The Teacher

Wendy Purdon

Just over 30 years ago, I attended a yoga class through my local high school's community education programme. After the birth of my son, I was struggling with back pain and could no longer continue running. Yoga offered another path.

Over time I discovered Iyengar Yoga, whose emphasis on precise alignment taught me how to protect my back and gradually undo movement habits that might otherwise have led to chronic pain. The attention and concentration required by this method also taught me something equally valuable: how to develop a steadier and more resilient mind to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs.

For the past two decades, I have dedicated myself to the Iyengar Yoga tradition and hold certification at the JI Level I. My study continues through daily personal practice and ongoing training with Senior Iyengar Yoga mentor Peter Thomson.

Yoga is not separate from life; it is a practice that supports how I show up for the people and activities that matter most to me. Whether it's spending time with family, enjoying my grandchildren, travelling, sharing meals with friends, or simply moving well through everyday life, yoga continues to provide a foundation of strength, mobility, balance, and perspective.

At this stage of life, I’m increasingly drawn to exploring how yoga supports healthy aging. My teaching focuses on developing strength and flexibility while also protecting the joints, maintaining mobility, improving balance, and supporting good posture—foundations that help us remain active, independent, and engaged in the things we enjoy.

As a teacher, it is a privilege to share this practice with others. My commitment is to provide classes that are not just about feeling better this week, but about developing a practice that supports us through the decades. As a certified Iyengar Yoga instructor, my aim is to guide students safely and thoughtfully, helping each person build a practice that is both effective and sustainable.

Whether your goal is to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, maintain independence, or simply move through life with greater ease, my classes are designed to offer that support.

"It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence."

B.K.S. Iyengar.

Photo by ©TatianaSkorik