Interview: Charlotte Dodson, Yoga Practitioner - June 2008

A highly acknowledged and experienced international yoga teacher talks to us about her latest career path and how yoga relates to us all.

WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is life. It relates to everyone regardless of his or her body shape, experience, age or background. It brings joy, love and teaches you to be your true Self. The beauty of a yoga practice teaches you the gift of living in the present moment. There are many paths of yoga, the most popular being Hatha Yoga, a physical practice that works to build flexibility and strength in both body and mind.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOGA?
It was a blessing in disguise. I broke my arm surfing around 10 years ago and that’s when it all changed. A career change from advertising into the healing practice of yoga and I’ve never looked back since. After breaking my arm and having 9 pins and a plate inserted later, yoga found me, it became my life.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOGA?
I love the feeling of the physical movements and postures, freeing my body, building strength and flexibility, learning to surrender and always open to what comes next. The most powerful part of my practice is gaining absolute clarity, positivity and trust within myself.

ARE YOU QUALIFIED?
Yes, I’ve completed an “Advanced Diploma in Yoga Teaching” which took around 3 years to complete part time. A government accredited course that was detailed, comprehensive and allowed me to absorb what yoga has to offer. I have also studied in India and New York. I’m learning every day!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING AND TEACHING?
I’ve been practicing for over 9 years and teaching for over 6 years. I personally practice Hatha, Ashtanga and Kundalini Yoga. Teaching yoga is my passion, it’s such a beautiful gift that I fortunately can share with others, allowing each individual to learn and progress through their own practice. It’s so wonderful to teach and give unconditionally. Priding myself with my adjusting skills, it really encourages each student to fully make the most of every posture and breath that they are in.

I bring in all my experiences and learnings having practiced and studied in four continents with many wise, beautiful and inspirational teachers.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT TEACHER?
My experiences and knowledge allows me to explore, be spontaneous and creative in every class. I work to free, strengthen, and open the body, mind and soul. Intuitively, I work with individual’s energy enhancing positivity and belief within themselves.

“As we surrender and let go, our world simply opens up” Dodson 2001

I never see my teaching as work, it’s a passion that will stay with me forever, it’s my vocation. I’m a yoga teacher for life.

HOW DID YOU WORK YOUR WAY TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
It took many classes of experience, learning and absorbing, without cutting corners. I did the hard yards and it’s been an important and crucial foundation to where I am now. I started with many group classes in gyms and specific yoga schools all around Sydney and as they built I could start to choose those more suitable. I found I was far more suited to yoga schools, rather than fitness centres. I’m holistic in my teaching; every class is whole within itself.

My gained knowledge gave me good stead for the next steps ahead. It is an ongoing journey.

The practice of Ashtanga yoga and study with my teacher, gave me the ability to adjust competently and tailor regimes specifically to individuals, which is perfect during a one on one situation. Yoga was originally taught one on one to gain maximum benefits. I knew this was my direction.

As time progressed I’ve gained private client after client, most being in the public eye and influential business people. I teach a few group classes at a boutique studio where I manage the yoga business. However, my private clientele is growing at a rapid rate; I go to their homes, I travel overseas and organise retreats with them. I guess you could say I’m flexible!

HAVE YOU BEEN TO INDIA, THE HOME OF YOGA?
Yes, many times. It’s an amazing place, allowing you to recharge your batteries in a spiritual way. After all, the practice of yoga is a way of life; it’s a spiritual practice. Yoga teaches you to become still and be true to yourself. India can be a challenge and confronting, it teaches us to be present and patient. It’s a holy place.

WHAT IS MEDITATION, DO YOU MEDITATE?
Meditation allows you to take moments out for yourself, using certain techniques, enabling you to simply sit in silence. All paths of meditation provide you with clarity, awareness and focus as your mind quietens and you find your inner Self.

This is the main aim of a yoga practice, to sit comfortably and become quiet, realising the power of silence and your inner world. As your practice of meditation feeds into all worlds, every moment of living proves to be calm, kind, filled with gratitude and fully sincere. It offers you so much.

Yes, I practice a few Kundalini meditations daily; they keep me present in the moment, accept all that is and reminds me to trust my path.

TEACHING DAY IN AND DAY OUT, DO YOU EVER GET TIRED OF IT?
Never! It’s my passion; you can hear it in my voice. I also theme my classes and bring in new ideas, each class is unpredictable, light hearted, playful and allows me and my students to always stay inspired.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?
I have many private clients both in Australia and USA; they range from those in the public eye, supermodels, sport performers, politicians and film to influential business people.

WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU GOT COMING UP?
My long-term client, Miranda Kerr, is currently writing her health book whereby I will be contributing to the yoga chapter. This is due to be published at the end of the year.

I’m part of the team at Fox Studios (Holistic Fitness) teaching films stars and crew as they arise.

I have a 5 x DVD collection concept that is yet to be launched, on a national and international scale. It’s all about yoga fitting into your day.

Also on a global scale, Health Trends, listed on SGX, are a vertically integrated organization focusing on medical centres, wellness and aesthetics. I will be covering the Corporate Service Sector across ASEAN and ideally helping with their new “Hardie Foundation” for those less privileged.

WHAT MEDIA ATTENTION HAVE YOU RECEIVED?
I have written many articles for health and lifestyle magazines advising the best ways to rejuvenate and energise. One of my many high profile clients, Miranda Kerr, has quoted me as her favourite yoga teacher. I’m open to providing my advice and input to all relevant publications.

WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL GOAL?
My aim is to spread my experienced words of wisdom and positivity to reach the masses. I know I touch those I teach; my goal is to share and expand my gift on a much larger scale. To appear in the media whether it is an expert on radio, TV, in a film or on film sets. To teach the world that we can achieve the best we can be, fulfilling our potential. To always be grateful, present and make the most of every moment.

“Be happy for yourself and all those around you” Dodson 2001

WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR OWN FAVOURITE SAYINGS?
“Be true to yourself and become that which you are” Dodson 2001

With the practice of yoga the essence of ourself remains the same, as layers dissolve, it allows us to be what is left - Pure joy.

DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES/ SPORTS/ARTS?
Yes I explore and try all that life has to offer! I love creative painting and exhibiting as well as producing custom made art. I enjoy walking, music, nutrition and cooking.

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