International Yoga Day - Caroline from Samma Karuna

In the run up to International Yoga Day, we find out more about the people involved.

Here is Caroline, teacher at Samma Karuna...

Where do you teach and what do you teach?
I teach at Samma Karuna. I teach vinyasa and a hatha flow class that focuses more on alignment.

How did you get involved with this school and how did you end up on Koh Phangan?
I did my TTC with Samma Karuna in January and stayed on the island to do their internship which has led to me teaching there weekly.

I wanted to come to the island to study Yoga and I was drawn to Samma Karuna because it was an anahata school.

Tell us more about your Koh Phangan story...
Well... two puppies have adopted my boyfriend and I, so we are in the long process of taking them back to the U.K with us.

Initially it meant we were 'stuck' on the island but I don't think you can really be stuck here, especially with all the amazing fruits and sounds of the jungle!

What do you think can be achieved from International Yoga Day?
I think a feeling of oneness and coming together throughout the world can be achieved. At times you can feel like it is only you on the mat or you are aware of only your class when you are practicing.

IYD reminds us of all the people in the world just like us, whether they are practicing yoga or not.

And what uniqueness will you personally bring to this event?
A geordie accent is always a bit different!

How has yoga changed your life?
I am also a maths teacher so inevitably I have been very stressed in my day to day life. I used to go to the gym to try to release this stress but my mind always felt busy.

Yoga has changed my life by showing how to calm my mind and use stress effectively with the body. When you have these tools any situation is good one.

And why do you think practicing yoga in Phangan is good for people?
Phangan is obviously a very special place, a place for healing and love. There are so many opportunities and challenges to experience here, in a caring community so it means you can really use these to look inside and open yourself up. 

Why should people join you for IDY?
It will be my first time using a microphone so it might be quite funny!

And leave us with your Yogi Philosophy...
This moment is the best possible thing that could happen to you, if you truly believe this then you can find real happiness.