Yoga helped Molly Gould navigate her anxieties and find more balance in life. Now she’s looking to train as a yoga teacher and spread the joy to others
- NAME: Molly Gould
- AGE: 25
- OCCUPATION: Writer
- YOGA YEARS: 5
Why did you start yoga
I started yoga at a time when I was feeling out of sorts and looking for something that would calm my mind. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to attend a class but from the moment I sat on a borrowed mat, I was hooked. At points in my life where I have felt anxious or overwhelmed, yoga has been my go-to; my mat is one of the few places I can zone out and focus solely on myself. Plus, there is nothing quite like that post-yoga feeling.
How has yoga changed your life?
I have been practicing yoga for five years now, but it wasn’t until around two years ago that it really changed my life. A regular yogi, with a group of like-minded friends and a job I loved, everything seemed fine — but anxiety crept up on me when I was least expecting it. It got to the point very quickly where I struggled to leave the house, cancelling plans and barely getting through the day; everything seemed like a chore and even my practice fell by the wayside for a short while. However, I took my mind back to how good yoga used to make me feel, and one day I managed to roll out my mat at home. Wrapped in a dressing gown and the least elegant flow that you could imagine, but at least I was moving!
This isn’t a sad story at all because I am so grateful that I was able to dig deep and find joy in yoga when I struggled to find joy anywhere. Yoga scooped me up and took care of me when I needed it.
Favourite yoga haunts
I’m a big fan of HotPod yoga and The Studio in Cheshire is gorgeous too. I also went to the Soul Circus summer garden and there is something special about yoga inside a tipi!
Best yoga moment
It was actually during the summer this year; it was just as the first lockdown restrictions were easing off and outdoor yoga was allowed again. I sat on my mat in a local park and it really hit me how much my practice means to me and how much I had missed the connection with others. It was an emotional but pivotal moment that made me make a few life changes and big decisions.
Anything else
Yoga is magic and I can’t wait to share my passion with others. I mentioned some big decisions, one of which is to train as a yoga teacher, so I’m heading to Spain this year which seems so surreal, but so exciting too. Also, if you’re sat feeling anxious, or the world seems to be flying off its axis, take some time for you whether that is through asana practice, pranayama or just writing down everything that’s running through your mind. It helps, trust me!
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
