That’s how long it took for me to understand the power of Bikram Yoga — and, truthfully, becoming a yoga teacher wasn’t even on my radar back then. It all started with a leap of faith: my partner, Jeanne, followed her dream and bought a studio. The next thing I knew, I was on a plane to teacher training, with no idea that this decision would completely change the way I think about health, movement, and well-being.

Today, I find myself blending everything I’ve ever learned — from my degree in Engineering to a career in consultancy, to writing a novel — into one unique passion: helping others transform their bodies and minds. I run a learn-to-swim school with a twist, using techniques inspired by my decade of teaching yoga. And whenever I can, I return to my roots at Bikram Yoga Sunshine Coast to teach classes and share what I’ve learned with others.

But the real magic happened at home, with my three sport-mad sons. Watching them go through the aches, pains, and injuries of growing bodies made me realize just how powerful yoga can be beyond the mat. Between basketball and soccer, there were sore knees, tight muscles, and niggles that could have turned into long-term issues — if not for a few simple yoga postures. It’s amazing what a little breathwork and mindful movement can do to prevent pain and support recovery.

What’s even more exciting is seeing how quickly this knowledge spreads. My sons now help their friends and teammates. My eldest son’s basketball coach, who had resigned himself to sore knees for life, is shocked at how much better he feels — and it’s all from a handful of stretches and breathing techniques.

This is what keeps me teaching, year after year: the spark of empowerment when a student realizes that they hold the key to their own health and healing. Yoga taught me that. And I’ll never stop sharing it.