Interview with Nicola Paxton

Nicola Paxton

Core Subject: Yoga & Massage Therapy
Experience: 5+ Years
Language: English
Location: Spain
Certifications and Study:

Nicola, “Akhilanda” is a travelling yoga teacher, massage therapist and founder of Akhila Yoga & Ayurveda. She started out on a path of self discovery 4 years ago, leaving behind all she knew in Europe and began travelling around India on a solo journey. This process radically changed her path and Nic has now been moving from city, to town, to country to continent holding yoga classes, workshops, retreat spaces and therapist positions.

The fuel behind her work is the belief that we are all capable of accessing peace within and Nics passion and skill is to hold a safe space for others to find that space within themselves. Drawing on ancient yogic wisdom, Ayurvedic concepts, flowing asana classes, pranayama, meditation, mantra, communication, massage therapy and stillness, whenever and wherever you find one of Nics classes or book one of her treatments you can expect a deep, soul replenishing experience.

Her hope is that you are reminded of your own divine wisdom, her aim is to give you tools to anchor, apply and embody this knowledge of inner peace and healing throughout your life. For the benefit of yourself and all other beings.

How Long Have You Been Practicing Yoga And Why Did You Start?

I went to my first yoga class over 10 years ago.Yoga has been in my life for a long time but only consciously in the last 5 years. I started attending local classes for fitness reasons and slowly began to feel its deeper importance.My true understanding of what Yoga is, happened only after my first visit to India 4 years ago.

What Does Yoga Mean To You?

Yoga is a coming home to yourself. A preparation and practise of the body, mind and spirit to understand and realise what this human experience is about.

What Has Helped You To Improve Your Classes/Retreats Since You Began Instructing?

Taking other teachers classes and staying curious! Always learning from those around me, picking up on things I like/don’t like in workplaces I find myself in. Slowly clarifying my vision as I grow.

How Did You Feel After Your First Yoga Class And How Do You Want Students To Feel After Practicing With You?

I felt alive and for the first time, seen. I straight away felt the connection with my students who at the time were complete strangers. As much as I knew I was beginning this journey and I had a lot to learn, I also felt a peace in knowing I fully believed in this work and service to others. I had never felt that before at 30 years old.

What Skills And Qualities Make A Good Yoga Teacher?

Openness, vulnerability, authenticity and a pure intention and belief in the practise. To assume the role of teacher means to be of service to others and crucially, to remember you are forever a student of this work. Stay curious, never stop learning and remember why you are doing this.

What, In Your Opinion, Is The Most Troubling Issue Facing The Global Yoga Community Today?

The price of courses, classes and retreats are making yogic knowledge far too exclusive for people who cannot afford it. Lack of consistency in accreditation is also an issue.. one 200hr course drastically differs to another, it’s worrying because this knowledge, when taught wrongly or poorly can be dangerous.