David Mansfield is a qualified Yoga Instructor who has been volunteering his time at the Positive Living Centre and ACON. David has just started teaching in Darlinghurst and is pursuing further studies in related fields. We asked David to reflect on his time working with PLC clients, and to describe the benefits of Yoga for people living with HIV.
When I reflect on the past year of teaching yoga to men and women living with HIV, the best part has been to hear students relate the benefits of weekly yoga practice. Most experience improvements in many aspects of their lives.
Most students come along to the class without ever having stepped onto a yoga mat before. Their nervous faces quickly turn to smiles and often laughter as we work through postures.
When I meet with new students we spend time identifying and forming physical goals as well as discussing the importance of honouring personal boundaries. After the first few weeks many students relate improvements in sleeping patterns and notice calmer reactions to difficult situations, lower anxiety levels and increasing feeling of wellbeing.
As a teacher there is no bigger gift than to hear students speak about these results. Regardless of HIV status the benefits of yoga can be much more than physical. Regular practice of yoga helps to boost the immune system and also assists with the detoxification process. Let’s face it; anyone who enjoys an occasional night out can do with that kind of support.
I can guarantee that if you have never done yoga before, the hardest things you will have to do is find enough courage to come along to a class and try it for yourself. There is always an easier variation to every posture and a good teacher will talk you through each stage of a pose.
My style of teaching aims to help people to a level that is a balance between the challenging and the comfortable. If someone is considering Yoga they should aim to find a teacher and style of yoga that they can relate to and, above all, go with an open mind, as even the most self-judging have been known to surprise themselves on a yoga mat.
Namaste
David Mansfield
Hatha Yoga Classes with David
Every Thursday night from 6.30pm (classes are 1.5 hours)
Darlinghurst Public School Hall
Womerah Ave (enter through Barcom Ave Gates)
Contact David 0402 154 444
David has an introductory offer for Talkabout readers and their friends. A voucher for 10 classes can be purchased for $150 saving people $30