Soul People – Becca

Hi Becca. How are you?

I’m great thanks, enjoying the stillness and feeling grateful for the freedom I have for now.

Tell me a bit about your style of yoga and therapy

My yoga and Shiatsu draws from Five Element theory, which provides the foundation for a holistic approach to healthcare and supports the balance of our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

I’ve trained in several quite different styles of yoga. I like to challenge my students with stronger practices, but also engage the more subtle realms of our being through awareness of the energy body. I do this through my bodywork sessions and classes using acupressure points, breathwork and meditations, alongside more familiar traditional asana practices.

How do you connect with the present moment?

Meditation, yoga, surf and walking in nature. Oh and dancing as much as possible, usually round the kitchen table.

What made you choose Portugal?

I’ve been coming here for a music festival since I was 18 and grew to love the country. I wangled myself a job with Soul & Surf in India, and with incredible luck made it onto the team in Portugal, which was where I wanted to settle! Portugal has a laid back vibe that I had been craving when I lived in London. I might go to other places – but Portugal definitely feels like home for now.

Most adventurous trip ever?

Hmm…there are loads. Before I became a therapist I worked as a campaigner for tribal peoples’ rights for seven years. I spent three months per year in very remote tribal communities in Peru, Colombia and Southern Africa. I don’t actually know where to start with some of the mad stories – I don’t think you’d even believe me!

But perhaps the best trip with the biggest adventure was in Colombia where I worked with the Arhuaco tribe, who live in the highest coastal mountain in the world next to the Caribbean sea. One day, after visiting a community, I was in a car with the tribe’s leader when we were attacked by several gunmen. The leader of the tribe was shot three times – luckily he was fine – and we managed to escape.

In hindsight it sounds pretty awful, but the aftermath was spent drinking rum and doing healing sessions with the tribe, who are the kindest and most beautiful people I’ve ever come to know. My boss told me I should probably come home after that, but I ended up staying for another six weeks!

What role does the ocean play in your work and life?

Water is life. I used to live on a boat in London, and it was the only thing that kept me sane in the madness of the city (it also drove me a little mad). I love the rhythm of water and the calming effect it has on my nervous system.

I also appreciate more and more the contradictory nature of this element. It can drive fear through your bones when you see a massive wave over head and I’ve left the surf crying salty sea tears plenty of times. But it always sorts me out one way or another.