Helen Boniface
Helen first discovered Yoga in her early twenties, at a time she was experiencing severe anxiety and stress in her life. Riddled with self-doubt, she finally found the courage to attend a local yoga class and began to explore yoga as a pathway to better health – for the body and for the mind. Through her own healing, Helen became deeply inspired by both the physical benefits of a regular yoga practice as well as the spiritual and emotional discovery that pranayama, meditation and asana delivers.
Through a consistent physical practice, Helen began to recognize that her dharma (purpose) was to learn more and to share this transformational practice with others. She soon embarked on her first 200 hour teacher training in Kerala, India, an experience that changed her life forever.
Helen began her teaching journey in Australia where she enjoyed growing her experience as a teacher in North Queensland, Brisbane and finally the beautiful Sunshine Coast, which is now home.
Helen’s style of teaching has evolved over the years however her aspiration to help others to balance the body and mind through yoga, meditation and relaxation remains the same. She continues to be inspired by yoga as a lifestyle that supports and guides us through life’s challenges by bringing us back to what we already know – that which is our centre or atman (soul).
Helen has been a part of the Zenko Team since 2014. You will see her teaching power flow and gentle classes as well as facilitating our teacher training courses and workshops. She also enjoys running retreats in Australia and Worldwide.
Helen also brings with her a wealth of experience from her work in health and wellness retreats including reiki, mindfulness and life coaching.
Getting to know the Zenko Team
Do you have a mantra/quote that you often turn to?
'Be the change you wish to see in the World" Gandhi, and tries to follow her own life path with this intention.
How do you fill up your love tank?
Helen gets herself to Zenko for a class herself! Or does some home practice including Pranyama (breath work) meditation and visualisations which she finds always helps to bring her back to balance. There's also nothing like a nice hot bath with a few candles around you or walks in nature - and turning the phone off!
What advice would you give someone wondering whether to try yoga for the first time?
As Nike says - JUST DO IT! Helen waited a good few years after first being recommended to try Yoga to get to class, simply believing she 'wasn't good enough for yoga'. What nonsense! Yoga really is for everybody and Helen has firsthand seen and experienced the benefits of the practice. Whether its a power flow or gentle class, a meditation workshop or day retreat - there is definitely a style of yoga to suit everyone. So try it today!
