ago and that’s when
it all changed. A career change from advertising
into the healing practice of yoga and I’ve
never looked back since. After breaking my arm
and having 9 pins and a plate inserted later,
yoga found me, it became my life.
WHAT
DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOGA?
I love the feeling of the physical movements and
postures, freeing my body, building strength and
flexibility, learning to surrender and always
open to what comes next. The most powerful part
of my practice is gaining absolute clarity, positivity
and trust within myself.
ARE
YOU QUALIFIED?
Yes, I’ve completed an “Advanced Diploma
in Yoga Teaching” which took around 3 years
to complete part time. A government accredited
course that was detailed, comprehensive and allowed
me to absorb what yoga has to offer. I have also
studied in India and New York. I’m learning
every day!
HOW
LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING AND TEACHING?
I’ve been practicing for over 9 years and
teaching for over 6 years. I personally practice
Hatha, Ashtanga and Kundalini Yoga. Teaching yoga
is my passion, it’s such a beautiful gift
that I fortunately can share with others, allowing
each individual to learn and progress through
their own practice. It’s so wonderful to
teach and give unconditionally. Priding myself
with my adjusting skills, it really encourages
each student to fully make the most of every posture
and breath that they are in.
I
bring in all my experiences and learnings having
practiced and studied in four continents with
many wise, beautiful and inspirational teachers.
WHAT
MAKES YOU A GREAT TEACHER?
My experiences and knowledge allows me to explore,
be spontaneous and creative in every class. I
work to free, strengthen, and open the body, mind
and soul. Intuitively, I work with individual’s
energy enhancing positivity and belief within
themselves.
“As
we surrender and let go, our world simply opens
up” Dodson 2001
I
never see my teaching as work, it’s a passion
that will stay with me forever, it’s my
vocation. I’m a yoga teacher for life.
HOW
DID YOU WORK YOUR WAY TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
It took many classes of experience, learning and
absorbing, without cutting corners. I did the
hard yards and it’s been an important and
crucial foundation to where I am now. I started
with many group classes in gyms and specific yoga
schools all around Sydney and as they built I
could start to choose those more suitable. I found
I was far more suited to yoga schools, rather
than fitness centres. I’m holistic in my
teaching; every class is whole within itself.
My
gained knowledge gave me good stead for the next
steps ahead. It is an ongoing journey.
The
practice of Ashtanga yoga and study with my teacher,
gave me the ability to adjust competently and
tailor regimes specifically to individuals, which
is perfect during a one on one situation. Yoga
was originally taught one on one to gain maximum
benefits. I knew this was my direction.
As
time progressed I’ve gained private client
after client, most being in the public eye and
influential business people. I teach a few group
classes at a boutique studio where I manage the
yoga business. However, my private clientele is
growing at a rapid rate; I go to their homes,
I travel overseas and organise retreats with them.
I guess you could say I’m flexible!
HAVE
YOU BEEN TO INDIA, THE HOME OF YOGA?
Yes, many times. It’s an amazing place,
allowing you to recharge your batteries in a spiritual
way. After all, the practice of yoga is a way
of life; it’s a spiritual practice. Yoga
teaches you to become still and be true to yourself.
India can be a challenge and confronting, it teaches
us to be present and patient. It’s a holy
place.
WHAT
IS MEDITATION, DO YOU MEDITATE?
Meditation allows you to take moments out for
yourself, using certain techniques, enabling you
to simply sit in silence. All paths of meditation
provide you with clarity, awareness and focus
as your mind quietens and you find your inner
Self.
This
is the main aim of a yoga practice, to sit comfortably
and become quiet, realising the power of silence
and your inner world. As your practice of meditation
feeds into all worlds, every moment of living
proves to be calm, kind, filled with gratitude
and fully sincere. It offers you so much.
Yes,
I practice a few Kundalini meditations daily;
they keep me present in the moment, accept all
that is and reminds me to trust my path.
TEACHING
DAY IN AND DAY OUT, DO YOU EVER GET TIRED OF IT?
Never! It’s my passion; you can hear it
in my voice. I also theme my classes and bring
in new ideas, each class is unpredictable, light
hearted, playful and allows me and my students
to always stay inspired.
WHO
ARE YOUR CLIENTS?
I have many private clients both in Australia
and USA; they range from those in the public eye,
supermodels, sport performers, politicians and
film to influential business people.
WHAT
PROJECTS HAVE YOU GOT COMING UP?
My long-term client, Miranda Kerr, is currently
writing her health book whereby I will be contributing
to the yoga chapter. This is due to be published
at the end of the year.
I’m
part of the team at Fox Studios (Holistic Fitness)
teaching films stars and crew as they arise.
I
have a 5 x DVD collection concept that is yet
to be launched, on a national and international
scale. It’s all about yoga fitting into
your day.
Also
on a global scale, Health Trends, listed on SGX,
are a vertically integrated organization focusing
on medical centres, wellness and aesthetics. I
will be covering the Corporate Service Sector
across ASEAN and ideally helping with their new
“Hardie Foundation” for those less
privileged.
WHAT
MEDIA ATTENTION HAVE YOU RECEIVED?
I have written many articles for health and lifestyle
magazines advising the best ways to rejuvenate
and energise. One of my many high profile clients,
Miranda Kerr, has quoted me as her favourite yoga
teacher. I’m open to providing my advice
and input to all relevant publications.
WHAT’S
YOUR IDEAL GOAL?
My aim is to spread my experienced words of wisdom
and positivity to reach the masses. I know I touch
those I teach; my goal is to share and expand
my gift on a much larger scale. To appear in the
media whether it is an expert on radio, TV, in
a film or on film sets. To teach the world that
we can achieve the best we can be, fulfilling
our potential. To always be grateful, present
and make the most of every moment.
“Be
happy for yourself and all those around you”
Dodson 2001
WHAT’S
ONE OF YOUR OWN FAVOURITE SAYINGS?
“Be true to yourself and become that which
you are” Dodson 2001
With
the practice of yoga the essence of ourself remains
the same, as layers dissolve, it allows us to
be what is left - Pure joy.
DO
YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES/ SPORTS/ARTS?
Yes I explore and try all that life has to offer!
I love creative painting and exhibiting as well
as producing custom made art. I enjoy walking,
music, nutrition and cooking.
Website
Charlotte
Dodson Yoga
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