The seed of an idea…
The Mind Garden was born from a period of depression. A blend of Yoga, Meditation, nature and gratitude practice helped me to reconnect with my creativity, rebuild my trust of others, and regain my sense of self.
Through 1-1s, group classes, workshops and experiences, I can help guide you in building your own path.
Hibernation
My name is Hannah, and I am the founder of The Mind Garden. In order for you to understand its purpose, I would love to share a little of my own story.
Alongside my Yoga teaching, I have built a career as an Art Director. This has lead me on incredible adventures, working for a wide range of high end fashion and homeware brands, and travelling across the globe. Despite my passion and love for this position, as with any career, there are highs and lows.
After ten years of tirelessly working in creative marketing, my motivation began to run dry. This was nerve wracking - as somebody who is intensely creative, and based their worth on their productivity, the lack of ideas was incredibly frightening. As many of us do, I pushed onwards regardless, and soon, inevitably, burnt out. During this troubling period, I also became subject to an intense bout of workplace bullying. My self confidence, motivation and company position were greatly damaged. At a loss for who to trust, I began to self preserve by turning inwards - numbing, and distancing myself. This culminated in severe depression, panic attacks, and dark thoughts. Whatever was left of my creativity, my passion, and my motivation faded completely - and along with this, my sense of self.
In an attempt to self heal, what was a reasonably relaxed yoga hobby became an addiction to intense Asana practice. I spent all the time I could pushing through hot power flows that would force me out of my head. I had developed an Asana obsession; it was the only thing that allowed me to escape, both from the outside world, and from the exhausting thoughts inside of my head.
Over time, I began to question as to whether yoga could become a tool to help me understand how to face these things, rather than running from them - perhaps it could provide a way to heal more holistically.
“Along with the growth of my seedlings, slowly, but surely, my confidence began to return.”
Germination
Soon, the coronavirus pandemic hit and forced me to stop. I was put on leave from my Art Direction job for a space of 7 months. All photoshoots were cancelled and yoga studios were closed - my usual creative outlet, and my safe haven for physical practice were both inaccessible. After a period of hibernation and reflection, I understood it was important for me to develop a project.
With no prior knowledge, I turned to the weed riddled lawn that backed our house. I spent every day pulling up brambles and lifting rubble; slowly reconnecting with my self, and the space outdoors. It felt like I was carving new routes in my mind as I laid brick paths in our garden - retraining my self trust, and, slowly, re-sparking my sense of creativity and nurturing. I began to grow plants - harnessing patience and creating routine. Every morning I checked on my seedlings - watering and tending to them with great care. Their slow, quiet growth was a stark contrast to the fast paced, and endlessly hungry work environment I had been in previously. Slowly, but surely, my confidence began to return. My relationship with my wonderful husband and the bonds with my family grew stronger as they, too, became involved in the garden, helping me to build a space of safety and grounding.
My self Asana practice became more balanced and intuitive. I listened closely to my body, as I practised outdoors in the beautiful space that I was creating. Whilst this, in itself was soothing, I craved for a deeper understanding of yoga, and felt that there must be more to the practice than the purely physical.
Growth
As the Summer passed and the months grew colder, I understood that I would need a new project to undertake as the garden lay dormant. After countless years of Asana practice, and a blossoming desire for a deeper understanding of Yoga, I signed up for my first teacher training. This course changed my life - it strengthened my body, introduced me to beautiful yogic philosophy and meditation, and, importantly, established a firm gratitude practice.
Over time, I began to truly appreciate just how much there was to be thankful for in my life and my depression lifted. I started to feel grateful for the experience of the depression itself, going as far as feeling gratitude for the bullying that was the match that had lit the fire. Without this experience, I may not have deepened my Yoga practice, and may not have fallen completely in love with gardening, and the healing power of nature. Without this journey, I would not be able to support others in creating their own pathways through life’s challenges, nurturing them through their growth.
Yoga has affected me in so many ways - big, and small It has given me a deeper appreciation and acceptance of my body, my breath and my mind - Yoga gave me permission to sit with my emotions, the ‘positive’ and the ‘negative’, understanding that one cannot exist without the other, and eventually learning to let these emotions go in order to move forward. I understand that I am not my thoughts, and work to separate myself from these, which has hugely helped with stress relief and adaptation. I consciously aim to practise Ahimsa - or ‘Non Harm’, to myself and others, which has greatly improved my relationships. I am more trusting of those around me, and understand that we are all united, and that, together, we are so much stronger than when we are separate. I can confidently say that Yoga has transformed my life, and I am so excited to be part of sharing this beautiful practice with others.
Qualifications & Study
200 hr - Yoga Teacher Training, Vikasa
300 hr - Advanced Yoga Teacher Training - Vikasa, Koh Samui
The Bhagavad Gita - 5 Month Exploration - Hya Yoga Academy
Mastering Love 2.0 - Hya Yoga Academy
BA Hons - 1st - Digital Photography - Ravensbourne
I have undertaken 500 hours of study at a leading contemporary Yoga school - Vikasa. Here I studied Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Inversion training, Philosophy & Meditation amongst many other subjects. I have studied alongside teachers including Daniel Rama and Shakti Bird of Becoming Balance, Alexi of Hya Yoga, Kosta Miachin, Michael Lazano, Niki and Michael of Sandana Yoga and Sophie Chi.
Alongside my more formal qualifications, I practise Svadhyaya (self study) daily and am committed to constantly learning, unlearning and refining what I practise and teach.
I am currently studying -
Weekly Meditation Sangha - Hya Yoga Academy
