A YOGA instructor from Leamington who gave up medical research for holistic cures is helping others ‘find their inner peace’.
Mum-of-two Sandra Lavens’ passion for yoga was sparked in the 1970s and her dedication to it saw her give up a job in medical market research company to pursue a more natural approach to health.
And since then she has not looked back.
She told the Observer: “At the end of my first class I experienced such a deep sense of peace I needed to discover more.
“I was fortunate to find an excellent teacher trainer for yoga and attended her class for several years. I was also working part time for a medical market research company and becoming disillusioned with some of the allopathic options for health problems.
“My interest had also grown for more holistic approaches to health. Yoga and all that it provided was working.
“I gave up well paid work with the medical research company and after being asked to assist with a remedial yoga group things moved on.”
Over the past 40 years she has held her own yoga class – which is always full – and has supported people through illnesses such as cancer, MS and ME along with pregnancy and mental health concerns.
One cancer patient told her: “It has helped me to deal with a terminal diagnosis with calm acceptance ”
Now Sandra – a grandmother-of-four – spends her time at a local care home helping people of all ages through yoga.
She said: “I have been sharing my experience of yoga with a residential care home for several years now.
“Our remedial sessions have included traditional temple dance and even Bollywood style exercise. Chanting and singing have helped to improve respiration, develop concentration and we often include ‘laughter yoga’ which is excellent for improving many aspects of health.
“Concentration , contemplation and relaxation benefit us all.”
