Kevin Peckham, our Men’s Yoga specialist, has been teaching his special brand of mindful yoga with Adore for 5 years, but his personal practice goes back over 30 years. This interview reveals Kevin’s greatest influences and passions in the world of yoga.
I practice yoga because
Yoga is my ‘home base’. The demands of every day life can sometimes seem overwhelming. Yoga offers a way to tap into the quiet space inside which is you minus the madness … Yoga = You – Madness!
I also love feeling my body move without restriction.
I started practicing when
I had been meditating for a couple of years when a friend suggested trying a weekend Massage and Yoga workshop. I was hooked on asana right away and for 6 months I did 2 hours practice every day. That was over 30 years ago and although I still have a strong practice, I also have two young children and don’t have quite so much time on my hands!
My greatest influences in practising have been
My partner Nikola Ellis, who runs Adore Yoga where I teach, has been a great inspiration. She introduced me to Michael de Manincor’s classes and the tradition of Krishnamacharya. Through Michael I learnt about ‘Viniyoga’ which is not a style but loosely translates as ‘yoga which is appropriate to the person’.
I have also been influenced by the Iyengar tradition, which appeals to my analytical side and by Yoga Synergy which I love for it’s physicality.
The changes I’ve seen in my yoga practice over the years are
When I was 22 and stronger I could flip up into headstand without thinking about it. I remember hovering in Parshvakakasana (Side Crow Pose) and the teacher gently pointing out that everyone was waiting for me.
After a break of 20 years, I walked back into a Yoga class and instantly remembered how good it made me feel. I also noticed that headstands took a whole lot more technique than I remembered!
Yoga practice has helped me with
Confidence. For example, I used to think I’d rather die than talk in front of a crowd. Now I stand up in front of people and teach!
I’ve also gained great insights from Swadhyaya – self observation, which of course arises out of meditation. I love that Yoga is diagnostic as well as therapy. “How am I feeling today, strong or in need of restorative poses?”
My advice to beginners who want to start their own practice is
Take it easy! If any part of your body is uncomfortable, take your awareness there and begin with simple movements to free up any tension around it.. Watch how a cat stretches after inactivity … every single time!
If someone says to me that they can't find time to do yoga, I say
Begin simply. As with kindling, the fire builds from small beginnings. When you get out of bed in the morning, you yawn or instinctively stretch. Yoga can be an extension of that impulse.
What happens on the days when you just don’t feel like practising?
I’m not religious about my practice, and I don’t always do a strong practice; sometimes it’s more appropriate to roll around on the floor like my 4 year old. I’ve found that forcing it can lead to injury. Even on days when I don’t feel like practicing, I know I always feel refreshed after getting on the mat and that motivates me.
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