Melissa Softley

From her original teacher training in the intuitive style of The Inner Yoga Trust, Melissa has drawn from a wide range of influences in her yoga. Asana influences are mainly teachers who have worked with Vanda Scaravelli, she works regularly with Sophy Hoare on a one-to-one basis. Her range of studies is extensive and non dogmatic. In addition to trainings in yoga therapy, meditation and pranayama her additional studies span from modern understandings of anatomy, neuroscience and embryology through to ancient practices of Tibetan Healing Yoga (kum nye), Sanskrit, Vedic chant, Ayurveda and yoga philosophy. And extends to all movement modalities including Feldenkrais, Pilates, Somatics and Body Mind Centering on the way! “There is a real joy in the way modern science is increasingly validating ancient wisdom practices. Whilst yoga is my passion I often find that by stepping into other practises it illuminates my understanding of yoga and helps me to see, every time, how complete, holistic and potentially transformative yoga is. My initial experience of Yoga Nidra was profoundly healing and it now occupies a special place in my practise and teaching. It is the perfect vehicle to receive the philosophy in an experiential, relaxed and non intellectual way. I am deeply committed to helping people to do less and find that a different kind of energy arises when we let go of chronic held tensions. My restorative yoga classes usually include Nidra practice and my more general mindful yoga classes include the practice regularly too - people love it!” Melissa is a BSc Chem. MSc Environmental Management and a BWY accredited yoga teacher She teaches small groups and individuals in North London and regularly runs workshops and retreats. She also runs a free weekly class for people with HIV and their carers at Positive East in Stepney see www.yogasoftley.com She is active in the development of Yoga Therapy. And is supporting the development of a Yoga therapy training within her lineage school The Inner Yoga Trust to fulfil the new CNHC / BCYT guidelines for Yoga Therapy accreditation and sits on the BCYT board as Membership Secretary and Treasurer