Meet Polly: A yoga teacher, massage therapist and new mum, she blends ancient body wisdom with very real-life practices (cat–cows on the toilet are fully encouraged).
What is your current role in Health & Wellbeing and what does it involve?
I’m a Yoga Teacher and Massage Therapist embarking on a new venture after having my baby. My new offerings will include pregnancy friendly yoga classes to calm the nervous system and kids yoga to provide space to move freely. I have found Abdominal Therapy to have the most profound results. Facial massage too, for straight to relaxation!
In what ways have you collaborated with Sowena Cornwall CIC?
On a number of wonderful day retreats and featured on Betty’s second year line up for Sunshine and Soul Festival offering Yoga and Massage. I will be at the festival again this year providing a yoga and movement for children class. I am also offering new weekly classes on Saturday mornings throughout February at the cabin.
What’s the one thing you’d most like to see improved in your profession?
That it’s not perceived just for a certain “spiritual” type. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t. But learning how to listen to your body’s wisdom is beyond invaluable.
Can you recommend a simple wellness practice that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine?
Momentary rituals can bring you into presence E.g when putting the kettle on yawn and stretch your jaw (we all hold so much tension here), shake or a few cat/cows (flexion/extension of the spine) stood, sat, all fours or on the toilet it doesn’t matter! Feel into your body!
Can you suggest any books, podcasts, or resources that have significantly influenced your approach to wellness?
Books:
Manual of the warrior of Light- Paulo Coelho
The fifth vital sign – Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
Golden Month – Jenny Allison
Podcasts:
What’s the Juice with Olivia Amitrano
What are your top three daily self-care rituals??
1.Herbal tea before anything else. (Usually involves nettle)
2. Something for the senses- burning incense or lighting a candle.
3. Closing my eyes when going to sleep listing 3 things I’m grateful for.
In another life, what would you be?
A well cared for and respected Theobroma Cacao Tree. Imagine the wisdom and magic through those roots and the medicine you can give!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t see a past decision as a mistake. Why would make a decision that you didn’t think was beneficial in that moment. Just take the lessons given to you to learn and grow. It takes away a lot of pressure and guilt!
What’s a small thing that makes your day better?
A decision being made for what to have for dinner. Whether it’s me or someone else. Head space!
What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
Soul retrieval via dreams…look up Robert Moss. A pretty interesting angle.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Celebs go dating on Channel 4. Ridiculous, hilarious and I love it for the moments of vulnerability.
