Live and Breathe Yoga Townsville
Amanda first stepped into a yoga class as a teenager, tagging along with her mum to an Iyengar class—and something stuck. Over the years, that spark grew into a steady flame as her practice deepened, evolving from static poses to the breath-led rhythm of Ashtanga yoga.
After more than two decades of consistent practice—including a memorable trip to Mysore—Amanda felt a gentle but persistent nudge to go deeper. With her children growing more independent and a strong sense of trust in the teachers at Live and Breathe Yoga, the time had finally come to say yes to something more immersive.
“It felt like the right time to go deeper.”
Amanda had been practising under Allison’s guidance for around ten years when the opportunity to join the yoga immersion and teacher training course presented itself. It wasn’t a single lightbulb moment that prompted her decision, but rather a confluence of things lining up: space in her life, a desire to understand the philosophy behind her practice, and the knowledge that the program would be taught with care and integrity.
“I knew that the course was going to have the quality of content and teachers to make it worthwhile,” she said. “And I was ready to immerse myself more in the philosophy of the practice.”
The Unexpected Gift of Time with Philosophy
For Amanda, one of the most transformative parts of the training wasn’t necessarily learning how to teach—it was the deep dive into yogic philosophy.
“I really loved dedicating time to sit with all of the philosophy, including the sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, and to consider what this meant for my yoga journey.”
Rather than just skimming the surface, the training invited her to reflect, question, and integrate the teachings in a meaningful way—an experience that, in her words, was deeply grounding and unexpectedly powerful.
Building Confidence to Teach
Amanda stepped into the teaching space with clarity and confidence—not by accident, but by design. The structure of the program ensured that each student had real-life opportunities to grow their skills gradually and thoughtfully.
“I felt really ready after the teacher training,” she said. “We had so many chances to practise teaching parts of a class and even full classes before graduation. Observing, assisting, and planning helped me to really understand how to structure a class, and how to support students with cues and adjustments.”
This combination of hands-on experience and strong mentorship created a smooth transition from student to teacher—without the panic or self-doubt that often comes with stepping into a new role.
Advice to Anyone Sitting on the Fence
If you’re unsure whether you’re “ready” to take the leap into yoga immersion or teacher training, Amanda’s advice is simple: have a conversation.
“First of all, chat with Allison or one of the other teachers. Just talking through your thoughts can really help. Also, remember that teaching doesn’t have to be the end goal—the course itself is so valuable for anyone wanting to dive into the practice, the philosophy, and the traditions.”
She adds that one of the strengths of the program is that it’s designed to unfold over several months, giving students time to absorb, integrate, and grow at their own pace.
A Source of Pride, Connection, and Joy
Today, Amanda teaches at Live and Breathe Yoga—a role she describes as deeply fulfilling and a source of joy.
“Teaching at Live and Breathe Yoga fills me with such pride. Every week it fills my cup!” she said. “I feel so lucky to teach such a wonderful group of committed students and be part of this supportive and amazing community.”
From student to teacher, Amanda’s journey is a beautiful example of what can happen when you follow the quiet pull of curiosity, trust in the process, and surround yourself with a community that genuinely wants you to grow.
