Simply Soulful
A little about Donna...
BA (Hons), Advanced Yoga Teacher (500hr YTT), Holistic Therapist (MFHT)Hello, my name is Donna, and welcome to my website, which I hope helps you learn a little bit about me and what makes me tick.
My interest in yoga, meditation and holistic therapies dates back to pre-2004; the 30th year of my life became one of great significance when, not only did I embark on a journey of self-discovery but I also decided to change career, life style and relocate to Devon as a result of this journey.
My interest in well-being started with Reiki, when I discovered that we have the ability to self-heal. This led me to another and then another therapy training course, which eventually led me to yoga teacher training; the rest is history as they say!
I love all things yoga and had often dreamed about training as a yoga teacher, however thought I was “too old, too inflexible, too over-weight” to be a yoga teacher. However, when I mentioned this to a friend, she simply said “You’re never too old to learn new things, and besides these are the reasons why you will be a fantastic yoga teacher” and of course, she was right!
Having worked in this field for over 20 years, and after extensive training with the Association of Reflexologists (AOR), International Institute of Health & Holistic Therapies (IIHHT), The School of Natural Health Sciences (SNHS), Friends of Yoga Society International (FRYOG), and the Water Skills Academy (WSA) I am a qualified Advanced Yoga Teacher (500hr YTT), Holistic & Complementary Therapist, Usui Reiki Master, Forest Bathing Guide (Shinrin Yoku), Nutritional Coach and a WSA Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Board Instructor.
I offer regular yoga and meditation classes, events and retreats, along with holistic treatments in Salcombe and Kingsbridge, Devon, through my practice Simply Soulful Yoga & Therapies where I help individuals to feel empowered and to 'Smile on the Inside'.
I am passionate about my work, the benefits of the yoga sessions and holistic therapies I offer, the products I use and above all else the people that I work with. Every client becomes a friend and my time spent with each is enhanced by the enjoyment and development gained from every session or treatment.
I live between Aveton Gifford and Churchstow (just outside Kingsbridge and Salcombe), South Devon with my husband Marcus and our gorgeous labrador Deezil, where we enjoy a fun, yet peaceful life together. As well as yoga, meditation, and SUP, I love wholesome food, kombucha, green juices, grass roots travel and dogs! My favourite book is The Art of Hearing Heartbeats (Jan-Philipp Sendker) and favourite movie is 50 First Dates.
With a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart I endeavour to combine my passion for yoga with the great outdoors where ever I can. On the beach; in the woods; on the water; on the cliff tops of the South Devon Coastal path. With the grass beneath my feet; sand between my toes; under a moonlit and starry sky! I consider myself very lucky to live in South Devon and to have so many beautiful natural resources around me. I love to enjoy these truly inspirational views, especially upside down!
I regularly undertake post-grad training in both my yoga and therapies, and continue to play, learn and embrace all that life offers me. Along with other elements of my daily life, personal yoga and meditation practise, running a full-time yoga business and regular connection with family and friends, my life continues to be fun-filled and rewarding. I invite integrity, mindfulness, compassion, relaxation and good health into my life in all that I do.
I look forward to sharing fun times with you soon!
Om Shanti
Qualifications
Training & Qualifications:
- Yoga Teacher 500 hr (Advanced level)
- SUP Yoga Teacher
- Yin Yoga Teacher
- Kids Yoga Teacher
- Laughter Yoga Leader
- Animal Yoga Teacher
- Well Woman Yoga Therapy
- Including Menopause, Fertility, Menstrual Health
- WSA Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Board Instructor
- Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) Leader
- Meditation Teacher
- Diploma in Reflexology
- Including Baby, Palliative, Fertility, Finger-Free
- Reiki Master/Teacher (Usui)
- Diploma in Aromatherapy Massage
- Certificate in Swedish Massage
- Diploma in Indian Head Massage
- Abdominal-Sacral Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- On-Site Massage
- Hopi Ear Candle
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- Life Coaching
- Nutritional Adviser (General & Sports)
- British Sign Language – Stage One
- First Aid – Appointed Person
- BA (HONS) Leisure Marketing
Continued Professional Development:
- Returning to work – Health, safety and Hygiene COVID-19
- Supporting Pregnant and Postnatal Yoga Students
- Art of Adjusting in Yoga
- Hypermobility in Yoga
- Iyengar Yoga Intensive CPD
- Crystal Healing
- Foot Reading
- Hands-Free Massage
- Stress Management
- Zephorium Therapist
- Doterra Aromatouch Technique
Training certificates, insurance and client references are available upon request.
I am also a member of The Federation of Holistic Therapists (MFHT).