THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK......

Some of you may have seen my posts about this new studio, Five Elements Habitat, and I wanted to take this chance to expand a little. Especially as some of you may be surprised to see me teaching at a "big" studio. I have been teaching in Hong Kong now for 8 years, I have taught in so many different places, some with more degrees of success than others. I have met so many wonderful people along the way. Being freelance affords me flexibility and freedom, it has also allowed me to very much march to beat of my own drum. I have never felt that I fitted the mould of a "traditional" HK yoga teacher, whatever that is, and certainly did not feel that I would fit in within the commercial studio structure. The economics of yoga studios has always meant that the pile em high, simon says model seems to win; a model that many of you know I am deeply distrustful off.

But then I was approached by Five Elements Habitat. My first thought was no, I do not work in studios, I do not trust the corporate beast to keep the integrity of yoga intact. However for every reason that I had to not continue the conversation, it seemed to be the reason why this studio may be a home for me and place where I could bring my practice. So the conversation went on. I met the owners and heard the story behind Five Elements in Bali, a deeply romantic one at that. I quizzed them and they quizzed me on our combined beliefs about yoga and wellness, but most of all about authenticity and safe spaces. The passion behind this studio is amazing, the aim is to create a space that is the antithesis of the corporate studio. Their plans and ideas feel revolutionary in this town and I say, bring it on!

So here I find myself, a teacher at this beautiful studio. It is also important to point out that I am not now only working at Five Elements. Unlike many other studios, they do not handcuff their teachers and instead let them continue their work elsewhere, something I really value and appreciate.The ethos behind this studio is to create a space where yoga and wellness come together, creating a place for people to explore all forms of movement, spirituality and mindfulness.

Here you will find tea ceremonies, breath-work, sensory meditations, five rhythms, qigong, taoist movement and of course varying explorations into yoga. I will be bringing my own approach to the practice, an approach that has been developed through years of observing my body and how it feels to move and breath but also honed through the study with some exciting and ground breaking teachers.

For now the studio is in its soft opening phase and the schedule is still moving around however tonight I will be there at 6:15 and 7:30pm to teach two classes. I have many things planned for this space and time will tell what will work best. I shall keep you updated with the schedule however please do come along and see the space for yourself, your first class is free and I invite you to check it out.

In the meantime folks, stay safe and stay well

Charlotte