Maya L from Byron Bay

My best friend dragged me to a class because she thought I "needed to chill."

My mornings start with a short flow—about 20 minutes of Sun Salutations and stretching. It’s my way of waking up my body before coffee. At least twice a week, I go to a Yin class in the evening, which feels like hitting a reset button for my mind. On weekends, I love taking my mat to the beach for some freestyle flows. Yoga is less about sticking to a rigid routine and more about showing up, even if it’s just for five minutes.

Yoga saved me during the pandemic. I was living alone, far from my family, and drowning in anxiety about the future. Rolling out my mat in my tiny living room became the one thing I could control. It wasn’t just the poses; it was learning to breathe through discomfort and trust that I’d make it to the other side. That lesson has stuck with me.

I’ve started hosting small, donation-based yoga sessions at a local park. It’s nothing fancy—just a few people coming together to move and breathe. I’ve realised it’s not about being perfect or teaching complex poses; it’s about creating a space where people feel safe and supported. Seeing others discover what yoga can do for them is the best feeling ever.