Karina Stewart is the found of Pink Lotus Yoga (pinklotusyoga.co.uk)
Photos: Karen Burgyone Photography
I qualified as a Hatha yoga teacher in 2 000 and it soon became the most important thing I did for my mind and body. I always knew the practice helped me emotionally but little did I know just how much I was about to rely on it.
When my son’s first baby was born prematurely and passed away I thought my broken heart would never recover. It was the hardest thing I’d ever had to go through. More than my personal practice, it was teaching that helped. I had to be strong. It’s like being an actor, I guess. Your audience awaits and you get out there and do it! But it’s not an act. I teach with my heart and my students get that. Most of the students I work with are regulars and I am very honest and open with them. They’re like family, they support me and I feel strong when I am teaching.