SIRI ARTI
SIRI ARTI
TEACHER, TRAINER, MOTHER, AUTHOR, STUDENT, ADVENTURER.
As a grounded and curious student of life, I observe silently and act boldly. I believe this is why I witness so much mystery and magic in daily life. My curiosity about life and children has taken me on a path of continual teaching, studying and observing, and brought me to this stable platform from where I now work.
TRUST THE YOGA
My yoga journey started at 20 after experiencing extreme physical damage in a near fatal car accident. The journey back to myself took place in a dusty room, with fierce-loving elders wearing leotards and footless tights, carrying sticks that were used to correct and align posture. I had entered the world of Iyengar Yoga and become mesmerized by these warrior women who embodied such strict grace and seemed able to do the impossible with their slight, yet strong bodies. I worked hard to heal the damage in my body, and will always remember their utter faith and conviction in yoga. To this day, I tell my students to ‘trust the yoga’, and all will be as it should be.
That was the beginning; and my love affair with yoga is still going strong. We’ve had our ups and downs, as in all relationships, yet I trust yoga and admire the path we walk together. I have studied and explored many styles, practiced at many levels, kissed the feet of various gurus and feel blessed to have dived so deeply into the mysterious and the practical sides of yoga.
CHANGE THE EDUCATION
My education journey began with babysitting and working in Nursery Schools as a teenager. I was amazed that I could get paid to have so much fun. I loved spending time with children, watching them be in the world and offering gentle guidance when needed. Feeling disconnected from mainstream education, I later discovered the Montessori method, special needs education and even took a closer look at Rudolf Steiner before understanding for myself that at it’s core, education is about meeting myself and then the child.
This is my life’s work and so the journey continues. With each opportunity I find to sit with young people, I learn more about them, the wider world, and myself… it never fails to fascinate.
It seemed a natural move to merge my love of children, my interest in progressive education, my relationship with yoga and my passion for change to create Starchild Yoga™ – an education for peace. It is from this place that I have the privilege to continue the journey. With Starchild Yoga, I am delighted to have gathered many great people along for the ride.
MY CURRENT FOCUS
I started my career working with young children, and have certified many teachers to do the same. More recently, I have noticed a desperate need for kind and connected work to be shared widely amongst adolescents. These bright young ones are demanding acknowledgment, balance and connection and I hear them loud and clear. My focus now lies in meeting the needs of the adolescent, and creating teachers to do the same. In order to fulfil this calling, I am designing a new training, which will offer a broader spectrum of wellness for young people. Young & Wise is in the research and development stage, and will be launched in the summer of 2020.
To support this work, I have enrolled on the 500-hour professional certificate in yoga therapy with a focus on mental health with the Minded Institute, London. I look forward to my mind expanding and know that at best, I am here for those who need me most. I am committed to this path to serve.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
Montessori Diploma – London Montessori Centre – South Africa
Kundalini Yoga for Children – Bridget Schroede – Germany
Sun Yoga Kids – Jaqueline Koay – UK
Yoga for the Special Child™ – Basic – Sonia Sumar – UK
Yoga for the Special Child™ – Advanced – Sonia Sumar – UK
Kundalini Yoga – 200hr – level 1 – I-SKY
Kundalini Yoga – 300hr – level 2 – I-SKY & Karam Kriya
Conscious Communication – Mind and Meditation – Lifecycles and Lifestyles – Stress and vitality – Authentic relationships
Aquarian Training Academy internship with KRI – reached Associate level trainer
The Mother’s Journey – 50 hr – Kundalini Yoga for pregnancy – UK
Elemental Yoga Therapy – EYT – 200hr – Swara Yoga – Bali
Teen Yoga course with Charlotta Martinus Yoga Alliance – 5 Days – UK
Author of SHINE with Starchild Yoga – A yoga book for children and adults
Special Yoga for Vulnerable Young People – 10 hours – London
Yoga Therapy for Mental Health – the Minded institute – 580 hours
The Cacao Mama Ceremony training – online
The Wisdom of Trauma: Reclaiming wholeness Gabor Maté & SAND – 12 hours
Sacred Wounds: Trauma Healing on the Spiritual Path. Peter Levine & SAND – 12 hours
Discovering The Wisdom of Trauma Gabor Maté and Betsy Polatin – 14 hours
